A narrow street parallel to Nerudova leads to the Castle, extended by a series of ramps and steps. The upper part of the path, once known as the castle's new stairway (Nové zámecké schody), was laid out in 1674. Standing above it is the Renaissance-style Thun Palace. Among the other fine Renaissance and Baroque buildings lining the street and stairs is the splendid Palace of the Lords of Hradec. It adjoins the Italian Embassy, the main entrance of which gives onto Neruda Street.