Prague Castle

Prague Castle is perched majestically on the hillside above the Lesser Town. It dominates the city skyline and is Prague's most recognisable landmark.

For parts of the 14th, 16th and 17th centuries, Prague Castle was the seat of the Kings of Bohemia. Today, it is the official residence of the President of Czechia.

Prague Castle is not a single edifice, but a complex of buildings, squares, streets and gardens covering 7 hectares (18 acres). It is centred around three great courtyards and enclosed within thick castle walls.

Prague Castle's eventful history, which spans various political and religious forces, as well as several rebuilding programmes following destructive wars and fires, has produced an intriguing mix of buildings and fortifications: state apartments, great halls, palaces, churches, a monastery, viewing towers, museums and art galleries.

The most prominent building within the Prague Castle complex is St. Vitus Cathedral, the grandest and most important church in Prague.

The coronation of medieval kings and queens was held at St. Vitus. Interred in the royal crypt beneath it are figures of national historical importance, such as Charles IV, Wenceslas IV and Rudolf II.

Visitors can climb the Great South Tower at St. Vitus to enjoy spectacular views over the city.

Another significant monument is the Old Royal Palace, the first residence building of the castle. Originally made of wood, it has since been replaced by a grand Romanesque and Gothic stone structure.

In the Middle Ages, Vladislav Hall at the Old Royal Palace was used for coronation banquets and knights' tournaments.

Also of note are the 16th century Rosenberg Palace and Lobkowicz Palace, and the 15th century Mihulka Powder Tower, which forms part of the Northern Defence Wall. The latter houses an exhibition on the history of the Castle Guard.

Connecting the great courtyards to the outlying castle buildings are a maze of streets, including Golden Lane. From the 15th century, skilled artisans lived and worked in the houses lining Golden Lane, providing goods and services for the inhabitants of Prague Castle.

Famously, the mystical art of alchemy was practised here in the reign of Emperor Rudolf II (1552-1612).

In the first courtyard of Prague Castle, a ceremonial Changing of the Guard is held every day at 12:00. It features a fanfare and flag exchange.

At the entrance gates to Prague Castle, a ceremonial Substitution of the Guard (when the sentries change) is held on the hour every hour, from 07:00 to 18:00.

PRAGUE CASTLE GARDENS

After exploring the main areas of the castle, it can be very pleasant to stroll around the landscaped Prague Castle gardens.

The Royal Garden ("Královská zahrada), open all year round, is a Renaissance garden established in 1534 by Emperor Ferdinand I.

The South Gardens, open March to October, are located on the southern slopes of the castle complex, and on a clear day offer exquisite views over Prague.

HOW TO VISIT PRAGUE CASTLE

Visitors can make their own way up to Prague Castle, either by tram or on foot. There is no charge to enter the Prague Castle complex, to wander around the courtyards, streets and gardens, and to marvel at the historical monuments. However, to see inside any of the buildings requires a Prague Castle Ticket.

The Prague Castle Ticket gains you entry to St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George's Basilica, Old Royal Palace and Golden Lane.

Time is usually the deciding factor. If you only have an hour at the castle, it is pleasurable enough just to wander. If your itinerary allows you several hours, it is worth buying a Prague Castle Ticket because there is plenty to see.

Having said this, the most popular way to visit Prague Castle is on a guided tour. This can be either a dedicated Prague Castle tour or as one of the highlights on a general Prague sightseeing tour.

If you opt for a tour, make sure it includes transport to the castle and a guide. The guide will take care of security (and any tickets required), show you around, and ensure you gain a true understanding of the history and significance of it all.

SUMMARY OF VISITING OPTIONS

1. Prague Castle Self-guided
Make your own way up to the castle. Free to wander. To enter the monuments, buy a Prague Castle Ticket at the ticket office. Arrive early as security and ticket queues can be lengthy.

Ticket Price: 450 CZK. Audio Guide: 350 CZK extra.

2. Prague Castle Tour with Entry Ticket
The Prague Castle Tour with Entry Ticket includes transport to the castle by bus, a guided walk through the castle complex, and a Prague Castle Ticket to explore inside the historical monuments.

3. Prague Castle Tour
The Prague Castle Tour includes transport to the castle by tram and a guided walking tour of the Prague Castle complex.

4. Prague City Tour:
The following Prague City Tours include a visit to Prague Castle in their itinerary. They include transport to the castle by bus and a guided walking tour of the Prague Castle complex:

Prague Explorer Tour + Boat Trip
Prague City & Castle Tour + Boat Trip
Historical Centre & Castle Tour + Boat Trip.

5. Prague Castle by Night Tour:
The Prague Castle by Night & Alchemy Tour is an intriguing adventure. It includes transport to the castle by tram and an evening tour of the castle, once the daytime crowds have disappeared.

6. Prague Castle Concert:
An alternative way to experience the grandeur of Prague Castle is to attend a classical concert in one of the historical monuments.

Lunchtime concerts are held daily throughout the year at Lobkowicz Palace, in its most beautiful room, the 17th century Baroque Concert Hall.

Evening concerts are mostly only held at Christmas, at the 10th century St. George's Basilica.

Concert performances often sell out, so book in advance: View listings and book concert tickets.

SECURITY CHECKPOINT

Visitors to Prague Castle must pass through one of the security checkpoints. Waiting times range from 5 to 45 minutes, with the longest queues around mid-morning.

Despite what you may read elsewhere, it is not possible to buy a 'skip the line' ticket. Everyone must wait in line, unless you are the president!

TIP: Book a Prague Castle tour or Prague tour (see above), and the guide will lead you through the shortest security queue.

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

Prague Castle houses a Prague Tourist Information Centre. It provides free maps of Prague, information on events, museums and historical monuments, and public transport information - tourist information.

LVI DVUR RESTAURANT

Lvi Dvur (Lion's Court) Restaurant forms part of the Royal Garden at Prague Castle. Conveniently located by the tram stop for Prague Castle, Prazsky hrad, it is ideal for daytime and early evening dining. The menu focuses on modern Czech cuisine.