Prague Castle

Category: Attractions, Prague Castle

Prague Castle is one of the most visited and most important spots in the entire city; undoubtedly the jewel of the Czech capital. The Castle is an ancient symbol of Czech lands and was most likely founded around the year 880 by Prince Borivoj. The Castle itself is like a small town, and according to the Guinness Book of World Records it is the largest coherent castle complex in the world. It covers an area of 70,000 square metres and is still in use today.

The complex itself is located on the top of a hill along the left bank of the Vltava River. The Castle itself might not look like a traditional castle, because it spreads more horizontally than vertically.

One of the main sights attracting tourists is St Vitus cathedral. This building dates to the 14th century and is constructed in a Gothic style, adorned with gargoyles. Inside the cathedral, visitors are treated to elaborate tombs, and you can even climb to the top of the bell tower, which is the tallest spot in the Castle and allows beautiful views of the entire city. The cathedral has side-chapels, the most remarkable of which is the Chapel of St Wenceslas with its walls of polished semi-precious stones.

All around the Castle are points of interest. For example, the “Golden Lane” is a series of small shops that once served as housing for the palace guards; the Old Royal Palace with its beautiful late Gothic vaulted roof, which is one of the oldest extant parts of the Castle; the Basilica of St George; and the museum of Czech history housed in Lobkowicz Palace. Also nearby is the Daliborka Tower, named for a nobleman once imprisoned there, and the Powder Tower where alchemists once worked to try and turn metal into gold.

 

Seat of the President

Prague Castle is the seat of the President of the Republic. It is also the historical and political centre of the city and our state. Two monumental statues of battling Titans over the front gate set the mood as you enter into the vast Castle complex, which includes a palace, three churches, royal stables, a monastery and of course the manicured surrounding gardens. Supreme and towering over Prague is the magnificent and huge St Vitus cathedral.

 

Changing of the Guard

This is a ceremony that takes place at the Castle every day from 5am until 11pm. The changing of the guard at noon also includes a fanfare and a flag ceremony in the First Courtyard.

 

Prague Castle Tours

Tours are available in two main forms. The long tour includes the Old Royal Palace, the exhibition entitled “The Story of Prague Castle”, St George’s Basilica, the Convent of St George, the National Gallery, Prague Castle Picture Gallery and Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower. The short tour includes the Old Royal Palace, St George’s Basilica and Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower. All tours are guided by professionals and can be heard in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian and Russian.

 

How to Get to Prague Castle

Getting There on Foot

As a starting point, we recommend the Metro station Malostranská (line A), located just below Prague Castle. From there you will step up on the Old Castle Stairway (Staré zamecké schody) and directly to the Castle gate. Another recommended option is from Lesser Town Square via Nerudova Street – a bit of a steep walk too. You will end up in front of the main entrance to the Castle. This option is not suitable for less energetic seniors.

Getting There by Tram

If you prefer not to do such a steep walk up Old Castle Stairway, you can take either tram No.22 or No.23 up to the hill to get off at the stop for Pražský Hrad.

Other tram stops include:

• Královský letohrádek (Belveder) – start with the Royal Garden, Belveder and Ballgame Hall, then cross the Deer Moat bridge to get to the Second Courtyard. The Royal Garden and Deer Moat are closed from November through March.

• Pohořelec – walk to the Castle through Hradčany and you will arrive at the main entrance.

 

Entrance Fees

Entrance fees are required for a few selected areas, but visitors can walk freely through the grounds and even into the larger portion of the cathedral. A collective ticket can be purchased at the information office. Allow a minimum of four hours for a visit. Other information can be found on the official website for Prague Castle.

Long visit ticket (price 350 CZK): Cathedral of St Vitus, Old Royal Palace, permanent exhibition “The Story of Prague Castle”, St George‘s Basilica, Convent of St George, National Gallery, Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower, Prague Castle Picture Gallery, Powder Tower, Rosenberg Palace.

Short visit ticket (price 250 CZK): Cathedral of St Vitus, Old Royal Palace, St George‘s Basilica, Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower Exhibition “The Story of Prague Castle”, Prague Castle Picture Gallery, Powder Tower, Rosenberg Palace, Great South Tower of Cathedral of St Vitus.

 

Prague Castle Opening Hours

During the summer season (April – September), the Castle complex is open daily from 5am to midnight. Places where tickets are required are open from 9am to 6pm. Prague Castle Gardens together with the Deer Moat are open according to the months: April and October from 10am to 6pm; May and September from 9am to 7pm; August from 9am to 8pm; June and July from 9am to 9pm. During the winter season (October – March), the Castle complex is open daily from 6am to 11pm. Places where tickets are required are open from 9am to 4pm. Prague Castle Gardens, including the Deer Moat and the Riding School Terrace, are closed.

 

Castle Tips

Do not miss Golden Lane but, if you are tempted do some shopping there, be aware this is the most expensive shopping area in the whole of Prague, followed by Pařížská Street. Dining or even lunch at Prague Castle can be very nice, but is certainly very expensive too. If you are visiting the Castle with children, you might wish to visit the Toy Museum. The Information Center is located in the third courtyard.

 

History of Prague Castle

The castle itself dates back to the 9th century, but has been added to on several occasions.  Therefore, the castle includes several different architectural styles including a Romanesque palace built in the 12th century and a rebuilding effort led in the 14th century resulted in a Gothic style.  The early medieval castle is made of clay and stones and completed with a traditional moat.  The castle has also seen several prosperous times including during the rule of Emperor Charles IV in the middle of the 14th century.  At this time, it became an imperial residence and the seat of the ruler of the Holy Roman Empire.  Another important time in the castle’s history came in 1483 when new fortifications were made.  After a fire in the year 1541, an enlargement of the castle took place in the 16th century.  The last great building effort took place in the second half of the 18th century, however when the capital was moved to Vienna, it began to fall on hard times.  Today, reconstruction is still going on in an effort to make the entire facility open to all visitors.  In addition, the castle is now not only the seat for the head of state, it also houses the crown jewels, the relics of the Bohemian kings as well as Christian relics and important historical documents.