For over 1000 years, Prague Castle on Hradčany Hill has been the political and cultural center not only of the city, but also of the nation. With its three castle courtyards, it is said to be the largest enclosed castle complex in the world.
Prague Castle was built in the 9th century, although not in its current dimensions. Over the course of time, it has changed its shape several times. In the middle of the 14th century, St. Vitus Cathedral was added, the towers of which still tower over the castle complex today. Prague Castle is actually more a coherent complex of many buildings than a single "castle". Despite all this, the function of the castle has remained constant throughout the period of rebuilding and additions. Even today, it still has a very important function: it is the residence of the President of the Czech Republic.
A scene that was to change the whole of Europe took place here in May 1618: The governor of the Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand II was thrown out of the window. This Second Defenestration of Prague was the trigger for the Thirty Years' War. The room in the Ludwig Wing where the event took place still exists.
Prague Castle at dusk © thebettervacation.com
Numerous buildings and sights are part of the castle complex and you can spend a lot of time here:
- The Golden Lane: It costs an extra entrance fee, but you can visit the cute alley where Franz Kafka once lived. You can also see the armor collection in the battlements and souvenir stores.
- St. Vitus Cathedral: If you want, you can climb the tower. However, the richly decorated façade and the interior with its ornate windows (one of which was designed by Alfons Mucha) are particularly worth seeing.
- The changing of the guard ceremony takes place every lunchtime in the courtyard of honor (12 noon).
- The courtyard of honor forms the entrance to the complex from the west.
- The Heilig-Kreutz Chapel, where the cathedral treasury used to be kept.
- You can stroll through numerous gardens around the castle, such as the King's Garden or the Paradise Garden.
- The National Gallery in the Sternberg Palace on Hradčany Square with works from antiquity to the Baroque period.
- The memorial obelisk for the victims of the First World War
Prague Castle is a must-see for all visitors to the city!
