Prague at the heart of royalty and aristocracy | Lifestyle.INQ

OCTOBER 27, 2022

ria prieto
Photos by Ria Prieto

Next on the Prague excursion is a close-up look at the country’s renowned castles and palaces

 


 

Royalty and aristocracy are effectively artifacts of the past. Yet, for all the horrendous decisions they’ve made throughout the centuries of their reign, it can’t be denied that they’ve left us with wonderful castles and palaces we continue to marvel at to this day. 

Next on the Prague excursion is a close-up look at the country’s royalty and aristocracy. Here’s everything I did during my second day at the “city of a hundred spires.”

READ: Prague in a day

Prague Castle

The St. Vitus Cathedral in the Prague Castle complex
The St. Vitus Cathedral in the Prague Castle complex

Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world—its array of palaces, churches, and gardens covers around 110 acres (45 hectares) of land. It was historically the home of Bohemian kings but it is currently the official residence of the president of the Czech Republic.

Several key landmarks are located inside the extensive castle complex—an adventure in and out of itself that can take a day’s worth of your time: St. Vitus Cathedral, a gothic masterpiece; Golden Lane street, a time-machine to the way of life during the 16th century; Old Royal Palace, where coronations and banquets were once held; and Saint George’s Basilica, the city’s second oldest church.

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The Lobkowicz Palace Museum

Outside The Lobkowicz Palace Museum
Outside The Lobkowicz Palace Museum

This 16th-century palace is the only privately owned property in the Prague Castle premises. The Lobkowicz Palace Museum was built in the mid-16th century and since then, has been passed down to each ruling prince within the Lobkowicz family.

Inside, visit the museum and peruse through a collection owned by the Lobkowicz family—medieval and Renaissance works of art and many more. Classical music concerts are also held every day from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Baroque concert hall. 

Inside the Baroque Concert Hall which contains a 17th-century frescoed ceiling
Inside the Baroque Concert Hall which contains a 17th-century frescoed ceiling

The Lobkowicz Palace Museum is regarded as a historical and cultural artifact that has witnessed some of the most important events in Bohemian and European history. It was confiscated by the Nazis in 1939 during the Second World War. It was also taken during the Communist takeover and was only officially returned to the family in 2002.

Count William Lobkowicz Jr.
Count William Lobkowicz Jr. toured us through the palace himself

Prague by old-timer

vintage cars
Photo from Viator

There’s nothing quite like soaking in the beauty and grandeur of old Europe than riding around the streets of Prague in a vintage car. There are a number of tours to choose from—it’s your choice, from the route you’ll take to the very car to ride on. It was like a movie—just be wary of any accessories or pieces of clothing that could be blown away by the wind. We wouldn’t want anything getting in the way of your main character moment.

Ria Prieto With Tim Yap and Tessa Prieto
With Tim Yap and Tessa Prieto

 

Story originally from Ria Recommends

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