Černín Palace

The Czernin Palace is the largest Baroque palace in Prague. It stands in the city’s historic centre on a site once owned by the Lobkowicz family. Humprecht Jan Czernin, a diplomat and Habsburg ambassador, bought the plot in 1666. He then commissioned Francesco Caratti, a Swiss-Italian architect, to design the palace in the late 17th century. Construction began in 1669 and continued for decades, with several master craftsmen contributing to its elaborate interiors. The palace is worth visiting for its grand scale and artistic detail. Italian stucco artists created intricate decorations throughout the building. The project involved leading plasterers such as Francesco Peri and Antonio Travelli. The palace’s size and craftsmanship reflect the ambition of its original owner. It later became the seat of Czechoslovakia’s foreign ministry in the 1930s. Visitors find a stately Baroque exterior with richly decorated rooms inside. The interiors feature elaborate stucco work by Italian artists. The palace has served as government offices for nearly a century. Its grand halls and historical significance make it an important landmark in Prague. The surrounding area includes quiet streets and views over the city’s older quarters.