Clam-Gallas Palace

The Clam-Gallas Palace is a Baroque building in Prague’s Old Town, standing on the corner of Husova Street and Mariánské Square. Designed by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and built by Domenico Canevale between 1714 and 1718, it replaced an earlier Gothic house. Count Johann Wenzel von Gallas commissioned the palace as a noble residence. After the Gallas family died out in 1757, the estate passed to Christian Philipp von Clam, creating the Clam-Gallas line. The palace hosted balls and concerts in the 18th century, attended by figures such as Mozart and Beethoven. Today it belongs to the City of Prague and houses the Prague City Archives. Since 2010, the Opera Barocca festival has taken place twice yearly, featuring Baroque music, dance, theatre and carnival performances. The festival draws musicians and audiences interested in historically informed practice. Visitors find a grand Baroque façade with ornate stonework and a curved corner. Inside, the main hall retains its original stucco and frescoes. The archive occupies parts of the building, while festival events use the larger rooms. The square outside is small but lively, with cafés and historic buildings nearby. The palace’s music history and architectural detail make it a quiet but rewarding stop in the Old Town.