Queen Anne’s Summer Palace: Gorgeous Gem in Prague Castle Gardens

If you’re planning a visit to Prague Castle and want a peaceful spot to slow down, Queen Anne’s Summer Palace is worth adding to your list. Tucked away just beyond the Castle’s main crowds, this early Renaissance building offers both a slice of history and a quiet garden retreat. Whether you're into architecture or simply want a break from the bustle, it’s a refreshing stop during your time in Prague.

And, of course, it's got a story to tell.

Queen Anne Summer Palace with fountain in garden

Many consider Queen Anne’s Summer Palace one of the most beautiful buildings in Prague—and it’s easy to see why. Its symmetrical design and elegant colonnades are unique to the city. And the views of the Castle from here are outstanding. There's definitely an appeal here, like you found something slightly secret, but also a little dramatic. There's lots to like here, but I would say it still gets overlooked.

Queen Anne Summer Palace with autumn leaves in garden

A Gift of Love—And Loss

Like many places in Prague, this palace has a story, and you might have guessed part of it from the name.

The palace was commissioned by the King of Bohemia and Hungary, Ferdinand I in 1538 as a gift for his wife, Queen Anne of Bohemia and Hungary. Specifically it was designed to be a place where she could enjoy music, gardens, and peace away from court life. Sadly, Anne died before it was completed.

Anne died in 1547 at the age of 44, likely due to complications from childbirth—her fifteenth pregnancy. Only a few of her children survived into adulthood, including Maximilian II (future Holy Roman Emperor).

Anne and Ferdinand actually shared a notably respectful marriage, which wasn’t all that common among royal couples of the time. The palace he commissioned may have started as a romantic gesture and, after her death, became something more personal. The building later served a range of purposes: royal gatherings, scientific experiments, and even artillery storage. Today, it’s known for its elegant symmetry, arcaded gallery, and beautiful sgraffito decoration—though the original furnishings and interiors have long been lost to history. Queen Anne’s Summer Palace is a bit of a mouthful. And the Czech name, Královský letohrádek, doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue either. But I like the alternative that you may hear: Belvedere. It's a name borrowed from Italian that means “beautiful view.” This actually describes the scene much better. The Belvedere simply looks different from the other buildings around the Castle. With clean lines, arched columns, and a distinctive copper roof, it remains a symbol of Renaissance elegance and one of the earliest signs of Italian influence in Bohemia side colonnade

Anne and Ferdinand actually shared a notably respectful marriage, which wasn’t all that common among royal couples of the time. The palace he commissioned may have started as a romantic gesture and, after her death, became something more personal.

The building later served a range of purposes: royal gatherings, scientific experiments, and even artillery storage. Today, it’s known for its elegant symmetry, arcaded gallery, and beautiful sgraffito decoration—though the original furnishings and interiors have long been lost to history.

Queen Anne’s Summer Palace is a bit of a mouthful. And the Czech name, Královský letohrádek, doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue either. But I like the alternative that you may hear: Belvedere. It's a name borrowed from Italian that means “beautiful view.” This actually describes the scene much better.

The Belvedere simply looks different from the other buildings around the Castle. With clean lines, arched columns, and a distinctive copper roof, it remains a symbol of Renaissance elegance and one of the earliest signs of Italian influence in Bohemia.

Queen Anne Summer Palace with detail of fountain

Why Visit Queen Anne's Summer Palace?

It’s easy to get swept up in the main sights of Prague Castle and miss the Summer Palace. And once you enter the Castle grounds, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of buildings to admire. But if you’re looking to balance out your day with a quieter, less-trafficked experience, the Summer Palace delivers. Plus it's an easyily accessible, located at the far end of the Royal Gardens.

But here’s a tip: if you’re taking the tram up to the Castle (a popular option), hop off one stop early at Královský letohrádek—right across from the palace. From there, it’s just a five-minute walk through the garden to reach the Castle entrance.

The Royal Garden, in which the palace stands, is a lovely space to walk through in spring and summer. It’s free to enter and maintained like a public park. Locals come here to stroll, read, or relax. From some angles, you’ll get nice views over the rooftops and across the Vltava River.

The bad news? Well, the palace itself isn’t always open inside. It typically hosts temporary summer it typically hosts temporary exhibitions, but the building’s exterior alone is worth seeing—especially the arcaded gallery along the front, where you can walk in Queen Anne’s imagined footsteps.

If you’re visiting in a warmer month, it can be one of the calmest corners of the Castle grounds. Even during busy tourist hours, you’ll likely find benches with open seats and shady spots under the trees.

View of Prague castle from Queen Anne Summer Palace

When and How to Visit

Location: The Summer Palace sits at the northeastern end of the Castle complex, inside the Royal Garden. There are numerous ways to get here:

  • Easiest and most direct - take the 22 or 23 tram to Královský letohrádek - the palace is just across the street.
  • Walk 5-minutes from the castle entrance - if you're already at the castle, exit on the north side and turn right into the Royal Gardenafter crossing the over the Stag Moat bridge. Walk straight through the garden to the far end.
  • Metro alternative - take the Green Line A metro to Hradčanská and follow the exit signs to Pražský hrad. Once outside walk slightly uphill away from the main road. Continue walking directly straight. You'll come to the curious Písecká Brana and the Queen Anne's Summer Palace is just beyond that about 100 yards/meters.

Entry: The Royal Garden is open seasonally, March through October. Entrance is free. The palace interior is only open for exhibitions, and entry may require a separate ticket. Hours and availability can vary, so it’s best to check the Prague Castle website before you go.

Best Time to Visit: I think anytime is good. It’s shaded and pleasant, especially in late spring, summer and early fall. I would recommend adding as your first or last stop when visiting the castle.

People sitting on a bench in the garden of Queen Anne Summer Palace

Combine it With...

If you’re already walking through Prague Castle, this is an easy extension of your visit. You can also pair it with:

  • The Ball Game Hall (Míčovna), another Renaissance building in the same garden area.
  • The Orangery, a modern greenhouse structure nearby, sometimes open to visitors.
  • Letná Park: Exit the garden’s north gate and you’re not far from Letná’s wide-open paths and beer garden views.
  • Or head back toward Lobkowicz Palace, which has a quiet café and a strong art collection if you're looking to stay in the area longer.

Is it Worth Visiting?

If you enjoy quieter moments, elegant architecture, and thoughtful detours, this stop is absolutely worth your time. Queen Anne’s Summer Palace isn’t a headline attraction, but it adds depth to your Prague Castle visit. You’ll connect with history and a memorable 16th century story, and find a peaceful pause in the middle of a busy day.

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