Hradcany Square

"The area around Hradčany Square has a rich history shaped by a series of events, including a devastating fire in 1541 that destroyed many small houses. In the wake of this disaster, wealthy aristocrats seized the opportunity to buy land and construct impressive palaces, eager to establish residences close to Prague Castle. One notable structure is the Tuscany Palace, commissioned by Count Michal Oswald Thum in 1690. It was sold in 1718 to Anna Maria Francesca Medici, the last duchess of Tuscany, from whom it derives its name. The palace features Baroque sculptures created by Jan Brockhoff, as well as a striking sculpture of St. Michael by Ottavio Mosto. Adjacent to Tuscany Palace is the Martinic Palace, recognized for its beautiful Renaissance architecture and original sgraffito decorations depicting scenes from the Old Testament. In the early 19th century, it was one of the largest residences in Hradčany, complete with stables, courtyards, and fountains. After being converted into apartments at the end of the 18th century, it underwent extensive restoration in the 1970s and is now used for various events, including concerts and weddings. To the left of Tuscany Palace, visitors can find the Church of St. Benedict, built in the 17th century, along with the Barefoot Carmelite Monastery. The preserved masonry of the Hradčany walls from the 14th century is also a highlight of the area. The Schwarzenberg Palace, located near the church, is another architectural gem, featuring sgraffito work throughout its exterior. Built in the late 16th century by Italian craftsmen for Jan Popel from Lobkowicz, it has belonged to the Schwarzenberg family since 1719. Despite periods of vacancy due to the relocation of the royal court to Vienna, the family offered the palace for free to the Technical Museum in 1908. It sustained damage during the Prague Uprising of 1945 but has since been reconstructed and is now part of the National Gallery. Nearby, the Salmov Palace, built in the early 19th century in a Classical style, serves as an exhibition venue for the National Gallery. A monument to Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, the first president of Czechoslovakia, is located at the corner of this palace. Finally, to the left of Prague Castle stands the Archbishop's Palace, which features a richly decorated Rococo facade designed by Jan Josef Virch. The sculptures on the palace were crafted by Joseph Platzer, a prominent Baroque sculptor. This palace has been the seat of the Archbishop of Prague since the 16th century, continuing to play an important role in the city's religious and cultural history."

"The square is made up of a number of historic houses and palaces. It adjoins the 1st castle courtyard and the western entrance gate of Prague Castle. On the south there is a viewing terrace or Castle ramp with a wonderful view of Prague."