Belvedere (Royal Summer Palace), Prague

Positioned at the eastern edge of the Royal Garden, north of Prague Castle, the Royal Summer Palace, also known as the Belvedere, stands as a testament to Renaissance elegance, garnering recognition as one of the most splendid structures of its kind north of the Alps. Crafted by Italian architects in the mid-1500s at the behest of Ferdinand I for his consort Queen Anne, its distinctive copper roof, reminiscent of an upturned boat's keel, gracefully crowns the ground floor's arcades. Adorning the arches between the thirty-six columns of the ornate arcade are 114 reliefs portraying scenes from royal hunts, battles, and tales from Greek and Roman mythology, with one tender relief capturing Ferdinand I presenting a flower to his beloved queen.

Originally serving as an observatory due to its secluded locale, the palace's first floor boasts a remarkable fresco chronicling pivotal moments in Czech history. While the ground floor once housed drawing rooms and ballrooms, it now serves as a venue for temporary exhibitions of creative art and artistic crafts.

Adjacent to the summer palace lies the geometrically arranged Renaissance-style 'giardinetto' (little garden), featuring another masterpiece: the Singing Fountain. Designed by Italians and crafted by Czech artisans, this fountain emanates a melodic resonance from the cascading water. To fully immerse oneself in its tranquil ambiance and appreciate its serenading melody, visitors are encouraged to crouch beside the fountain basin, allowing their imagination to be captivated by its harmonious song.