Furstenberg Palace

Visiting Fürstenberg Palace, Prague: Tickets, Hours, and Insider Tips

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction to Fürstenberg Palace

Nestled in Prague’s historic Malá Strana, Fürstenberg Palace (Fürstenberský palác) stands as a testament to the city’s aristocratic lineage and architectural grandeur. Famed for its harmonious blend of Renaissance and Baroque elements, the palace and its terraced Great Fürstenberg Garden offer panoramic views and a tranquil retreat from the city bustle. Owned over centuries by influential Czech and German noble families—most notably the Fürstenbergs—the palace today forms part of the Czech Senate complex, symbolizing the fusion of historical heritage with modern governance. While regular entry to the palace interiors is limited due to government use, the gardens and special event days invite visitors to explore one of Prague’s best-kept secrets (GemaArt; Senate of the Czech Republic).

Historical Overview
Architectural and Garden Highlights
- Palace Features
- The Great Fürstenberg Garden
Visiting Fürstenberg Palace
Practical Travel Advice
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Further Resources

Historical Overview

Medieval Origins and Early Development

The foundations of the current palace trace back to the 13th century, when the area was held by Prague’s Lesser Town municipality and the female Benedictine St. George Convent (GemaArt). Through the turbulent centuries that followed, especially during the Thirty Years’ War, property ownership changed hands frequently, and fortunes fluctuated. Early Renaissance buildings stood here, including those owned by Count Vilém of Lobkovice, a major political figure of his era. After the 1620 Battle of White Mountain, the estate was confiscated from Protestant nobility, marking a significant shift in local power structures.

Baroque Transformation and the Fürstenberg Legacy

A dramatic transformation occurred in the 18th century under the stewardship of the Černín family. Countess Marie Barbora Černínová initiated extensive Baroque renovations, commissioning Italian architect Jan Nepomuk Palliardi to connect existing properties—laying the groundwork for today’s palace complex. The property was inherited, altered, and expanded by Count Ernst von Schaffgotsch, and its 19th-century acquisition by the Fürstenberg family cemented its aristocratic identity (Senate of the Czech Republic). The palace, named after Maximilian Egon von Fürstenberg, became a locus for noble life in Prague.

20th-Century State Ownership and Restoration

After World War I and the establishment of Czechoslovakia, the palace entered state hands, housing ministries through the interwar years and later serving various institutional functions under both Nazi and Communist regimes. Following the Velvet Revolution of 1989, a comprehensive restoration (2003–2006) revitalized the palace and gardens for use by the Czech Senate. This restoration preserved original architectural details—stucco, frescoes, tile stoves, and more—earning the Europa Nostra Prize for conservation excellence (GemaArt).

Architectural and Garden Highlights

Palace Features

Fürstenberg Palace is a quintessential example of Prague’s architectural layering:

Facade and Courtyard: Renaissance arcades, balanced proportions, and heraldic motifs evoke noble heritage (Czech Journal).
Grand Staircases and Salons: Baroque interiors feature stucco ornamentation, frescoed ceilings, and period woodwork.
Chapel & Private Rooms: Modestly adorned chapels and salons retain original furnishings, offering a window into aristocratic daily life.

The Great Fürstenberg Garden

The palace’s gardens are among the most enchanting in Prague:

Terraced Layout: Ascending terraces provide spectacular views of the city’s rooftops, river, and spires (Prague Best Places; praguego.com).
Baroque Design: Ornamental staircases, balustrades, and pavilions reflect aristocratic grandeur.
Floral Displays: Thousands of flowers, trees, and over 2,000 rose bushes fill the gardens with color and fragrance (prague.net).
Pavilion: A restored Baroque pavilion now serves as a café and social space.

The gardens connect with neighboring palace gardens, creating a continuous green belt beneath Prague Castle.

Visiting Fürstenberg Palace

Hours and Tickets

Palace Interiors: Generally closed to the public except during special events (Open House Prague, Senate Open Days). Check the Senate’s official site and Open House Prague for event schedules.
Great Fürstenberg Garden: Open April–October. Typical hours:
- April & October: 10:00–18:00
- May–September: 10:00–19:00 or 20:00 (seasonal variations)
- Closed November–March and during inclement weather (praguego.com; View from Prague).
Tickets: Garden admission usually 130–160 CZK (adults), with discounts for students, seniors, and children. Palace access is free during Senate Open Days; otherwise, interior access is usually restricted (guide-of-prague.com).

Accessibility and Facilities

Mobility: The terraced gardens involve stairs and cobblestones; not fully accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.
Restrooms & Refreshments: The Baroque pavilion offers light refreshments and restroom facilities.
Information & Support: Multilingual signage and staff available in the castle complex.

Guided Tours and Visitor Tips

Guided Tours: Available during special events; advance booking recommended.
Photography: Permitted in gardens and public areas; restrictions may apply indoors during private events.
Best Times: Early mornings or late afternoons for fewer crowds and optimal photography light (grumpycamel.com; viewfromprague.com).

Nearby Attractions

Prague Castle Complex: St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, Golden Lane.
Malá Strana Highlights: Charles Bridge, St. Nicholas Church, Wallenstein Garden, Lobkowicz Palace (Earth Trekkers; Nomadic Matt).

Practical Travel Advice

Combine Visits: The gardens are ideal for pairing with Prague Castle and Malá Strana’s scenic streets.
Weather: Gardens close during bad weather—check the official site before visiting.
Footwear: Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes for garden stairways and cobblestones.
Tickets: Buy at the entrance or online; Prague Visitor Pass does not cover the palace gardens (praguetouristinformation.com).
Food: Bring water, especially in summer. Enjoy more affordable meals at cafés in Malá Strana.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: When are Fürstenberg Palace and its gardens open?
A: Gardens open daily April–October (see above for hours). Palace interiors are open only for special events (View from Prague).

Q: How much is admission?
A: Gardens: 130–160 CZK (adults), discounts available. Palace interiors: free during special open days.

Q: Is the garden wheelchair accessible?
A: No, the terraced layout involves many stairs.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, but mostly during events—book in advance.

Q: Can I get refreshments inside?
A: Yes, at the Baroque pavilion in the garden.

Q: Is photography allowed?
A: Yes in gardens; restrictions may apply inside during events.

Conclusion

Fürstenberg Palace and its gardens are a profound expression of Prague’s noble and architectural heritage, offering visitors both serenity and splendor. While access to the palace interiors is limited, the gardens provide a tranquil yet spectacular setting to experience the city’s history and beauty. Plan your visit around open days or special events, and explore neighboring attractions to enrich your Prague itinerary. For real-time updates, tour options, and expert audio guides, download the Audiala app and follow our social channels.