- Address: Valdštejnské nám. 17/4, 118 01 Malá Strana, Czech Republic
- Phone: +420 257 071 111
- Website: senat.cz
The Valdstein family in the Czech Republic immortalized Beethoven, having dedicated a whole play to him, The Sonata of Valdsteins. Just like the Romanovs in Russia or the Stuarts in England, it is an ancient Bohemian clan, whose representatives took part in the development of the army, culture and religion of the country. As it should be, the Valdsteins owned a patrimonial nest, residences and castles . One of them is located in Prague .
Description of the castle
The Valdstejn Palace is located almost in the historical center of the modern Czech capital and is almost the largest in Prague. Since 1992, the premises of the famous building have become a meeting place, and since 1996 - the full-fledged workplace of the Upper House of Parliament of the Czech Republic - the Senate.
The residence of the ancient family was built for the outstanding commander of the Thirty Years' War and the outstanding historical personality of Albrecht Wallenstein. Long works have stretched for as long as 7 years, from 1623 to 1630 years. For the erection of the castle, Valdstein required the demolition of 26 detached houses and six gardens that were divided around them.
The palace of Valdstein after the death of the owner for some time belonged to the treasury. Somewhat later he was re-registered as Albrecht's nephew and was in possession of the family before the Second World War. Currently, the entire palace complex belongs to the state.
What is interesting about Waldstein Castle in Prague?
The castle of Waldstein in Prague is built in the form of a park residence. The architectural style of the palace can be defined as Mannerism or late Renaissance. The project and the erection of the building were supervised by two specialists:
- Giovanni Pieroni, who was a disciple of Galileo;
- Andrea Spetz, a professional architect, who was especially distinguished by Wallenstein himself.
The main pride of the palace is Knight's two-story hall, where you can admire the image of Albrecht Wallenstein in the form of Mars, the god of war. Other frescoes of the castle resemble those of the Aeneid.
During the restoration of 1954, a significant part of the frescoes was restored. Also rebuilt gardens and a pond in which there is a bronze statue-the fountain of Neptune. Restorative work was led by Dutch master Andria de Vries. All other groups of sculptures and monuments are copies of those that were taken out by the Swedes after the war and transferred to the Drottningholm Museum .
The park represents several different geometric zones on which live peacocks, a clan of eagles, a pavilion of exotic birds, a greenhouse and a swimming pool. Also equipped with a pond with carp and a stalactite wall with artificial grottoes. Along the avenues there are bronze statues of mythological themes.
How to get to the castle Valdstein?
To reach the Valdstejn Palace is not difficult: it is located near the metro station Malostranská. You need to go along the green line A. Nearby is the same stop of trams, where you can get off if you go by routes Nos. 2, 7, 11, 12, 14, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 41 or 97. On the contrary The tram is equipped with a stop of city buses. If you decide to use this type of transport , then you need to take the route number 194.
If it is more convenient for you to take tram Nos. 1, 6, 12, 15, 20, 22, 23, 25, 41 and 97, then you can get off at the Malostranské náměstí stop. But in any case, from every stop to the castle Valdstein you will have to walk for about 10-15 minutes on foot. As close as possible to the front entrance, you can drive only by taxi.
Mode of operation of the Waldstein Palace in Prague : from 10:00 to 18:00 only on Saturday and Sunday. The rest of the days the castle is closed for visits. In the winter, the number of working days is decreasing. Public holidays may be an exception, in which case the schedule should be specified. Free admission.