October 3, 2024
Prague Castle is a vast complex of palaces, churches, historical buildings, and stunning gardens. Its history dates back to the 9th century, making it one of the most historically significant sites in the region. While it remains the seat of government in Prague, it is also a major tourist attraction, rivaling the Prague Old Town in popularity.
Prague Castle is open to everyone for free. However, you need to go through security checks to get in like you were at the airport. Expect long queue especially during Summer.
There are three courtyards inside the castle
First Courtyard and Matthias Gate: Enter the castle through the grand Matthias Gate, built in 1614, marking the shift from the Baroque exterior to the castle's series of courtyards.
Second Courtyard: Home to the elegant Spanish Hall and the Chapel of the Holy Cross, this courtyard is often used for state events.
Third Courtyard: Dominated by St. Vitus Cathedral, the largest and most important church in the country, renowned for its Gothic architecture and housing the tombs of Bohemian kings and the Czech crown jewels.
Old Royal Palace: Situated in the third courtyard, the palace includes Vladislav Hall, an impressive medieval space that hosted banquets, coronations, and jousting tournaments.
St. George's Basilica: One of Prague's oldest churches, this Romanesque structure now serves as a concert venue, offering a glimpse into early Czech religious architecture.
The New Provost’s Residence, one of the many buildings within the castle complex, is the official office and residence of the Prague bishops.
Prague Castle also houses exhibitions of old weapons, offering a glimpse into the castle's rich history as a defensive stronghold.
Golden Lane: A charming, colorful street where castle guards and goldsmiths once lived, now a museum that showcases medieval life.
Great South Tower of St. Vitus Cathedral: Housing the country’s largest bell, the Clock Tower offers breathtaking views of Prague, accessible after climbing 287 steps.
Royal Garden and Summer Palace: Explore the beautifully landscaped Royal Garden, designed for royal leisure in the 16th century, and admire the Renaissance-style Summer Palace of Queen Anne.
Prague Castle holds immense historical importance, symbolizing Czech statehood, religion, and political power. It has witnessed empires rise and fall, royal ceremonies, and key political events, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Central European history.
Prague Castle is open to everyone for free. However, you need to go through security checks to get in like you were at the airport. Expect long queue especially during Summer.
There are three courtyards inside the castle
First Courtyard and Matthias Gate: Enter the castle through the grand Matthias Gate, built in 1614, marking the shift from the Baroque exterior to the castle's series of courtyards.
Second Courtyard: Home to the elegant Spanish Hall and the Chapel of the Holy Cross, this courtyard is often used for state events.
Third Courtyard: Dominated by St. Vitus Cathedral, the largest and most important church in the country, renowned for its Gothic architecture and housing the tombs of Bohemian kings and the Czech crown jewels.
Old Royal Palace: Situated in the third courtyard, the palace includes Vladislav Hall, an impressive medieval space that hosted banquets, coronations, and jousting tournaments.
St. George's Basilica: One of Prague's oldest churches, this Romanesque structure now serves as a concert venue, offering a glimpse into early Czech religious architecture.
The New Provost’s Residence, one of the many buildings within the castle complex, is the official office and residence of the Prague bishops.
Prague Castle also houses exhibitions of old weapons, offering a glimpse into the castle's rich history as a defensive stronghold.
Golden Lane: A charming, colorful street where castle guards and goldsmiths once lived, now a museum that showcases medieval life.
Great South Tower of St. Vitus Cathedral: Housing the country’s largest bell, the Clock Tower offers breathtaking views of Prague, accessible after climbing 287 steps.
Royal Garden and Summer Palace: Explore the beautifully landscaped Royal Garden, designed for royal leisure in the 16th century, and admire the Renaissance-style Summer Palace of Queen Anne.
Prague Castle holds immense historical importance, symbolizing Czech statehood, religion, and political power. It has witnessed empires rise and fall, royal ceremonies, and key political events, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Central European history.
If you're coming from Mala Strana, you'll arrive at Hradčanské náměstí, which leads to the main entrance of the castle. The First Courtyard serves as the castle’s main entrance, featuring gateways adorned with statues of fighting Titans. The parapets are intricately designed with additional statues and sculptures. Every hour, a low-key changing of the guards takes place here, while at midday, a ceremonial changing of the guards is accompanied by a fanfare. Surrounding Hradčanské Square are notable landmarks like the Archbishop’s Palace and a large statue of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, the first president of Czechoslovakia.
Statue of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, TGM Prague Castle
Around the Hradcanske square is the Archibishop Palace and the large statue of the first president of Czecholslovakia
Around the Hradcanske square is the Archibishop Palace and the large statue of the first president of Czecholslovakia
Archibishop Palace, Prague Castle
The Archibishop Palace is at the Hradcanske Square, located before the main entrance and to the first courtyard.
The Archibishop Palace is at the Hradcanske Square, located before the main entrance and to the first courtyard.
If you go to the castle from the gardens via the Metronome, you can enter directly into the second courtyard passing through Imperial stable.
In the southeastern corner of the second courtyard stands the Chapel of the Holy Cross, while the fountain, known as Kohl's Fountain or the Lion Fountain, adds to the charm of the space.
A gated well is also visible in the second courtyard. From here, you walk through the New Royal Palace, the current seat of the President of the Czech Republic, to reach the third courtyard.
In the southeastern corner of the second courtyard stands the Chapel of the Holy Cross, while the fountain, known as Kohl's Fountain or the Lion Fountain, adds to the charm of the space.
A gated well is also visible in the second courtyard. From here, you walk through the New Royal Palace, the current seat of the President of the Czech Republic, to reach the third courtyard.
At the heart of the castle complex, in the third courtyard, stands the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral, which dominates the entire area. The cathedral’s western façade, the main entrance, though it looks ancient, was actually built between 1873 and 1929. The three portals at the entrance are adorned with reliefs depicting scenes from the cathedral’s construction and legends of St. Wenceslas and St. Adalbert.
From the second courtyard, walk through The New Royal Palace to the third courtyard. This palace is the seat of the President of the Czech Republic.
The Old Royal Palace, which also opens onto the third courtyard, was once home to Czech princesses in the 12th century and served as the royal residence from the 13th to the 16th century. Today, it houses Vladislav Hall, where important state events, such as the election of the President, are held.
From the second courtyard, walk through The New Royal Palace to the third courtyard. This palace is the seat of the President of the Czech Republic.
The Old Royal Palace, which also opens onto the third courtyard, was once home to Czech princesses in the 12th century and served as the royal residence from the 13th to the 16th century. Today, it houses Vladislav Hall, where important state events, such as the election of the President, are held.
One of the cathedral's most iconic features is the 96.5-meter Great South Clock Tower. For a small fee, visitors can climb it for breathtaking panoramic views of Prague. The southern entrance, now no longer in use to preserve the delicate 14th-century doors, was once the main entrance to the cathedral. Above this entrance is the famous Golden Gate, decorated with a colorful mosaic depicting the Last Judgment. This southern side of the cathedral faces the third courtyard of Prague Castle.
St. George's Basilica, the second-oldest church in Prague, is located within the Prague Castle complex. Its Romanesque architecture, with origins dating back to the 10th century, once served as the home of the Benedictine nuns. Today, the basilica houses the 19th-century Bohemian Art Collection of the National Gallery in Prague. Nearby, the Maria Theresa entrance leads to the Rosenberg Palace, an institute for noblewomen established in honor of Empress Maria Theresa of the Habsburg dynasty, who ruled as Queen of Bohemia from 1743 to 1780.
Golden Lane, a charming street behind the castle, is lined with small, picturesque houses. These miniature dwellings date back to the 16th century and were originally built to house the castle guards. Entry to Golden Lane is free after 5 p.m., and there's even a drinking fountain where visitors can refill their bottles—much needed during the hot summer months.
Updated on October 3, 2024
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