Discover and visit Prague Castle

Prague Castle is a magnificent testimony to Prague's Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Built in the Middle Ages, it has been the seat of power for over 1000 years.

Today, the castle is open to the public and it is possible to visit it.

The beauty of Prague Castle

The beauty of Prague Castle is famous worldwide and it is one of the most visited sites in the Czech Republic. Prague Castle is composed of several buildings, including St. George's Cathedral, St. James' Basilica, the Royal Palace and Hradčany Castle.

St. George's Cathedral is the largest church in the castle and it houses the relics of Princess Ludmila, grandmother of Saint Wenceslas, the first martyr of Bohemia. St. James' Basilica is a Baroque-style church built in the 17th century. The Royal Palace is the seat of the Czech government and it is open to the public. Hradčany Castle is the oldest building in the castle and it houses the apartments of the Czech president.

It is recommended to take a guided tour to learn more about the history and monuments of the castle.

The history of Prague Castle

Prague Castle is one of the most important historical monuments in the Czech Republic. It was built in the 9th century to protect the royal family that ruled over the Kingdom of Bohemia. This first wooden construction was later replaced by a more permanent stone construction that became the seat of the Kings of Bohemia, then of political and religious power. A princely, royal then imperial residence, it became the seat of the president of the Republic during the dismantling of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918.

The first wooden construction built in 870 was a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Then, in the 10th century, St. George's Basilica and St. Vitus' Basilica were built under the impetus of Vratislaus I, Duke of Bohemia, then his son Saint Wenceslas.

A Romanesque palace was built in the 12th century, but it was King Ottokar II of Bohemia who rebuilt the royal palace to transform it into housing and a place of representation. Charles IV transformed it in Gothic style in the 14th century, then the royal palace was added by King Vladislas II in the 15th century. The Habsburgs then added a touch of Renaissance style to new constructions, the very last reconstruction was carried out by Empress Maria Theresa in the 18th century.

Prague Castle is an open book on the different eras it has gone through over the course of wars, destructions and the desires of the different monarchs who reigned in Prague.

The legends of Prague Castle

Legend has it that a princess, named Libuse, would have given the order to build a fort from Vysehrad by pointing her finger towards the northeast forest. She would have then asked for this fort to be called Praha…

Another legend, the bell of St. Vitus Cathedral would be hung at the end of a rope braided with the golden hair of a princess which must under no circumstances break under penalty of misfortune. It breaks in 2002... That same year, a great flood inundated Prague and the entire country following torrential rains that caused rivers to overflow and provoke a true national catastrophe. This legend unfortunately joined reality…

The grandeur of Prague Castle

Prague Castle is considered one of the largest ancient castles in the world, it is even present in the Guinness Book of Records. This jewel extends over no less than 18 hectares and its surface area is 753,474 m2 with a length of 570 meters and an average width of 130 meters. You better plan good walking shoes if you plan to visit everything!

Today, it houses the National Museum of Prague, the Palace of Archduke Charles, the Golden Lane and several other attractions. The grandeur of Prague Castle is evident as soon as you see it, moreover, it is surrounded by magnificent gardens and interior courtyards that are equally superb and imposing. You can admire statues, fountains and sculptures, as well as a 16th century tropical garden created at the request of Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II.

There are 4 churches at Prague Castle: St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George's Basilica, All Saints Chapel and Holy Cross Chapel.

Prague Castle includes 5 halls, of which the 2 most important are the Spanish Hall and Vladislav Hall, they still host exceptional events today (galas, political dinners...).

The Golden Lane, former goldsmiths' street, is typical of 15th century constructions. You can observe well-preserved medieval buildings housing exhibitions of armor, textiles, scenes of medieval life and local craft shops. Number 22 of the Golden Lane can be visited, it is the site where author Franz Kafka once wrote part of his works while residing with his sister.

The magnificence of Prague Castle and its interior courtyards

Prague Castle is situated on a hill overlooking the city and consists of several interior courtyards.

• The first courtyard, called the Court of Honor, is the largest and most imposing, with its numerous statues and its imposing St. Vitus Cathedral, which dominates the castle.
• The second courtyard, called the Court of Lions, is also impressive, with its central fountain and its two stone lions.
• The third courtyard, called the Royal Court, is smaller but it is just as magnificent, with its French gardens and its baroque palace.

Prague Castle opening hours

The Prague Castle grounds are open daily from 6 am to 10 pm, the historic buildings from 9 am to 5 pm from April 1st to October 31st and from 9 am to 4 pm from November 1st to March 31st.

How much time is needed to visit Prague Castle?

You should allow a good 3 hours to tour the castle which is, as we said above, very large!

Prague Castle is a magnificent and fascinating place that is really worth the detour. If you are in Prague, don't hesitate to take a tour!