Prague, the capital of Czech Republic and to some, the cultural capital of Central Europe, is one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities in Europe, if not the world. It is the 5th most visited city in Europe after London, Paris, Istanbul, and Rome, and for very good reason. With some the continent’s finest architecture, art, and of course - beer, Prague makes for a perfect getaway. Set alongside the serene Vltava River (the longest river in Czech Republic), this city is famous for its mix of Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture. Since this city was almost untouched during WWII, most of its important and historical buildings survive till date, unlike other European cities, which were destroyed and rebuilt. Some of the popular tourist attractions include - St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, Great South Tower, Astronomical Clock, and perhaps the most famous, the Prague Castle.
Prague Castle or “Pražský hrad” is the largest ancient castle in the world, covering an area of almost 70,000 square meters! It is the most visited attraction in Prague and serves as the official office of the President of Czech Republic. But what makes this castle so special? Let’s find out
Prague Castle Tickets
Why Visit Prague Castle
Prague Castle, is the largest castle complex in the world and is 600 meters long. More than a castle, it is like a mini-city with multiple buildings and roads, all encompassed within a fortified wall. One of the most striking and eye-catching features of this castle is that it has a blend of architectural styles. It showcases and represents almost every architectural style and technique used in the last millenium. From the Gothic styled Old Royal Palace to the Romanesque Basilica of St. George to the Renaissance inspired Summer Palace, Belvedere, one can experience the history of this land within the castle complex itself.
This castle has been the seat of power for various monarchs including several Kings of Bohemia, Roman emperors, and since 1918, the official office of the President of Czech Republic. Even the infamous Adolf Hitler spent a night here in 1939, during the Nazi invasion.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site has three courtyards, four churches, and several other important structures and buildings within its complex. Your Prague Castle tickets will help you explore this gorgeous complex and everything within it.
Your Prague Castle Experience
St. Vitus Cathedral
Considered the most important church in the country, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Vitus was built in 1344 by Charles IV, who was the first Bohemian King to become Holy Roman Emperor. This church is a fine example of Gothic and Neo-Gothic architecture with its ornate vaulting and narrow aisles. Apart from being a place of worship, this cathedral was also used for the coronation of several Czech kings and queens, including King Ferdinand V. It is also the burial place of several archbishops and patron saints.
The most outstanding aspect of this Cathedral is the St. Wenceslas Chapel, which contains the relics of the saint, constructed by Peter Parler. In the south-west corner of the chapel, behind a heavily-locked door, lie the Bohemian Coronation Jewels, including the St. Wenceslas Crown, which are open to the public only once every 8 years.
Old Royal Palace
One of the oldest parts of Prague Castle, this Gothic and Renaissance inspired structure was the king’s own palace between 13th-16th century. In the palace is the great Vladislav Hall, named after the king who constructed it - Vladislav Jagiello. It was the biggest hall of its kind in medieval Prague and was used to hold banquets, councils, coronation festivities, and even jousting tournaments, as made evident by the Riders’ Staircase on the northern side. The hall is characterised by the large Italian windows, which are the oldest pieces of Renaissance architecture outside of Italy.
This Palace also houses the All Saints Chapel, which was a Romanesque building made in the 12th century. However, it was badly damaged by a fire in 1541, after which it was rebuilt and integrated with the Vladislav Hall. This chapel holds the tomb of St. Procopius, and is open to the public during religious services and festivals.
St. George's Basilica
This is Prague’s second oldest church and perhaps its most important Romanesque monument. Built in 920 by Vratislaus of Bohemia, this structure, too, succumbed to a fire in 1142, and was subsequently rebuilt. What we see today is a work of the early Baroque years in Prague. Within the basilica is a Gothic style Chapel that was consecrated in remembrance of Ludmila of Bohemia, whose tomb lies here. Today, the Basilica also houses Bohemian Gothic art, and Baroque and Rudolphian period art.
Great South Tower
The tower of the St. Vitus Cathedral was founded in the 14th century, but was later rebuilt in the 16th and 18th centuries. This nearly 100 meter tower provides excellent views of the city, but only to those who are willing to climb to its summit, atop 290 steps. Apart from the great view, the tower also houses the Zikmund - a bell weighing 15 tons, the biggest in the country. The entrance to this tower is in the third courtyard.
Golden Lane
This is a street situated within the castle complex, which was built during the construction of the northern wall of the castle. It was originally built to house Rudolf II’s castle guards, but was subsequently inhabited by goldsmiths, hence the name. One of the main reasons for its fame is Franz Kafka. The esteemed novelist and short-story writer, who was one of the major figures of 20th century literature, resided in house number 22 for 2 years, during the first World War. Another eminent resident of this lane was Jaroslav Seifert, a future Nobel Prize recipient. Currently, many of the houses are used as souvenir shops.
Beating the Queue at Prague Castle
Skip the Line Prague Castle Tickets
Prague Castle is the most visited attraction in Prague, receiving hundreds of thousands of visitors every single day. With such a rush, there are bound to be long, long lines to enter. During the peak tourist season (June-August), the lines to enter and purchase tickets can be as long as 2 hours! However, it is easy to bypass these long queues. Just purchase skip the line tickets online and use the time you save to further explore the castle. Please note that no matter the tickets purchased, you will be required to stand in a line to go through security check.
Prague Castle Guided Tour
Visiting and experiencing the Prague Castle is an amazing affair, no matter how you do it - whether you choose to explore it by yourself or with the help of a professional guide. While exploring the castle by yourself is bound to be fun, there are chances that you may miss out on some really interesting stuff. Taking a guided tour is very, very different, as an experienced and knowledgeable guide will give you lots of insights behind not just the construction of the complex, but also stories about day-to-day life within the castle, making it highly interesting.
Prague Card
The Prague Card is the your ultimate to all things Prague. With access to over 80 attractions - some free of cost and others at heavily discounted rates - it is a tourist's best friend. You can also make use of the public transport unlimited times.
You can read more about the Prague Card, and purchase it, here.
Prague Castle Practical Information
Getting to Prague Castle
- Tram: The closest stations are Královský letohrádek, Pražský hrad, and Pohořelec.
- Metro: The closest stations are Malostranská and Hradčanská.
Timings
Summer (April- October)
Prague Castle complex: Monday - Sunday from 6 AM to 10 PM
Historical buildings: 9 AM to 5 PM
Winter (November - March)
Prague Castle complex: Monday - Sunday from 6 AM to 10 PM
Historical buildings: 9 AM to 4 PM
Insider Tips
- Plan for an early visit. The Palace is open from 9 AM, and the earlier you visit, the lesser the likelihood of you getting stuck in a massive crowd.
- Visit the St. Vitus Cathedral first. This is the most interesting and historic building in the castle, and you definitely don’t want to be too tired, hungry, or sleepy for this part of the tour.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. The castle is massive, so you can be sure that there is going to be a lot of walking involved. Be prepared and put on your best walking shoes.
Prague Castle Reviews
Walked up to this fabulous castle and spent hours wandering through all the attractions that we listed on the entry ticket (not vey dear) and also through a lot more that were free. Amazing castle, fabulous massive church and lots to marvel at inside. Spent the whole day there and still didn't see everything.
Bear in mind that Prague Castle is a fortress; don't expect the Cinderella structure. I enjoy walking around, people watching, and observing the changing of the guard. The views of the city are great from here, and the walk up is invigorating!
Read what others have to say about Prague Castle on TripAdvisor.
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