Prague Castle looks almost like a small town itself. It is the largest ancient castle in the world (570m long and on average 128m wide). It is also the former place where the Czech kings, Holy Roman Emperors and presidents of the Czech Republic have had their offices. So it is no wonder this is the most visited tourist attraction in Prague.

The castle dates back to the 9th century when Prince Borivoj founded and fortified a settlement here. During the 12th century a Romanesque palace was built and then during the 14th century, under the reign of Charles IV, it was rebuilt in Gothic style, the last reconstruction of the Royal palace was made under the rule of the Jagellons at the end of the 15th century. In that time the famous Vladislav Hall appered, constructed in late Gothics style (1497 to 1500, by the builder Benedikt Rejt). An enlargement of the Castle took place in 16th century, after a big fire in 1541. The Spanish Hall in a new part of the Castle was built under the reign of Rudolf 11, its final form later on, under Maria Theresia, according to plans of architect M. Pacassi. After World War 1, the interior and gardens of the Castle were redesigned by architect J. Plecnik.



Prague Castle Guided Tour can be booked here.

How to get to The Prague Castle?
As starting point we recommend metro A station 'Malostranská' which is situated just below the Prague Castle. From there you will step up on 'Staré zamecké schody' (Old Castle Stairway) directly to the Castle Gate.

It is the seat of the President of the Republic and the historical and political centre of the city and state. The changing of the guards at Prague Castle takes place every hour from 5.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m. on the hour, at noon sharp it is accompanied by a solemn fanfare. Two monumental statues of battling Titans over the front gate set the mood as you enter into the vast castle complex, which includes a palace, three churches, royal stables, a monastery and of course the manicured surrounding gardens. Supreme and towering over Prague is the magnificent and huge St Vitus cathedral. Entrance fees are required for a few selected areas but visitors can freely walk through the grounds and even into the larger portion of the cathedral. A collective ticket can be purchased at the information office. Allow a minimum of four hours for a visit. Other information can be found on their official website Prague Castle. The neighbourhood of the Prague Castle is called Hradcany.

Prague Castle is a sprawling complex situated atop a large hill on the left bank of the Vltava River, which runs through old town Prague. It is not exactly a "classic" castle, because portions of it were built in different styles, and it spreads out more horizontally than vertically. But inside the majestic castle, there are many sights and attractions. The main feature is St. Vitus cathedral, an interesting 14th century Gothic structure adorned with fascinating gargoyles that can be seen easily from a ground level. Inside St. Vitus are some very elaborate tombs, a lot of Czech histories. It is possible and worthwhile to climb to the top of the bell tower, which takes you to the highest point inside the castle, from which there are fabulous views of the castle and old town Prague. Elsewhere around the castle are the "Golden Lane," a series of small, colourful shops that originally served as housing for the palace guards; the throne room for the reigning kings of Bohemia, a great hall that looks like it hasn't changed in 500 years; and a Czech art museum. There's also a toy museum, which really has nothing to do with the castle, but contains some very interesting old and new toys. The changing of the palace guard is an entertaining affair, sort of a poor man's version of London's Buckingham Palace routine.

In general, Prague is a wonderful city to visit, with many well-preserved medieval attractions and a slightly exotic Eastern European flavour.

The collection of the Prague Castle Gallery, housed in the beautiful Renaissance stables at the northern Second Courtyard contains around 400 paintings and drawings from the sixteenth to eighteenth century (European Art). A few works have survived from the legendary collection of Rudolph II, but most were lost as spoils of war during the seventeenth century, moved to Vienna or sold - either to the Saxons or in the 'Josephine' auction of 1782. Regarded as the most valuable paintings in the collection are Titian's Toilet of a Young Lady, Tintoretto's Flagellation of Christ and Rubens's The Assembly of the Olympic Gods. There are other major works by artists including Hans von Aachen, Domenico Fetti, Bartolomeo Spranger, Paolo Veronese and Jacopo Bassano. Gallery II holds temporary exhibitions, but also has a small permanent exhibition of pieces from the reign of Rudolph II.

Location: Prague Castle Second Courtyard (metro Malostranska). Admission is 100CZK. Open from 10am till 6pm.

How to get there: Nearest metro station is Malostranska, but from there is quite a steep climb up the Old Castle Steps. You can also get off at Hradcanska and walk from there (around 10min.). Another option is to take a tram no. 22 or 23. You can get off at Prague Castle stop or if you want to explore Hradcany could stay on until Pohorelec stop.

Ticket prices: Entry to castle courtyards, gardens and to the nave of Church of sv. Vita is free. There are four types of tickets. Most expensive one is for 350CZK (adult) or 520CZK (family) allowing you see everything or just choose where you want to go and buy an appropriate ticket.

Guided Tours & Information Centre:  opposite the main entrance of the Church of sv. Vita is  an information centre where you can organise guided tour, get maps or tickets. One hour guided tour around castle cost 450CZK per person (plus additional person just 90CZK). There's also currency exchange office and ATM.