Sculpted in stark white marble, Laokoón a synové Statue tells a tale of unimaginable suffering. Right here in the Valdštýnská zahrada, within sight of the grand Valdštýnský palác, stands a powerful depiction of the Trojan priest Laokoón and his two sons, caught in a desperate struggle against entwining serpents. This statue, a copy of the renowned original housed in the Vatican Museums, isn’t just a testament to Adrian de Vries’ incredible talent, it’s a window into the fascinating story of a man who dared to defy the gods. Albrecht z Valdštýjna, a powerful figure in 17th century Prague, commissioned this garden and its sculptures, including this Laokoón a synové Statue, as a testament to his wealth and refined taste. The original sculptor, Adrian de Vries, unfortunately never saw these works in their intended place. He died in 1626, just a year after they arrived in the garden.
Dolní Břežany
Could this grand Renaissance castle have once been a humble medieval fortress? It’s true! This is Dolní Břežany, dominated by