Wallenstein Palace

Wallenstein Palace

Prague, Czech Republic

Hercules Slaying the Dragon 

 Last weekend, Amy took us on an updated version of Amy's Walking Tour of Prague, which combined Amy's Walking Tour of Prague and Amy's Scary Walking Tour of Prague with a visit to the Wallenstein Palace.  Though it was hot, we gleefully frolicked in the gardens which we happily discovered have no entrance fee.

The Wallenstein Palace was built from 1623-1630 by Albrecht von Wallenstein.  Wallenstein seems to have been a rather proud fellow.  He wanted a palace as grand as Prague Castle.  The palace and gardens are very obviously done in the Italian style.  As with many places in Prague, the palace has a sordid history.  

Albrech von Wallenstein only got to frolic around his palace for one year after its completion.  Wallenstein was an important military figure during the 30 Years War, fighting on the side of the Habsburgs.  Wallenstein apparently made secret negotiations with Habsburg rivals, for which Ferdinand II had him assassinated.  Also (according to Wikipedia), in the gardens, there is a lane of statues depicting classical themes, all of which are copies.  The originals only held their places for 18 years before being stolen by a Swedish army.  These originals still remain at Drottningholm Palace in Sweden.  

I've heard tell that there are albino peafowl in the gardens, but we saw only this one.

Tiny door!

The Wallenstein Palace is currently home to the Czech Senate.  The palace remained in the Wallenstein family until 1945, when it became property of the state.

These merfolk leave a lot of tail to be desired--though I appreciate the mussel shell wings.

I like pretty gates.

Did I mention we had fun?  Some of us did, at least.

This was definitely a stop worthy of visiting if you are in Prague!  It is in Mala Strana, near so many other great sites.  Take an hour sometime to visit!  Or go just to hang out.  We saw so many people just enjoying a warm, sunny day in a beautiful park.