Prague Castle

Prague Castle

Prague Castle is the most important Czech castle standing on a rocky promontory above the Vltava river in Prague. It arose from a fortified settlement founded in the 9th century.

The castle was a seat of kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia. For example in 1918, the castle became the seat of the president of the new Czechoslovak Republic T.G. Masaryk.

According to the Guinness Book of Records, Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world. There are many sculptures, statues, fountains, towers and gardens.

You can find there historical buildings like:

• Old Royal Palace
  • It served as the seat of Czech kings and princes 10 to 16 century. Its Vladislav Hall is used for inaugurations, being the most important representative hall in the country. And there you can also find there a copy of the crown.
• Vitus Cathedral
  • Vitus Cathedral is the largest and the most important temple in Prague. Religious services, coronations of Czech kings and queens took place here. And this Cathedral is also place of burial of several patron saints, sovereigns, noblemen and archbishops (e.g.: Ottokar II of Bohemia, Charles IV,…)
  • Great South Tower of the Cathedral
• George’s Basilica
  • George’s Basilica originated as the second church at Prague Castle. It’s the burial place of Vratislav I. (founder of basilica) and St. Ludmila.
• Golden Lane
  • The area of the northern bailey was used for the building of modest dwellings, which are now the last remainder of the small-scale architecture. Currently, there are galleries, original shops and exposure.
• Mihulka Powder Town
  • It’s cylindrical stone tower, built in the late 15th century as a part of the new bulwarks designed by Benedikt Ried.
• Rosenberg Palace
  • Was built by the Rosenberg family (1545 – 1574) and then, in 1600, became the property of the emperor Rudolf II. In the 18th century was radically rebuilt to house the Institute of Noblewomen.

Opening hours:

• Summer Tourist Season (April 1 till October 31)
  • Prague Castle complex
    • 6.00 – 22.00
  • Historical buildings
    • 9.00 – 17.00
• Winter Tourist Season (November 1 till March 31)
  • Prague Castle complex
    • 6.00 – 22.00
  • Historical buildings
    • 9.00 – 16.00