Hradčany Square- Hradčanské námestí in Czech-as it is so close to the Prague Castle, is one of Prague’s most prestigious locations. It is full of history, architectural grace, and cultural significance. 

Situated at the heart of the Hradčany district, this square offers visitors a journey through centuries of change. From its medieval roots to being a top spot for aristocrats and a hub for modern cultural events.

 For anyone curious about Prague’s rich past, this square is a must-visit.

A past full of stories

Hradčany square is at the heart of the Hradčany district, which used to be its own town and was the third oldest in Prague after the Old Town and Lesser Town. It became part of Prague in 1784. 

Originally, the Hradčany square was lined with simple homes for locals. In 1541, a massive fire destroyed most of the area. Afterward, wealthy nobles bought the land and built grand palaces. They turned the square into a symbol of wealth and power. It became a prime location near Prague Castle, the center of politics and culture in Bohemia.

Architectural Highlights of Hradčany Square

Hradčany square is full of architectural masterpieces.

Prague Castle:

The Hradčany square connects directly to the 1st courtyard of Prague Castle through the Giants’ Gate, which is bordered by monumental sculptures known as The Battle of the Titans. Created by Ignác František Platzer in the 1760s and later restored. These sculptures show dramatic gladiator-like battles and set the tone for the grandeur of the castle complex.

Tuscany Palace:

  • Built in 1690 for Count Michal Oswald Thum, this palace is a stunning example of Baroque architecture.
  • made by Jean-Baptiste Mathey, who also designed the Archbishop’s Palace. 
  • later became the property of Anna Maria Francesca Medici, the wife of the last Duke of Tuscany, from whom it derives its name.
  • features amazing sculptures on the rooftop created by the famous  German sculptor Jan Brokoff, including St. Michael by Ottavio Mosto in one of the corners.
  • During a significant renovation in the 1990s, stunning 17th-century wall frescoes were uncovered.
  • Today, the palace serves as a part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Martinic Palace

  • may seem modest from the outside, but it’s packed with history and legends.
  • Once it was home to stables for 32 horses, courtyards, and fountains.  Later converted into apartments and, after a restoration in the 1970s, became a venue for events.
  • The palace stands on the site of four Gothic houses from the 14th century. One belonged to Beneš of Weitmile, a chronicler for Charles IV. Another was linked to Lady Ofka, a lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth, rumored to haunt the area with a flaming dog.
  • In 1618, Jaroslav Bořita of Martinice began rebuilding the palace but he was famously defenestrated in Prague 1618s defenestration. It delayed the project until the 1730s.
  • Later, it became a hub for art, hosting glass sculptures by René Roubíček and the first presentation of Frank Gehry’s Dancing House design in 1993.
  • Blending history, legend, and art, Martinic Palace is a fascinating piece of Prague

Schwarzenberg Palace:

  • This Renaissance palace is known for its beautiful sgraffito patterns, added in the 1870s by designer Josef Schulz. 
  • It was built in 1567 by Italian craftsmen for Johann IV Popel of Lobkowicz
  • inspired by North Italian architecture.
  • before the palace, the site had four medieval houses, including one that housed the workshop of Master Theoderic, a painter for Charles IV. They were destroyed in the Hradčany fire of 1541.
  • In the 18th century, the Schwarzenberg family inherited the palace.
  • It opened to the public in 1909 as the National Technical Museum
  • was later used by the Wehrmacht as a military museum during World War II. 
  • The palace was damaged during the Prague Uprising of 1945 but was rebuilt and became home to the Military History Museum.
  • Since 2002, it has been part of the National Gallery Prague, showcasing exhibitions in its beautifully restored halls.

Salm Palace:

  • constructed between 1800 and 1811 in the Classicist style.
  • It replaced several smaller noble residences and was commissioned by Archbishop Vilém Florentin, Prince Salm-Salm, with designs by František Pavíček. 
  • Originally planned as a luxury apartment building but, after its completion,  it was used for church administration.
  • In 1811 it came to the hands of  the Schwarzenberg family 
  • During World War II, it was confiscated—first by German occupiers in 1940 and later by the Czechoslovak state in 1947. 
  • Over the following decades, it served various purposes. As residential apartments and later as the Swiss Embassy- until 1983.
  • In 2002, the palace became part of the National Gallery’s collection and opened to the public in 2004.
  • Archaeological research, completed in 2006, uncovered more of its historical layers, followed by major renovations led by architects Josef Pleskot and Eva Jiřičná.
  • Now, it is functionally connected to the neighboring Schwarzenberg Palace, also managed by the National Gallery.
  • Today, the palace serves as an exhibition space for the National Gallery. It features both permanent and temporary exhibitions. 
  • A statue of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, the first president of Czechoslovakia, stands at its corner, adding to its historical significance in Prague.

Archbishop’s Palace:

  • the residence of Prague’s archbishops and bishops since the 16th century.
  • Originally built to replace the ruins of the first palace destroyed by Hussite mobs in 1420.
  • The structure has undergone several transformations. It evolved from Renaissance to Baroque and finally to its Rococo design in the 18th century.
  • Ignác František Platzer crafted its richly decorated facade. It is a highlight of Rococo artistry. The interior features colorful Parisian tapestries and portraits of past archbishops.
  • Place worth seeing- the Chapel of St. John the Baptist is adorned with stunning stucco and wall paintings. It is shrouded in legend.

One story claims the artist of the chapel’s altar sacrificed a beggar to depict Christ’s suffering realistically.

Despite its dark tales, the palace remains a symbol of Prague’s architectural beauty, and it is a must-see for visitors.

Saxon-Lauenburg Palace:

  • it is a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Originally two separate Renaissance buildings, they were later unified with an amazing Baroque facade. 
  • One of the buildings was once home to the legendary Gothic architect Petr Parléř, who worked on the St. Vitus Cathedral. Its medieval roots are still visible in the Gothic vaulted cellars. They are very well preserved.
  • The left building, known as the Rožmberk House, was rebuilt in the Renaissance style after a fire in 1451. It later gained its sgraffito decorations.
  • By the 16th century, the two structures were joined into a single Renaissance palace. In 1737, architect A.V. Spannbrucker redesigned the palace in Baroque style and gave it its unified facade.

Sternberg Palace:

  • one of Prague’s Baroque treasures.
  • Built between 1699 and 1708 by Count Wenzel Adalbert of Sternberg, a powerful nobleman, the palace was designed to impress.
  • Perched on a steep slope near the Stag Moat, it replaced an old medieval house with a brand new residence, likely designed by Giovanni Battista Alliprandi.
  • Although the palace wasn’t fully finished when the count died in 1708, it became a cultural hotspot in the 19th century. It housed the Society of Patriotic Friends of the Arts, an early version of the National Gallery.
  • After being sold in 1871, it served various roles, from a psychiatric hospital to a military base during World War I.
  • In 1947, became the home of Prague’s National Gallery. It is the perfect setting for masterpieces from different eras, blending its Baroque elegance with centuries of artistic treasures. Despite losing much of its original decoration, Sternberg Palace remains a must-see jewel in Prague’s cultural scene.

Cultural Monuments in Hradcany Square

Beyond the palaces, Hradčanské náměstí offers you many landmarks and viewpoints:

Marian Plague Column:

  • This Baroque monument was erected in the 18th century in memory of the plague that ravaged the city in 1713–1714. Topped with a 206 cm tall statue of the Virgin Mary, the column also features Czech patrons like St. Wenceslas St. Vitus, and St. Vojtěch. 
  • Legend surrounds St. Vojtěch, who holds both a bishop’s staff and a paddle- a curious addition that has sparked tales of pranks and mystery. However, photos from 1940 prove it was part of the original design.
  • -The column was commissioned by Emperor Charles VI, who hoped it would secure him a male heir—a wish that went unfulfilled as Maria Theresa became his successor.
  • Cast Iron street lamp
  • Designed in 1868 by Alexej Linsbauer, these eight-light gas lamps stand as a symbol of 19th-century elegance. Their design includes female allegorical figures and Corinthian columns. There are only 3 of them in the whole of Prague
  • Castle Ramp Viewpoint of Hradčany sqare: Offering one of the best panoramic views of Prague, this terrace is perfect for looking down at the city’s beauty. From here, you can spot landmarks like the Church of St. Nicholas and even the distant Pankrác high-rises.

We especially recommend visiting at sunrise or sunset.

Hidden Details of Hradčany Square

Hradčanské náměstí is a place where history meets mythology:

  • The Statue of St. Wenceslas on the Castle Ramp, often called “The Fisherman,” earned its nickname due to the tilt of the saint’s banner. Nearby, the Virgin Mary of Einsiedeln statue stands as a memory of a long-lost chapel. She offers a glimpse into early Baroque craftsmanship.

The square’s Gothic foundations can be traced back to the medieval houses of Kanovnické, many of which were destroyed in the 1541 fire. These homes once served as residences for clergy and cathedral staff.

A Hub of Public Life

Hradčanské náměstí is not only a historical site but also a vibrant cultural center. Over the years, it has hosted numerous significant events:

  • In 2009, U.S. President Barack Obama delivered a speech here during his visit to Prague.
  • In 2011, the square became a somber stage for Václav Havel’s funeral procession, with thousands gathering to pay their respects.
  • The square has also been a focal point for demonstrations, such as those opposing President Miloš Zeman in 2018 and 2019.

Even in the past, the square hosted celebrations, including a World Cup ski race in 2007.

Hradčany square is full of history. With huge palaces, old statues, and amazing views, it is THE PLACE to be. If you would like to find out more, we tell you many inside stories, legends, and local tips for Prague on our alternative history tour.

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