Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) is not just a single building but a sprawling complex that holds the Guinness World Record for the largest ancient castle in the world. Covering an area of almost 70,000 square meters (750,000 square feet), it dominates the skyline of Prague from its perch on a hill overlooking the Vltava River. Founded around the year 880 by Prince Bořivoj of the Premyslid dynasty, it has been the seat of power for Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic.
St. Vitus Cathedral: A Gothic Masterpiece
The dominant feature of the castle skyline is the St. Vitus Cathedral. Construction began in 1344 under the orders of Emperor Charles IV but was not fully completed until 1929, spanning nearly 600 years. As a result, the cathedral is a fascinating blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.
- The Crown Jewels: The cathedral houses the Bohemian Crown Jewels, including the St. Wenceslas Crown. Legend has it that any usurper who places the crown on his head will die within a year—a myth famously linked to Nazi protector Reinhard Heydrich during WWII.
- Stained Glass: The interior features breathtaking stained glass windows, including one designed by the famous Art Nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha.
- Royal Crypt: The final resting place of Czech kings and Holy Roman Emperors, including Charles IV and Rudolf II.
Golden Lane & The Alchemists
One of the most picturesque parts of the complex is Golden Lane (Zlatá ulička), a narrow street lined with tiny, colorful houses built into the castle's fortifications. Originally constructed in the 16th century for the castle's marksmen, legends say it was later inhabited by alchemists trying to turn base metals into gold for Emperor Rudolf II.
Famous residents include the writer Franz Kafka, who lived in house No. 22 from 1916 to 1917, finding peace there to write his stories.
The Old Royal Palace & Defenestration
The Old Royal Palace is one of the oldest parts of the castle, famous for the massive Vladislav Hall. Built between 1493 and 1502, its intricate stone vaulting was an architectural marvel of its time. The hall was so large that knights could hold jousting tournaments inside.
The palace was also the site of the Defenestration of Prague in 1618, when Protestant nobles threw two Catholic imperial governors out of a window. They survived the 21-meter (70-foot) fall—Catholics claimed they were saved by angels, while Protestants insisted they landed in a pile of manure. This event triggered the Thirty Years' War.
Gardens and Views
The castle is surrounded by lush gardens, including the Royal Garden and the South Gardens, which offer some of the best panoramic views of Prague's red-tiled roofs and the Charles Bridge.
Visitor Tips
- Changing of the Guard: The ceremonial Changing of the Guard takes place daily at 12:00 noon in the first courtyard, complete with a fanfare.
- Security Checks: All visitors must pass through security frames at the entrance. Arrive early (around 9 am) to avoid long queues.
- Ticket Types: You can walk through the castle grounds for free, but you need a ticket to enter the main historic buildings like the Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane.