Troja Castle Prague is a splendid Baroque chateau on the outskirts of the city, and it’s also home to one of the most beautiful Prague gardens. Troja Palace is now part of the Prague City Art Gallery, and hosts part of its collection there.
Troja is one of the most popular areas of Prague with visitors. Three Prague attractions are in close proximity of each other, with the most popular – Prague Zoo – right across the street from Troja Chateau Prague. It’s also just down the hill from the lovely Prague Botanical Garden.
Troja Castle Prague – An Introduction
Troja Castle is one of the most visible landmarks of Prague, visible from some of the best-known towers in Prague, including the Petrin lookout tower and Great South Tower of St Vitus Cathedral in Prague Castle
The Palace is one of the finest examples of Baroque period Prague architecture, and dates from the late 17th century, when it was built for the Counts of Sternberg
Its style is strongly influenced by French and Italian Baroque, and the principal architect was Jean-Baptiste Mathey
The magnificent main hall is decorated with frescoes depicting the defeat of the Ottoman Turkish forces near Vienna in 1683 – they are the work of Dutch artists Abraham and Izak Godin
Prague City Gallery’s collection of 19th century Czech art is housed in the main hall and adjoining rooms
What To See At Troja Castle Prague
Troja Palace is stately and sumptuous inside and out
The striking red and white exterior is superb, especially from its equally outstanding Palace Garden
The staircase at the main entrance is especially striking, with a series of bold figures of gods and giants
There is also a series of Italian-style ornamental vases on the east terrace
The gardens have classic Baroque features, especially parterres with flower beds
The frescoes on the ceiling of the main hall are one of the most surprising things to see in Prague, given that they are so seldom mentioned elsewhere
Where Is Troja Chateau?
Troja is just to the north of the Vltava River in Prague, in the north-west of the city. It’s only around 5 km from the city centre, via the suburb of Holešovice. You can reach Holešovice from Prague city centre very easily, by the Metro (red line C) and several trams.
See Also: 27 Wonderful Hidden Gems In Prague
How To Get To Troja Castle Prague?
The regular 112 bus service runs from Nádraži Holešovice to Prague Zoo (Zoologicka Zahrada). You can reach Holešovice station by the red Prague Metro line C – the bus stop is close to the McDonald’s, and just off Plynarni.
We are regular visitors to Troja Prague, and catch the 17 tram as far as Trojska, just across the river. The 112 bus stops 100 metres before this – the stop is called Povltavska – or 100 metres afterwards, first left around the corner – the stop and street are both called Trojska.
It’s also possible to reach Troja by boat – the trips, such as this one with Prague Steamboats – are advertised as cruises to the Zoo, but Troja Palace Prague is the same distance – around 1 km – from the boat as the Zoo’s main entrance, right across the street. This option is usually available between April and the end of September.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Troja Castle?
We first visited Troja Castle and Gardens during the summer, when it was wonderful. However, April is even better, just after the Palace and Gardens reopen after winter, when the Japanese cherry blossom trees make for one of the most beautiful sights in Prague in springtime.
When Is Troja Castle Open?
As is the case with other prominent gardens in Prague, Troja Castle is open between April and October, Tuesdays to Sundays 1000 to 1800, with the exception of Fridays, when it’s open 1300 to 1800. It is closed on Mondays.
How Much Are Troja Castle Prague Tickets?
Entry to the Gardens is free.
Tickets to the Castle cost120 CZK for adults, 60 CZK for children and seniors and 250 CZK for a family.
The ticket office is at the back of the building – turn right when you enter.
What Else Is There To See in Troja Prague?
Troja is one of our favourite places to visit in Prague, with Prague Zoo and the Prague Botanical Gardens right on the doorstep.
Prague Zoo’s main entrance is 50 metres away across the street from the side entrance to Troja Castle Gardens. It’s far and away one of the best things to do in Prague with kids, and it’s somewhere we’ve taken our son many times.
The Prague Botanical Garden is the third Troja attraction. Part of it – the picturesque St Clare’s Vineyard and Chapel are just behind Troja Castle, and is one of the best viewpoints in Prague.
Take a look at these other castles near Prague:
Konopiště Castle – home to Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria
Karlštejn Castle – imposing behemoth of a Castle in countryside near Prague
Křivoklát Castle – early medieval royal Castle in remote forest west of Prague
Mělník – wine town with Castle and much more an hour north of Prague
David Angel
David Angel is a British writer and photographer who has been travelling and photographing Europe for over 25 years. His work is regularly featured in worldwide media including the BBC, the Guardian, the Times and the Sunday Times.
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