Prague Castle is a historic castle complex located in Prague, Czech Republic. It has been an important symbol of the Czech state for over a thousand years and is one of the largest castle complexes in the world.
It's a must-see when you visit Prague, so here's a quick guide if you're planning a trip there.
- About Prague Castle
- What to See in the Prague Castle Complex
- Where to Get Tickets to Prague Castle
- How to Get to Prague Castle
Interesting Facts About Prague Castle
The history of Prague Castle dates back to the 9th century when Prince Bořivoj founded the first fortified settlement on the site. It was later expanded by his son, Duke Spytihněv, who built a stone castle on the hill overlooking the Vltava River.
Over the centuries, Prague Castle was expanded and renovated many times by different rulers and kings, each adding their own architectural and artistic style. In the late 16th century, Prague Castle became a center of art and science.
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| complex grounds of Prague Castle |
Prague Castle played a significant role in Czech history during the 20th century. During World War II, the castle was occupied by the Nazis, and after the war, it became the official residence of Czechoslovakia's presidents. It remained the seat of power for the Czech Republic after the country's peaceful separation from Slovakia in 1993.
Today, Prague Castle is a popular tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can explore the castle complex, which includes several palaces, churches, and museums, as well as the beautiful Royal Garden and St. Vitus Cathedral.
What to See in Prague Castle Complex
The Prague Castle complex is quite large, occupying an area of nearly 750,000 square meters, with many different buildings and attractions, so it can be difficult to see everything in one visit. Here are some of the highlights that you shouldn't miss.
St. Vitus Cathedral
This Gothic cathedral is one of the most impressive buildings in Prague Castle. It was founded in the 14th century by Charles IV and took almost six centuries to complete.
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| St. Vitus Cathedral - the most iconic building in Prague Castle |
It's also the most important church in the country and it has been the seat of the archbishop of Prague since the 14th century. The cathedral is a masterpiece that dominates the skyline of Prague Castle and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.
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| inside the cathedral with the sculpture of St. Adalbert |
Visitors can see the beautiful stained glass windows, the Chapel of St. Wenceslas, and the tombs of many Bohemian kings and saints.
Old Royal Palace
This palace was the residence of Bohemian kings from the 11th to the 17th century. It features impressive vaulted ceilings and the Vladislav Hall, which was used for coronations and other important events.
Here you will also find the famous Vladislav Hall, which is one of the largest and most significant halls within the castle. This large room is often used for important state occasions, such as coronations and presidential inaugurations.
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| Vladislav Hall in the Old Royal Palace |
Golden Lane
Also known as Zlatá ulička, this charming street within the Prague Castle complex is located close to St. Vitus Cathedral.
This street consists of a row of small, colorful houses originally built in the 16th century. These houses were once homes to castle guards and their families. Today, the Golden Lane is a popular tourist attraction with shops selling traditional Czech souvenirs and crafts.
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| the Golden Lane |
St. George's Basilica
St. George's Basilica is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Prague Castle. It was founded in the 10th century by Prince Vratislav I as part of a Benedictine convent.
One of the most impressive features of St. George's Basilica is its interior decoration where you can see beautiful frescoes from the 13th and 14th centuries depicting scenes from the life of St. George, as well as Gothic paintings and sculptures. There's also a beautiful Baroque organ that was built in the 18th century and is still used for concerts and recitals today.
The Powder Tower
This historic tower was originally built in the 15th century as part of the castle's fortifications, and it was used to store gunpowder during the 17th and 18th centuries.
The Powder Tower is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, with its tall spire and intricate details. The tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Prague, and it is a popular attraction for tourists visiting the castle.
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| the Powder Tower |
Visitors can climb to the top of the Powder Tower to enjoy panoramic views of Prague and the surrounding area.
Changing of the Guard
This is a popular attraction for tourists whenever they visit Prague Castle. This ceremony takes place every day at the main entrance of the castle. It happens at noon and lasts for about 30 minutes. The ceremony is performed by the Castle Guard, which is the oldest unit of the Czech Army and is responsible for the protection of the castle.
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| changing of the guard in Prague Castle |
Prague Castle Gardens
These beautiful gardens offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors can see fountains, sculptures, and beautiful views of Prague.
The gardens cover an area of approximately 45 hectares and are among the largest castle gardens in Europe.
Where to Get Tickets to Prague Castle
It's free to enter the castle grounds and the gardens but you'd need tickets if you want to see the buildings and attractions listed above.
You can get tickets to Prague Castle at the ticket office. Since the castle complex consists of several buildings, ticket prices may vary depending on which parts of the complex you want to visit. If you want to visit all the attractions listed above, then you should get the Prague Castle Complex Ticket. I'd recommend this so that you can maximize your visit. Here's how much it costs.
- For adults - CZK 350 or €15
- For students and seniors - CZK 175 or €7.50
It's cheaper if you get your ticket in advance. You can book it via Get Your Guide and it comes with an optional audio guide.
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| main gate to the Prague Castle Complex |
How to Get to Prague Castle
Prague Castle is located on a hill overlooking the city of Prague, and it's easily accessible by public transport or on foot if you're coming from the Old Town.
If going by public transport, take the Metro Line A to the station "Malostranská," then transfer to tram number 22 and ride it to the stop "Pražský hrad" or Prague Castle. You can also take tram number 23 from "Malostranská" to "Pohořelec," which is a short walk from the castle.
If you're coming from the Old Town, you can walk to Prague Castle in about 20-30 minutes, depending on your starting point. The most popular route is to cross the Charles Bridge and continue up the hill towards the castle. Alternatively, you can take Nerudova street, which is a scenic cobbled street that leads up to the castle. This will be quite the hike so make sure to wear comfy footwear.
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| overlooking view of the city from Prague Castle |
If you're traveling to Prague, then you shouldn't miss out on visiting Prague Castle. I would recommend spending at least a couple of hours here. I hope you find this guide helpful when you're planning your trip. If you want a more informative way to see the castle complex, I'd recommend booking a tour with a local guide.
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