- Address: Letohrádek Kinských, Kinského zahrada 98, 150 00 Praha 5, Czech Republic
- Tel: +420 257 214 806
- Website: nm.cz
- Architect: Henry Koch
- Creation: from 1827 to 1831 years.
The Summer Palace of Kinsky is the main pearl of the Kinsky Garden, located on the southern slope of the Petrin Hill . This landmark is interesting for tourists not only beautiful architecture, but also an exciting historical value for the Czech Republic .
History and construction of the palace
In 1799, Princess Maria Kinski bought from Plas Monastery large plots of abandoned vineyards. 29 years later her son Rudolph took up the cultivation of the land and created here a very beautiful and romantic park of Kinsky . At the same time, first of all, they began to build a palace from which one could observe a beautiful garden. Architect Heinrich Koch undertook the design of a summer family residence, and then he also developed a greenhouse and a gatekeeper's house.
Architecture
Summer Palace Kinski built in the style of the villa. The two-storey building is decorated in light colors. The eastern facade is decorated with a beautiful portico overlooking the terrace. The pediment of the triangular form is supported by four columns, similar to those that adorn the Acropolis. Complement the architectural ensemble of large arched windows in the classic French style. From the front entrance guests enter the lobby, from which a gilded staircase leads to the second floor.
Famous people
With the summer palace of Kinski many mysterious secrets of famous people, who were left in the distant past, are connected. The famous historical figures who lived in the palace include:
- Friedrich Wilhelm I Elector of Hesse-Kasselsy , who lost his throne in 1866, lived in the palace quite a long period of time.
- Heir to the throne of the Austrian Empire Crown Prince Rudolph rented a palace in which he lived together with his mistress. They committed suicide by mutual consent.
- Archduke Ferdinand , who was killed by Serb conspirators, which was the beginning of the First World War, also previously lived in this palace.
The Summer Palace of Kinsky in our days
After the destruction of the fortress wall in Prague , the Kinsky family began to use the palace. The family estate was sold to the state for 920 thousand crowns immediately after the death of Velmina Kinskikh. The further fate of the summer palace of Kinsky is as follows:
- The People's Museum was opened in the palace in 1902. It was listed among the national cultural monuments in 1958. The building in 1989 severely damaged groundwater, the foundation practically destroyed the mold, and the beams were completely damaged by rot. After that the palace was closed.
- Reconstruction. Since 1993, the restoration of the building began. After major repairs and complete restoration, it was possible to preserve many elements of the interior. In 2010, the park and the palace were again opened for free visits.
- Now a museum dedicated to the culture and life of the people of the Czech Republic has been re-opened here. In addition to the permanent exhibition, the Palace hosts thematic exhibitions and folklore concerts. A separate room is dedicated to Christmas: there are many decorations, nurseries and other traditional elements of the holiday . In addition, master classes on folk crafts are held in the courtyard.
- Most of the rooms are rented for weddings , banquets and social events.
Features of visit
The Summer Palace of Kinsky is open daily, except Monday, from 10:00 to 18:00. Cost of visiting:
- adults - $ 6.89;
- students, pensioners and children - $ 4.59;
- Family ticket - $ 4,59.
How to get there?
The summer residence of Kinski is located on the left bank of the Vltava River on the southern hill of Petrshin. To get more convenient on trams Nos. 9, 12 or 20, get off at the stop Švandovo divadlo.