Is this the largest Baroque Palace in all of Prague? Czernin Palace stands before you, an impressive testament to the ambition of a man named Humprecht Jan Czernin. He was a Czech aristocrat in the 17th century who sought favor with the Habsburg court in Vienna. Alas, his diplomatic efforts did not grant him the influence he craved. Humprecht, determined to make his mark, returned to Prague with a grand vision. This vision, Czernin Palace, was meant to be a symbol of his family’s power and prestige. Construction began in 1668, stretching over a century and draining the family’s coffers. The palace, designed in the Baroque style, is a sight to behold. Its immense facade, stretching 137 meters, is adorned with 365 windows and 30 massive Corinthian half-columns. Inside, the main hall soars three stories high, a testament to the grandeur envisioned by Humprecht. Today, Czernin Palace serves as the headquarters of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It’s fascinating to think that this palace, once intended as a symbol of one man’s ambition, now plays a role in shaping the Czech Republic’s relationships on the world stage.
Zaniklý Starý mlýn
Could a simple mill hold the key to understanding Prague’s past? Here, at the site of the Zaniklý Starý mlýn,