Prague Castle

Prague Castle is much more than just a monument: it is a historic complex that encompasses over a thousand years of European history. It stands on Hradčany Hill, overlooking the Vltava River, and with its unmistakable silhouette it has become one of the symbols of the Czech nation. Founded around 880 by the Přemyslid prince Bořivoj, it covers an area of approximately 70,000 square metres and is considered the largest continuous castle complex in the world.

Visiting Prague Castle means walking through palaces, courtyards, churches, gardens and fortifications belonging to different periods. It is therefore much more than a simple walk among monuments: every corner of the complex preserves stories, legends, political events and secrets connected to the past of the city and of Europe.

The main entrance is located in Hradčany Square, where visitors are welcomed by the monumental Gate of the Giants. The large statues depict two giants engaged in combat and lead into the First Courtyard. This is also where the changing of the guard takes place every hour, one of the most ceremonial moments of the visit. This area, designed in the Neoclassical style by Niccolò Pacassi, architect to Maria Theresa of Austria, represents the elegant entrance to the most important institutional spaces of the complex. Prague Castle is still the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic today.

Beyond the Second Courtyard, the scene is dominated by the imposing vertical structure of the Cathedral of Saints Vitus, Wenceslas and Adalbert. Considered the spiritual heart of the castle, it is one of the most important masterpieces of European Gothic architecture. Its construction lasted for almost six centuries, from 1344 to 1929, which is why the building features elements belonging to different architectural styles.

Inside the cathedral, light passes through magnificent stained-glass windows, including one created by Art Nouveau master Alfons Mucha. One of the most fascinating spaces is the Chapel of St Wenceslas, decorated with semi-precious stones and frescoes depicting episodes from the saint’s life. Equally impressive is the monumental silver tomb of St John of Nepomuk. Those who wish to admire Prague from above can also climb the bell tower, which offers a spectacular view over the red rooftops of Malá Strana and Charles Bridge.

Next to the cathedral stands the Old Royal Palace, which until the 16th century served as the residence of the rulers of Bohemia. Its most famous room is Vladislav Hall, an extraordinary example of Late Gothic architecture. The ceiling is characterised by elaborate ribbed vaults that intertwine to form patterns resembling the petals of a flower carved in stone.

Vladislav Hall was so large that in the past it could even host indoor jousting tournaments. Knights could enter the hall directly on horseback through the distinctive Riders’ Staircase. Not far away is the Bohemian Chancellery, connected to one of the most important episodes in European history: the famous Defenestration of Prague in 1618. This event contributed to the outbreak of the Thirty Years’ War, which would profoundly change the balance of power in modern Europe.

Continuing eastward, the richness of Gothic architecture gives way to the more austere forms of St George’s Basilica. Easily recognisable by its red Baroque façade and two white stone towers, it is the oldest religious building in the complex to have survived to the present day in its original structure. The simple yet atmospheric interior preserves a Romanesque style that contrasts with the Baroque style of the adjoining chapel. Some of the earliest members of the Přemyslid dynasty are also buried in its crypts.

Among the unmissable stops at Prague Castle is the Golden Lane, a small street nestled within the fortress walls and lined with tiny, brightly coloured houses. The dwellings were originally built to house the king’s marksmen and today help create one of the most fairy-tale-like atmospheres in the entire complex.

According to legend, during the reign of Rudolf II, some of these houses were inhabited by alchemists searching for the secret of turning lead into gold. House number 22, recognisable by its distinctive blue façade, was instead used as a home and workplace by the writer Franz Kafka, who found inspiration in the dreamlike and labyrinthine atmosphere of this place. Today, several of the small houses contain historical reconstructions dedicated to the lives of former craftsmen, as well as small shops where visitors can find products such as crystal and traditional marionettes.

At the end of the Golden Lane stands Daliborka Tower, a former prison named after its first inmate, the knight Dalibor. Legend has it that during his imprisonment, Dalibor learned to play the violin.

The visit can continue through the Royal Gardens, from which Prague Castle and its fortifications can be admired from a different perspective. Designed according to Renaissance principles, they are home to Queen Anne’s Summer Palace, considered one of the most beautiful Renaissance palaces in Europe, and the historic Ball Game Hall. During spring and summer, these green spaces also offer a pleasant alternative to the more crowded areas of the complex.

Prague Castle can almost be considered a city within the city. One of the best times to visit is early in the morning, continuing your exploration until sunset, when the cathedral and the other buildings in the complex take on a particularly evocative atmosphere and seem to tower above Prague’s historic centre.

Visiting Prague Castle therefore means much more than admiring a series of monuments. It is a journey through centuries of history, architecture, legends, political events, moments of glory and tragedies that have helped shape one of the most fascinating capitals in the world.