Černín Palace: Prague's Baroque Giant

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Discover Prague's largest Baroque palace, a symbol of power and history, now home to the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Černín Palace

Černín Palace, the largest Baroque palace in Prague, has been the seat of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs since the 1930s. Commissioned in the 17th century by Count Humprecht Jan Černín, it stands as a testament to Baroque grandeur and has witnessed significant historical events.

A brief summary to Černín Palace

Loretánské nám. 5, Prague 1-Hradčany, 118 00, CZ
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Local tips

Visit the Loreta Church, located directly across from Černín Palace, to admire another stunning example of Baroque architecture.
Take tram 22 or 23 to the Pohorelec stop for convenient access to Černín Palace and the Hradčany district.
Explore the palace's Baroque garden during the tourist season for a peaceful retreat.

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Getting There

Walking

From Prague Castle, walk east through the Castle District towards Loretánské náměstí. Černín Palace is located on the north side of the square, opposite the Loreta Church. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes.
Public Transport

Take tram 22 or 23 to the Pohořelec stop. From there, walk downhill along Loretánská street for about 5 minutes. Černín Palace will be on your right, occupying the entire block. A single 30-minute ticket costs 30 CZK.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Prague. A taxi ride from the Old Town Square to Černín Palace typically costs between 200-350 CZK, depending on traffic. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt also operate in Prague. Note that taxi fares can vary, so it's always best to confirm the price with the driver beforehand.

Discover more about Černín Palace

Černín Palace, or Černínský palác in Czech, dominates Prague's Hradčany district as the city's largest Baroque palace. Built for Count Humprecht Jan Černín of Chudenice, a Habsburg imperial ambassador, the palace was intended to rival the grandeur of Prague Castle. Construction began in 1668, with designs initially conceived by Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini and later executed by Francesco Caratti and other prominent architects. The palace boasts an imposing facade stretching 150 meters, adorned with 365 windows and massive Corinthian half-columns. The interior once housed a renowned picture gallery and has been graced by the work of notable artists and sculptors. Over the centuries, the palace has served various purposes, including a shelter for the poor, a military barracks, and, since 1918, the seat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Černín Palace has been the backdrop for significant historical events. In 1948, Jan Masaryk, the foreign minister, died under mysterious circumstances after falling from a window, an event known as the last defenestration of Prague. In 1991, the documents dissolving the Warsaw Pact were signed here. Today, while the interiors are generally closed to the public, visitors can admire the palace's architecture and, during tourist season, explore its Baroque garden.