TREASURES OF PRAGUE BAROQUE: DRAMATIC, GOLDEN & CURVY

With its enormous variety of architectural styles, Prague well deserves the status of an open-air museum. Some people would mostly associate it with Art Nouveau, others first think of the city’s more ancient roots and medieval charm, slender Gothic spires. It is easy to imagine how centuries of creativity shaped Prague, however you may not be aware (unless you are an expert) that in the 18th century Bohemia left its own undeniable trace on European Baroque.

Following the Thirty Years’ War - won by Catholics backed by the Habsburg dynasty, Prague was destined to become the expression of catholic values and tastes, as well as noble power. This is how a layer of theatrical grandeur was added to the medieval city image: stately palaces with massive staircases sprang up; rich frescoes, gold and glitter adorned the houses of worship; colourful townhouse facades brightened up the streets.

Today, you can find Prague Baroque treasures on nearly every corner – even Charles Bridge, the city’s iconic symbol, is lined with statues representing this style. How does one define Baroque in general? Ornate and gold. Awe-inspiring. Rich to the point of exuberance. If this sounds tempting enough, let us guide you to the best sights where you can rendez-vous with this charismatic aspect of the city.

Clam-Gallas Palace

Meticulously restored to its historic splendour, Clam-Gallas Palace is a relatively new sight in Prague – it was opened to visitors in 2022, following an extensive renovation. Now it can easily be called one of the best-preserved Baroque palaces in the world, expressing both visual luxury and true spirit of noble living.

Grand staircase, frescoes stretching across the walls and ceilings, glittering chandeliers and lavish stucco – the place has it all to be your perfect introduction to Czech High Baroque. It also claims connection to the names of legendary composers – such as Mozart and Beethoven, who once performed in these elegant halls.

Troja Chateau

It takes a short trip away from Prague centre to see Troja – an especially pleasant option is to take a ferry during warm season. The design of this beautiful Baroque chateau takes inspiration from Roman suburban villas mixed with classic French chateau elements, including the adjacent formal French garden.

Troja was built for the Šternberk family and has real aristocratic character. Its hallmark is a monumental staircase adorned with statues of battling Greek gods and giants, while the splendid interiors feature the collection of 19th-century Czech paintings.

St. Nicholas Church

St. Nicholas Church in Old Town Square was designed in the early 18th century by the architect Kilian Ignatius Dientzenhofer – the famous name strongly associated with Czech Baroque heritage.

The striking white façade of the church is crowned by a bronze dome, and the richly frescoed interior is celebrated for its unique acoustics – which makes it a great venue for major classical and organ music concerts.

Not to be confused with the other St. Nicholas Church, sitting right across Charles Bridge – in Malá Strana. That other magnificent temple is one more Baroque pearl of Prague, built by the same architect and featuring a 2,500-pipe organ once played by Mozart himself.

Prague Loreto

Nestled in the Hradčany district, near Prague Castle, Loreto is a serene pilgrimage complex showcasing Baroque artistry at its finest. The site was founded in 1626 and built around the Santa Casa, which is a replica of Virgin Mary's legendary home from Nazareth.

Inside this holy house, every surface gleams with lavish decoration – gilded altars and statues, rich stucco, crystal chandeliers and ornate chapels. But if you wish to see the ultimate expression of Baroque opulence, visit the Loreto Treasury which holds the dazzling "Prague Sun" – a sun-shaped monstrance encrusted with over 6,000 diamonds.

Villa Amerika (Dvořák Museum)

This charming Baroque summerhouse is one more child by the prolific architect Kilian Ignatius Dientzenhofer – this time a magnificent secular project, rather than a religious edifice. Its refined halls were once frequented by Czech aristocracy, who came here to enjoy musical soirées. The concert tradition survives until this day, as Villa Amerika now houses the museum dedicated to Antonín Dvořák – one of the nation’s most beloved composers.

The one-storey villa has a charming compact design with Italian Genoese decorative elements and frescoes inspired by antique mythology. Most striking of all is the painting "Rise of Apollo" by Jan Ferdinand Schor, spanning the ceiling of the Music Salon.

Church of Our Lady Victorious

A stunning example of Prague early Baroque, this little church in Malá Strana mostly claims fame due to its special treasure – a statue of baby Jesus, which is believed to have miraculous powers and attracts pilgrims from across the globe. It dates back to the 16th century and changes garments depending on various occasions in the church calendar.

The interior is elaborately decorated, highlighting the Baroque tradition: painted vaults, marble columns and carved woodwork; black, white and gold creating a wonderful dramatic contrast. The historic Baroque altar from 1717 is designed as a triumphal arch and features a combination of copper and gold gilding.

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And just a couple of more ideas which are not part of CoolPass offer, but can’t be missed if you want to complete your Baroque journey in style. These include Clementinum – a truly grand complex with a sumptuous library near Charles Bridge, and Vrtba Garden – hidden gem on the slopes of Petřín Hill with a terraced, Italian-style layout and magnificent city views.