Prague Castle: A Majestic Journey Through History
Prague Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as a symbol of Czech history and culture. As the largest ancient castle in the world, it encompasses a variety of architectural styles from Gothic to Romanesque.
History:
Founded in the 9th century by Prince Bořivoj, Prague Castle has been the seat of Czech kings, emperors, and presidents for over a thousand years. It has witnessed numerous historical events, including coronations, battles, and political upheavals, making it a central piece of Czech history.
Visitor Attractions:
Prague Castle offers a wealth of sights to explore:
- St. Vitus Cathedral: The largest and most important church in the Czech Republic.
- Old Royal Palace: Home to the famous Vladislav Hall.
- St. George’s Basilica: A beautiful example of Romanesque architecture.
- Golden Lane: Quaint, colorful houses that once housed castle guards and goldsmiths.
- Royal Gardens: Stunning gardens with historical greenhouses and fountains.
- Changing of the Guard: Witness the ceremonial Changing of the Guard at the main gate of Prague Castle, which takes place every hour. The noon change includes a fanfare and banner exchange, adding a unique cultural experience to your visit.
My instagram reels:
Great South Tower of the Cathedral
Opening Hours for Prague Castle
Summer Season (April 1 – October 31):
- Grounds: 6 AM – 10 PM
- Buildings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Winter Season (November 1 – March 31):
- Grounds: 6 AM – 10 PM
- Buildings: 9 AM – 4 PM
Great South Tower of St. Vitus Cathedral:
- 10 AM – 6 PM
Exhibition Halls:
- 10 AM – 6 PM
Prague Castle Gardens:
- Royal Garden, Stag Moat, South Gardens:
- April – June: 10 AM – 7 PM
- July – August: 10 AM – 8 PM
- September: 10 AM – 7 PM
- October: 10 AM – 5 PM
- The Garden on the Bastion: 6 AM – 10 PM
Ticket Prices:
- Prague Castle – Main Circuit
- (Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, Golden Lane, St. Vitus Cathedral): 450 CZK
- Prague Castle – Permanent Exhibitions
- (Story of Prague Castle, Castle Guard Exhibition, Prague Castle Picture Gallery, Rosenberg Palace): 300 CZK
- Prague Castle Picture Gallery: 200 CZK
- Tower of the Cathedral with a view Gallery: 200 CZK
Maximize Your Prague Castle Visit with the Prague Visitor Pass
With the Prague Visitor Pass, you can enjoy free access to a circuit that includes St. George’s Basilica, St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, Golden Lane, and Daliborka Tower.
Plus you get a discount on a visit to the South Tower of the Cathedral.
Interesting Facts About Prague Castle
- Home to the Czech Crown Jewels: Prague Castle houses the Czech Crown Jewels, which are rarely displayed to the public. The set includes the Crown of Saint Wenceslas, a royal orb, and a scepter. They are stored in a chamber with seven locks, each key held by a different official.
- Golden Lane’s Mystical Alchemists: Golden Lane, within the castle grounds, is famous for its colorful tiny houses. Legend has it that alchemists lived here during the reign of Emperor Rudolf II, attempting to discover the Philosopher’s Stone and turn base metals into gold.
- The Daliborka Tower’s Prisoner: The Daliborka Tower, a former prison within the castle, held the legendary prisoner Dalibor of Kozojedy. According to folklore, Dalibor learned to play the violin while imprisoned, and his music could be heard throughout the city. His story inspired Bedřich Smetana’s opera „Dalibor.“
Enhance Your Prague Castle Experience with a Guided Tour
Take your Prague Castle visit to the next level by joining a guided tour. A knowledgeable guide will provide in-depth insights into the history, architecture, and stories behind the castle’s most significant sites, including St. George’s Basilica, St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane.
Explore Prague Castle with an expert and gain a deeper understanding of its rich heritage.
For more detailed itineraries and hidden gems within the castle complex, check out my Prague Guide & Map, where I share exclusive insights and tips.
Ready to Start Exploring Prague?
Prague Guide & Map
I’ve been roaming the streets of Prague and calling it home for over ten years now. I can’t wait to show you around with my detailed digital guide, packed with itineraries that really bring out the city’s vibrant history, culture, and everyday buzz. I’ve tailored my tips to help you uncover every corner of this enchanting city.
I get it—traveling to a new city can be a bit daunting, what with figuring out how far everything is and not wanting to miss the really cool, lesser-known spots. That’s exactly why I put together this guide, complete with an interactive map to take the guesswork out of your adventure.