Prague Castle
Prague Castle, founded in 870 AD, is Prague’s premier tourist attraction. Located in the Castle District (Hradčany), it is the largest ancient castle in the world, covering an area bigger than seven football fields.
The castle was the seat of Czech kings for centuries, and is now the seat of President of the Czech Republic. Its history begins in the 9th century with the foundation of a fortified element by Prince Bořivoj. It grew as rulers made their own additions, creating a variety of styles. The complex comprises three courtyards and an intriguing mix of palaces, halls, churches and fortifications. St Vitus Cathedral, which looms above the entrance to the Third Courtyard, is the dominant building in the city.
The cathedral’s foundation stone was laid in 1344 by Emperor Charles IV, but it has been bulit and rebuilt over the centuries and the triple doorway dates only from 1953. Take your time and wander around the courtyards, but for anyone with a serious interest in Prague, it is a good idea to enter any of the buildings, viewing towers, museums or art galleries or try to find the famous and secluded Golden Lane.
Moreover, the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place every hour at the front gates and is worth stopping by.
The first courtyard
The First Courtyard is the main entrance to Prague Castle and forms the impressive western side of Castle Square (Hradčanské náměstí). As a result, it is always a very busy space...
The Matthias Gate
The first Baroque structure 1614 at Prague Castle, the Matthias Gate is named after Matthias, Holy Roman Emperor. The inscription in the gable lists his titles, and the gate also features...
The Garden on the Bastion
A peaceful contrast to the bustle of Castle Square, the Garden on the Bastion is located to the left of the First Courtyard. It can be reached through the side entrance to the...
The Spanish Hall
The most striking of the State Rooms at Prague Castle, the glittering and gold and white Spanish Hall, is also the largest chamber, measuring 48 metres long....
The Rudolf Gallery
The long Rudolf Gallery adjoins the Spanish Hall and dates from the same period as its neighbour, at the beginning of the seventeenth century. It is named...
The Picture Gallery of Prague Castle
The Picture Gallery is situated on the ground floor of the northern wing of the Second Courtyard. The rooms housing the gallery underwent gradual restoration and alteration...
The Chapel of the Holy Rood
At the opposite end of the Second Courtyard from the Rudolf Gallery stands the Chapel of the Holy Rood.It was built during reconstruction of the Castle based on designs...
The Cathedral of St Vitus
Encircled by the buildings of the Castle complex, St Vitus Cathedral towers over them and is one of the most famous landmarks in Prague. It is also both the largest church in Prague...
The Old Deanery
Immediately adjacent to the southwestern side of St Vitus Cathedral is the Old Deanery, which was originally the episcopal palace in the Romanesque period...
The Chancellery of the President
The former Chancellery of the President of Czechoslovakia was housed in the buildings lining the southern side of the Third Courtyard, opposite...
The Vladislav Hall
Part of the Royal Palace, the magnificent Vladislav Hall, which is almost 500 years old, is one of the most important parts of Prague Castle because some of the...
The Old Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is one of the most important parts of the Prague Castle complex, and its Gothic appearance contrasts with the eighteenth-century architecture...
The Bohemian Chancellery
The Chancellery is located on the first floor of the Ludvík Wing of the Old Royal Palace and for two centuries was the office of the Royal Governors of Bohemia...
The Hall of the Imperial Court Council
Located on the second floor of Ludvík Wing of the Old Royal Palace, the Hall of the Imperial Court Council is where the affairs of the entire Holy Roman Empire were...
All Saint´s Chapel
The chapel in the Royal Palace was constructed above the old Romanesque chapel of the Princes’ Palace. It was built in the twelfth century by Petr Parléř and modelled...
The Old Diet
Originally part of the palace of King Charles, the Old Diet, part of the Old Royal Palace was rebuilt around 1500. The Old Diet was destroyed in 1541, during the great fire...
Mihulka
This tower became part of the Late Gothic fortifications of Prague Castle at the end of the fifteenth century and is now home to a permanent exhibition...
The Institute of Gentlewomen
In the medieval period the site of this building was occupied by a number of dwellings, including, from the sixteenth century, the Renaissance palace of the Lords of Rožmberk...
The Basilica of St George
Forming the eastern side of the small square at the eastern end of St Vitus Cathedral is the Basilica of St George. It is the oldest surviving church at Prague Castle apart...
The Benedictine Convent
Beside the basilica is the former Benedictine convent, founded by Prince Boleslav’s sister Mlada, and the first convent of its kind in Bohemia. In the Middle Ages, together...
Lobkowicz Palace
The palace dates from the second half of the sixteenth century and was built by the Pernštejn family. Between 1615 and 1668 it was remodelled in the Baroque styl...
The Old Burgrave´s Houe
In the early medieval period the Old Burgrave’s House was the residence of the Prince’s castle-warden and later became the residence of the Lord High Burgave, who...
The Black Tower
The Black Tower dates from the twelfth century and was part of the Romanesque fortifications of the Castle. The Tower, which was also a debtor’s prison, stands...
Golden Lane
Accessed by a small alley off Jiřská, tiny Golden Lane contrasts starkly with the grandeur of much of the rest of the Castle complex. It comprises a row of tiny...
The White Tower
The Tower is part of the Late Gothic fortifications (dating from the fifteenth century) was a state prison from1584. After the Battle of White Mountain, the Estates...
Daliborka
The tower takes its name from Knight Dalibor of Kozojedy, who was imprisoned in it until 1498. His story was the inspiration for the opera Dalibor, composed...
The Garden On the Rampants
Some of the best views of Prague can be obtained from the South Gardens, the Garden on the Ramparts, and the Paradise Garden, a series of beautiful green...
The Ball-Game House
One way of approaching Prague Castle is by tram and embarking at the Prague Castle Pražský hrad stop and walking along U prašného mostu to the Castle...
The Royal Palace
The graceful Royal Summer Palace, whose striking copper roof resembles an upturned boat, stands above the Stag Ditch and forms the eastern boundary...
Old Castle Stairs
One way of approaching Prague Castle is by tram and embarking at the Prague Castle Pražský hrad stop and walking along U prašného mostu to the Castle...