Šporkův palác

Šporkův palác is a baroque palace in Prague's Malá Strana district, tucked into the short Šporkova street right at the foot of Petřín hill. Also known by its older names, Piccolominiovský palác and Dům U Dvou zlatých lvů (House at the Two Golden Lions), it took its current name from a brief spell of ownership by Count Jan Karel Špork.

How do you get to Šporkův palác?

The palace sits in the heart of Malá Strana, a few minutes on foot from Charles Bridge and Malostranské náměstí. The easiest approach is to walk uphill from the Malostranská tram stop (lines 12, 15, 20, 22) or the metro station of the same name, following Vlašská and then Šporkova street past the Vrtba Garden. This is strictly pedestrian territory — narrow lanes and steep grades rule out driving — and the nearest parking is around Úvoz street or Malostranské náměstí.

What's the history behind the palace?

Medieval townhouses stood on this site as early as 1463–1464, according to the earliest records. Ownership changed hands repeatedly over the following centuries; by the early 17th century the property belonged to Valentin Kochan z Prachové. The turning point came in 1694, when Count Karel Joachim z Bredy bought the run-down site and built a three-storey baroque palace in its place. A further high-baroque remodeling between 1723 and 1726 gave the building the architectural form it still shows today.

In the 18th century the palace briefly passed to Jan Karel Špork, the man whose name it still carries, even though the Sporck family's ownership was relatively short-lived. In 1777 the building was functionally joined to the neighboring Vlašský špitál (Italian Hospital), and a maternity ward — well equipped for its era — was set up inside.

Since the second half of the 19th century the palace has served the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo, who work at the nearby Pod Petřínem hospital. It remains the seat of the congregation's mother superior general today and is also known as Dům svaté Notburgy (House of St. Notburga). A full renovation of the complex took place between 1992 and 1996, stabilizing the structure and restoring the facades.

What will you actually see there?

Because the building houses a religious congregation, the interior is closed to visitors — the draw here is the architecture itself, viewed from the street. Look for the three-storey baroque facade and the proportions typical of Prague palaces from the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries, which sit comfortably among Malá Strana's other historic buildings. Šporkova itself is one of the quieter Prague lanes: cobblestones, a small-scale streetscape, and the green backdrop of Petřín give a very different feel from the crowds on Charles Bridge, just a short walk away.

Following the street uphill leads straight toward Petřín, where you can continue to the Petřín Lookout Tower, the mirror maze, or further on to Strahov Monastery.

When's the best time to visit?

Since a visit here means admiring the facade rather than touring an interior, there's no opening schedule or ticket to plan around — any time of year or day works. Late afternoon gives the best light for photographing Malá Strana's facades, when the low sun rakes across the stonework. It's worth avoiding only the busiest midday hours in high season, when the main routes up to Prague Castle get crowded — side streets like Šporkova stay comparatively calm even then.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside Šporkův palác? No — the building is home to the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo and isn't open to visitors. It can only be seen from the street.

Where does the palace's name come from? From Count Jan Karel Špork, who owned it in the 18th century, although it was earlier known as Piccolominiovský palác or Dům U Dvou zlatých lvů.

Is there an entrance fee? There's no admission to speak of, since the interior isn't accessible — the visit is purely about the exterior view.

What else is nearby? The Vrtba Garden, Malostranské náměstí, Charles Bridge, and Petřín hill with its lookout tower are all within a few minutes' walk.