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Ball Game Hall: A Renaissance Gem in Prague's Royal Garden

Discover Prague's Ball Game Hall: A Renaissance masterpiece with centuries of royal history, art, and culture in the heart of the Royal Garden.

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Nestled within Prague's Royal Garden, the Ball Game Hall is a stunning Renaissance structure with a rich history. Originally built in the 16th century for royal sporting activities, it has since served as a riding school, military storage, and now a venue for exhibitions and concerts. Its facade boasts intricate sgraffito artwork, reflecting its vibrant past.

A brief summary to Ball Game Hall in the Royal Garden

Local tips

  • Explore the Royal Garden, where the Ball Game Hall is located, for free after it opened to the public in 2002.
  • Look closely at the hall's facade to spot the Communist-era additions to the sgraffito.
  • Visit during an exhibition, concert, or social event to experience the hall's vibrant atmosphere.
  • Take a moment to admire the Baroque sculpture 'Night' in front of the hall.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Prague Castle, exit through the Powder Bridge (Prasny most) to enter the Royal Garden. Follow the path through the garden; the Ball Game Hall will be visible on your left, near the Queen Anne's Summer Palace. This is a straightforward, scenic walk within the garden. There are no additional costs.

  • Public Transport

    Take tram 22 or 23 from Malostranská (metro line A) to the 'Královský letohrádek' stop. From the tram stop, enter the Royal Garden and walk a short distance to the Ball Game Hall. A 30-minute public transport ticket costs 30 CZK for adults.

  • Taxi

    From the Old Town Square, a taxi ride to the Royal Garden will take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi fares in Prague have a base fare of 60 CZK, plus 36 CZK per kilometer. A typical ride would cost between 200-350 CZK. Note that prices may vary depending on the taxi company and traffic conditions.

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Discover more about Ball Game Hall in the Royal Garden

The Ball Game Hall, located in the Royal Garden of Prague Castle, is a captivating Renaissance building with a multifaceted history. Constructed between 1567 and 1569 by Bonifaz Wohlmut and Ulrico Aostali, it initially served as a space for the royal court to enjoy games resembling tennis and badminton. The hall's exterior is adorned with exquisite sgraffito artwork, depicting virtues, elements, and sciences. Over the centuries, the building's purpose evolved. In the 17th century, it was transformed into a riding school and stables. During the reign of Joseph II, it functioned as a military storage facility. The hall suffered significant damage during World War II when it was burned by the Nazis, leaving only the outer walls standing. Lovingly restored in 1952, the Ball Game Hall was concealed within the closed Royal Garden until after 1989. The interior features a simple yet elegant design, with a checkered tile floor and seascape paintings. Notably, the Communist regime added its own touch to the sgraffito, incorporating symbols of the Five Year Plan. Today, the Ball Game Hall hosts art exhibitions, concerts, and social events, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of royalty and presidents who have graced its halls. In front of the hall stands the Baroque sculpture 'Night' by Matthias Bernard Braun, a poignant reminder of the companion piece 'Day,' destroyed in 1757.

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