As one of the top tourist destinations in Europe, Prague is a bustling city with a rich history and culture. However, amidst the crowds of tourists flocking to the city’s main attractions, a hidden gem is often overlooked: Troja Chateau and its surrounding areas.
Located on the right bank of the Vltava River, Troja is a unique district of Prague that has managed to preserve its natural beauty thanks to its challenging terrain. Troja has never been subjected to large-scale urban development, unlike other parts of the city. As a result, it is home to only villas and family houses, except Troja Chateau.
Built between 1683 and 1692 by Václav Vojtěch Šternberk, Troja Chateau is considered one of the most beautiful baroque buildings in the world. Its construction was overseen by French architect Jean Baptiste Mathey, responsible for many other notable buildings in Prague, such as the Archbishop’s and Tuscan Palaces on Prague Castle grounds.
Despite its historical and architectural significance, Troja Chateau is often overshadowed by Prague’s other attractions. However, a walk through the chateau’s gardens is comparable to a visit to the famous Terracotta Army in China, as the gardens house one of the world’s largest collections of terracotta vases.
The terracotta vases are just one of the many unique features of Troja Chateau’s gardens. The park’s design is strictly oriented towards Prague Castle, and its wide park alleys are lined with baroque sculptures and fountains. The gardens were modeled after Italian suburban villas and were designed to be a crown jewel of the formal French garden.
In addition to its gardens, Troja Chateau also boasts a unique blend of historical and cultural significance. The chateau was once used as a summer residence for aristocrats, and its salons hosted many celebrations and parties. However, it was never used for residential purposes; instead, it served as a venue for entertainment and relaxation.
Aside from its chateau, Troja is also home to the vineyards of St. Clare, which are now part of the botanical garden. The vineyards were once easily accessible from the chateau’s gardens, and the chapel of St. Clare was built on top of the Troja hill around 1700.