Unveil the Beauty of Prague Castle

Prague Castle

Prague Castle is no doubt one of the most renowned attractions of Prague. Looming above the left bank of the Vitava, the castle’s serried ranks of palaces, towers, and spires rule the city center as an imposing fortress reminiscent of fairy tales. Inside the walls are a fascinating and varied collection of galleries, museums, and historic buildings that serve as home to some of the greatest cultural and artistic treasures of Czechia.

The history of Prague is believed to have started during the 9th century in Prague Castle itself. It is said that Prince Borivoi was behind this change as he also ordered the construction of a palace, a monastery, and three churches in addition to the castle among other notable landmark edifices. 

Prague Castle experienced its most glorious days of splendor during the time of Rudolf II, the final house of Habsburg members who used the citadel as their primary residence. Even after all the invasions and fires that the castle has been through, towers, halls, chapels, and churches from each one of its best periods of history managed to survive. 


According to the Guinness Book of Records, Prague Castle is the world’s largest ancient castle with its magnitude simply astonishing and jaw-dropping. The complex, with a length of 570m, is more than seven times the size of that of a football pitch. However, the area that houses the castle spans 45 hectares. 

Prague Castle has served as the official residence of the Czech Republic’s presidents since 1918. 

Prague Castle at a Glance 

Prague Castle had to go through significant renovations since the structure itself is so old. Prince Sobéslavy carried out the initial project in the 12th century with more restoration work following the fire in 1541. The third restoration was made under the rule of Empress Maria Theresa and the citadel went through its final renovation at the order of President Masaryk in 1920. 

Prague Castle
Prague Castle is the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic

The changing of the guard takes place every hour. But the best time to visit is during noontime when an exchange of flags is carried out with a music band playing a fanfare from the Plecnik Hall’s windows. 

Visitors often find themselves in awe of the contrast between the minimalism of the Plecnik staircase located on the left side and the golden Baroque staircase balustrade on the right side the moment they pass through the main entrance of the castle. 

The Distinguished Courtyards 

After you pass through the entrance with the replicas of the sculptures of the Battle of the Titans of Ferdinand Platzer flanking both sides, you will be led directly to the first courtyard. While nothing particularly special can be seen here, you will still find the glorious Matthias gate, the Czech Republic’s oldest Baroque monument that will lead you to the second courtyard. 

Prague Castle
A view of the illuminated Prague Castle

This second courtyard features a Baroque fountain in the middle together with a well that dates back to the 17th century with a gorgeous iron gate. This serves as the home to the Chapel of the Holy Cross which is housed inside the previous sacristy of St Vitus Cathedral that is currently home to a gift store. You can also find the Rudolph Gallery and the Spanish Hall, both of which are booked for the state receptions. 

There is also the Picture Gallery of Prague Castle found in the second courtyard’s Renaissance stables. It showcases a portion of the Habsburgs’ collection which started in 1650, displaying pieces by Titian, Tintoretto, and Rubens. 

A Majestic Cathedral within a Castle

The moment you leave the second courtyard, expect to be greeted by the façade of the Gothic St Vitus Cathedral whose very first stone was laid in 1344 by Emperor Charles IV himself. 

If you still have some time to spare and you don’t have any issues with claustrophobia, don’t miss the chance to climb the Great South Tower which stands at a height of 96m. The moment you reach the top, you will see the picturesque views as a reward for the effort you made.

Virtual Tour of Prague Castle

Great treasures await you inside the cathedral including the crown jewels of the Kings of Bohemia, St Wenceslaus’ Chapel, the Mausoleum and the Royal Oratory, the sepulcher of St John of Nepomuk, and the tomb of St Vitus. 

You can instantly identify the third courtyard of the castle because of the granite monolith that was made to commemorate the First World War victims. This is also where you can find the replica of St George’s statue’s bronze sculpture. You will also see the Old Royal Palace here which dates back to 1135, as well as the Vladislav Hall which serves as the place where all of the Czech Republic’s presidents were sworn in. 

There is a vital collection of artifacts associated with the history of the castle found under the Old Royal Palace including the coat of mail and helmet of St Wenceslaus, crown jewels, and illuminated manuscripts. Various scale models of the castle are also housed here. 

The Powder Tower

You will see the eponymous convent and basilica on the neighboring St George’s Square and the Powder Tower constructed during the late 15th century as the defence of the castle. After this, you will reach George Street, the road that begins at St George’s Basilica and leads all the way to the castle’s eastern gate. 

On your way there, you will also come across Golden Lane, the lovely cobble street. Some of the colorful houses in this street served as the home to Franz Kafka and Jaroslav Seifert, the Nobel Prize winner in literature. 

Daliborka Tower is located at one end. This round tower served as the prison that housed Dalibor of Kozojedy who supported the 1498 peasant revolution. If you still have some time, you will also see numerous historic buildings that you shouldn’t miss exploring. 

Wrapping It Up 

Prague Castle is a notable landmark that any tourist will instantly fall in love with the moment they see it with their own eyes. From the moment you set foot at the complex, be ready to be engrossed in its rich and varied history. 

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