Lichtenstein Palace in Prague: Important guests stayed here. The late Queen Elizabeth II also stayed here. (†96
While walking through Kampa towards the Charles Bridge, we pass the perhaps a little overlooked, yet very important Liechtenstein Palace on the right. It was built in 1697-1698 according to the project of the Italian architect Giovanni Battista Alliprandi, but who lived his whole life in Bohemia. Its original form was different from the current one, Alliprandi designed it only with two floors. But it also had one peculiarity – a tunnel that led from the river into the palace. It was the only water palace in Prague. In order for the tunnel to be usable, however, it depended on how high the Vltava was. It has not survived to the present, and unfortunately I don’t even know where the tunnel was exactly.
The palace got its name from Jan Josef of Liechtenstein, who both owned it and made several modifications here. He removed the onion arbors, which had been the dominant feature of the palace until then, and had the family coat of arms placed above the entrance. After all, it still hangs above the staircase today, ina copy of it can be seen here.
The palace subsequently changed owners, it was also occupied by the NSDAP during the Second World War, in 1978 the palace became the property of the Office of the Presidency of the Government of the Czechoslovak Republic. This restored him to his palatial appearance. The lounges were restored here and it was equipped with historical furniture.
Royal visits
The palace also began to serve as a “hotel” for visitors. 26 years ago, the late Queen Elizabeth II was accommodated here. with her husband Prince Philip. “We received the Queen on the red carpet at the main entrance of the palace. We then took her to private suites on the third floor. The queen’s associates have chosen one of the ten rooms we offer for you,” recalled palace manager Petr Krpejš of the queen’s arrival.
According to Krpejš, accommodation is prepared at least 3 months before a preparations must adhere to strict requirements. At the time, the Queen wanted a separate bedroom, so Prince Philip was accommodated in the next bedroom. A bigger and more comfortable bed was even specially brought for him.
In 2010, the palace received another visit from the royal family. That’s when Prince Charles, i.e. the current King Charles III, arrived. with his wife Camilla. “He wanted a large desk and shared room with his wife Camilla. Therefore, they lived in one of the largest apartments in the palace,” Krpejš recalls.
If a foreign delegation comes to the Liechtenstein Palace, the entire building is always reserved for them, the servants, assistants and security. Food is also provided, which is always delivered by a carefully selected catering company.
The Liechtenstein Palace is mostly closed to the public, but it is possible to attend selected concerts. But once in a while it does open up, this year it will be on a public holiday on October 28.
Liechtenstein Palace: Elizabeth II lived here, Vladimir Putin held meetings and the Nazis were caught off guard by a flood. Zuzana Štíchová, Jan Jedlička
King Charles III visited the Czechia again
Author: Lightning: Martin Sekanina