Liechtenstein Palace

The Liechtenstein Palace on Lesser Town Square is one of Prague's first large Baroque buildings, constructed in the 16th century for Karel of Liechtenstein. Karel — known as the "Bloody Liechtenstein" — sentenced and executed 27 leaders of the Bohemian Estates uprising here in 1621, an event commemorated by 27 cast-iron heads on stone pillars in front of the palace. The palace later served variously as a post office, military headquarters, and Communist Party venue. Today it houses the Music Faculty of the Academy of Performing Arts (HAMU) and contains the Bohuslav Martinů Hall — a concert hall with a new organ — alongside an exhibition hall, recording studio, and summer garden. The Martinů Hall hosts regular classical concerts featuring works by Mozart, Dvořák, Smetana, Vivaldi and others, performed by student ensembles and professional groups alike. One of the more intimate and affordable classical music venues in Prague.