Prague Castle Picture Gallery, Prague

Located in the northern wing of the New Palace within the 2nd courtyard, this modest gallery might easily escape notice, yet it offers a treasure trove of artistic delights well worth discovering.

The gallery hosts a permanent exhibition featuring over 100 paintings from the esteemed collection of Rudolf II, a renowned art aficionado who possessed one of the largest private art collections in the 16th century. While some paintings were lost during the turmoil of the Thirty Years' War and others found their way to Vienna and England, Prague Castle still boasts over 4000 fine paintings, with the cream of the crop showcased here.

Among the highlights is Rubens' vibrant masterpiece, "Assembly of the Gods at Olympus", a mesmerizing triple portrait featuring Rudolf II and his Habsburg predecessors, exemplifying the intricate and beguiling style favored by the emperor. Other notable works include Titian's exquisite "Young Woman at Her Toilet" and Tintoretto's gripping "Flagellation of Christ", showcasing the artist's mastery of light and drama.

In addition to paintings, visitors can admire a statuette by the esteemed 16th-century sculptor Hans Mont and marvel at fine jewelry crafted by Italian, German, and Flemish artisans from Rudolf's era.

The gallery's history adds another layer of intrigue, once serving as stables for Rudolf's prized Spanish horses. During renovations in the early 1960s, workers unearthed the remains of a 9th-century church, meticulously preserved for posterity.