Prague Castle

Perched majestically on a hillside above the Lesser Town, the castle dominates the city skyline and stands as 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 vast complex of buildings and fortifications, along with squares, streets, and gardens, covering 7 hectares (18 acres). It is centred around St. Vitus Cathedral and three great courtyards, all enclosed within massive defensive walls.

The castle's eventful history - shaped by shifting political and religious powers, as well as multiple rebuilding efforts after wars and fires - has created a fascinating architectural mix. Within the complex are palaces, great halls, churches, a monastery, viewing towers, museums, art galleries, and ornate state rooms used for presidential receptions and state ceremonies.

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

The coronation of medieval kings and queens was held at St. Vitus, while interred in the royal crypt are figures of Czech national importance, including Charles IV, Wenceslas IV, and Rudolf II.

Visitors can climb the Great South Tower of St. Vitus Cathedral for spectacular views across the city.

Another significant monument is the Old Royal Palace, the castle’s first residential building. Originally constructed from wood, it was later replaced by an impressive Romanesque and Gothic stone structure.

In the Middle Ages, Vladislav Hall within the Old Royal Palace was the setting for coronation banquets and even knights' tournaments.

Other notable monuments include the 16th-century Lobkowicz Palace and Rosenberg Palace, and the 15th-century Mihulka Powder Tower. The latter forms part of the Northern Defence Wall and houses an exhibition on the history of the Castle Guard.

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

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

A ceremonial Changing of the Guard is held once a day at 12:00 by Matthias Gate (Main Gain), in the First Courtyard of Prague Castle. It features a fanfare and banner exchange.

A ceremonial Substitution of the Guard is also held at Matthias Gate on the hour every hour, from 07:00 to 18:00.

PRAGUE CASTLE GARDENS

If you have time, it is worth taking a stroll through one of 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 10:00-17:00, 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, taxi or on foot. There is no charge to enter the castle complex, to wander around the courtyards, streets, and gardens, and marvel at the historical buildings. However, to enter the monuments requires a Prague Castle Ticket.

The ticket grants access to St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George's Basilica, the Old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane.

For most visitors, time is the deciding factor. If you only have an hour or so, it is pleasurable enough just to wander around the complex. If you can spare several hours, a Prague Castle Ticket is well worth it - there is plenty to see inside the monuments.

The best way to visit Prague Castle is on a guided tour from the city centre, either a dedicated Prague Castle Tour or a classic Prague City Tour. When booking, ensure the tour includes a guide and transport from the city centre to the castle. Your guide will help you navigate security, handle any tickets required, and once inside, ensure you gain a true understanding of the history and significance of it all.

SUMMARY OF VISITING OPTIONS

1. Prague Castle Ticket (self-guided)
Make your own way up to the castle. It is free to wander around the castle complex, but to access the monuments requires a Prague Castle Ticket, available from the ticket office. Early morning, around 9am, has the shortest queues for security and tickets.

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

4. Prague City Tour:
The following Prague City Tours include a visit to Prague Castle as the highlight of their itinerary. They include transport to the castle by bus and a guided walking tour of the 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 complex, 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 several security checkpoints manned by Czech police. Checks may be random or applied to all visitors. When everyone is screened, waiting times range from 5 to 30 minutes, with the longest queues typically occurring mid-morning.

Despite what you may read elsewhere, there is no such thing as a 'skip the line' ticket for security - everyone must wait, unless you are the President!

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

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

Prague Castle houses a Prague Tourist Information Centre. It provides maps of Prague and Czechia, details on events, museums, and historical monuments, as well as 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.