Sightseeing
Sightseeing
This hidden gem is a wonderfully peaceful oasis where you can enjoy stunning and unique views of Prague Castle. The palace hosts various exhibitions of art and craftsmanship.
Queen Anne's Summer Palace, also known as Letohrádek královny Anny, is a Renaissance building located in the Royal Garden of Prague Castle. Commissioned by Ferdinand I for his wife Anne Jagiellonica, this Italian Renaissance gem was completed between 1538 and 1560.
Initially designed by Paolo della Stella, the palace features a ground floor with an arcade gallery, residential areas, a dance hall, and a gallery on the upper floor. It has undergone various renovations over the years and now serves as an exhibition hall for fine and applied arts. With its rich history and architectural beauty, Queen Anne's Summer Palace is a must-visit attraction in Prague.
In front of the summer palace stands the famous Singing Fountain. The design was created by court painter Francesco Terzio. The Renaissance fountain was cast between 1564 and 1568 by metalworker Tomáš Jaroš (the creator of the largest bell of St. Vitus Cathedral - Zikmund). It was made from bell metal and bronze and stands in its original location within a stone basin, where it was installed in 1573. The drops of water falling on the edge of the lower bowl produce pleasing tones upon listening. The center of the fountain depicts a shepherd and the Greek god Pan - the protector of forests and springs. The top features a figure of a bagpiper (the only copy on an otherwise original fountain).
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