THE SCHWARZENBERG PALACE
The southern outlook of Hradshin Place is dominated by the Renaissance residence of
the Schwarzenbergs, formerly Lobkovic Palace, its striking facade and characteristic
Czech cornice with deep-set lunettes providing a monumental focus to the panorama of
Hradshin palaces and dwellings. It was built between 1545 and 1563 for the younger Jan
of Lobkovice by Augustin Vlach, an architect of Italian origin. In 1606 it came into the
possession of Petr Vok of Rozmberk and after his death in 1611 it was inherited by the
Svamberk family, who lost it by confiscation after the Battle of the White Mountain,
when the emperor gave it to the Eggenberg family. The widow of the Iast Eggenberg
owner, Marie Arnostka, n‚e Schwarzenberg, who died in 19, bequeathed the palace to
the Schwarzenberg family. With its Italianate courtyard it is a typical Renaissance
aristocratic residence. The sgraffito work on the facade was executed in accordance with
Italian sketches, completed and restored in 1871 by Josef Schulz and restored again in
the 1950s. The interior preserves four rooms on the second floor which have painted
panel ceilings portraying themes from ancient mythology and history. Since 1945 the
palace is occupied by the museum of military history.