Liechtenstein Palace (Liechtenstejnsky palac)

The Lichtenštejnský palác on Lichtenštejnský palác on Malostranské náměstí is one of two palaces in Prague that formerly belonged to the Princely Family of Liechtenstein. The other is the Liechtenstein Palace (Kampa Island, Prague). It was the first large Baroque building in Prague. It was built at the beginning of the 16th century by Karel of Liechtenstein, whose descendants own the Principality of Liechtenstein in Central Europe.

Karel of Liechtenstein is known as "bloody Lichtenstein". It was he who sentenced and executed 27 leaders of the Estates uprising on Old Town Square in 1621 after their loss on White Mountain. He confiscated a great wealth at that time. The leaders were sentenced in this palace -- this act is commemorated by 27 cast-iron heads on stone pillars in front of the palace.

Prince Josef of Liechtenstein had the palace reconstructed in the Classicist style before the coronation of the Czech king Leopold II . The building got a monumental staircase and a big hall.

The Liechtenstein palace was as a post office from 1742 to 1791. In 1827 the second industrial exhibition took place there. During the centuries the palace frequently served as military headquarters.

The Liechtenstein Palace is used now by the music faculty of the Academy of Performing Arts. There is a concert hall with a new organ, an exhibition hall, a summer scene and a garden, lecture-rooms, a recording studio, a library, a club, and many more.

Photo 245, Sept 2008