Prague Castle
Castle District, Prague 1

Founded around 880 AD, Prague Castle is the city's most recognisable landmark; perched majestically on the hillside above the Lesser Town, the castle dominates the skyline.

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 the Czech Republic.

Prague Castle is not a single edifice, but a complex of buildings and open spaces covering 7 hectares (18 acres). The complex is centred around three great courtyards and is enclosed within great castle walls.

The most prominent structure in the Prague Castle complex is St. Vitus Cathedral.

Prague Castle has had an eventful history. Differing political and religious forces, along with several programmes of rebuilding following destructive wars and fires, have produced an intriguing mix of historical buildings: ancient churches, palaces, great halls, state apartments, towers, fortifications, a monastery, museums, art galleries and Golden Lane.

Visitors can enter the castle complex for free, walk around the courtyards, and admire the historic buildings from the outside. But to gain a true understanding of the history and significance of it all, we recommend taking either a Prague Castle tour or a general Prague tour, which include a visit to Prague Castle in their itinerary.

Another option is to join the queue at the castle to purchase a self-guided ticket.

Alternatively, you can attend a Prague Castle concert in one of the historic buildings.

HOW TO VISIT PRAGUE CASTLE:

1. Prague Tours:
Tours of Prague include a visit to Prague Castle in their itinerary. You are transported up to the castle by coach, and escorted in via the shortest security queue:
Prague Explorer Tour & Boat Trip
Prague City Tour
Prague City Tour & Boat Trip.

2. Prague Castle Tours:
The Prague Castle tour includes a tram ride up to the castle, and you are escorted in via the shortest security queue:
Prague Castle Tour.

There is also a nighttime tour of the castle:
Prague Castle By Night & Alchemy Tour

3. Self-Guided Prague Castle Ticket:
Make your own way to the castle and buy a self-guided ticket once you have passed through security. Arrive early because you will need to queue at both security and the ticket office. Tickets cost 250 CZK.

4. Prague Castle Concert:
A classical concert is a popular way to experience the grandeur of Prague Castle.

Two historic buildings hold regular concerts:

Lunchtime concerts are held daily at Lobkowicz Palace.

Early evening concerts are held several times a week at St. George's Basilica.

Concerts are popular and tickets are limited, so advance booking is required.

Concert listings & tickets: Book Concerts.

5. Refreshments at Prague Castle:
There are several cafés within the castle complex, where you can buy hot and cold food and drinks. The café at Lobkowicz Palace has good views from its terrace.

HISTORY OF PRAGUE CASTLE:

The first known building was erected on the site of Prague Castle in the 9th century. In the 12th century it was transformed into a Romanesque palace. And in the 14th century, under Charles IV, it was rebuilt in the Gothic style.

A further reconstruction of the Royal Palace took place under the Jagellons at the end of the 15th century, but a major fire in 1541 necessitated yet more rebuilding.

The Spanish Hall was added during the reign of Rudolf II (1552-1612), and final alterations were made by Empress Maria Theresa (1717-1780).

After World War I, renovations to the castle buildings and to the Prague Castle Gardens were undertaken by the architect J. Plecnik.

In recent times, the exterior of St. Vitus Cathedral has been cleaned and now gleams in the sunlight, while the stone courtyards have been renovated.

PRESENT DAY AT PRAGUE CASTLE:

Prague Castle is the official residence and office of the President of the Czech Republic.

A Changing of the Guard ceremony at the main gates reflects this. It takes place every day at midday, all year round, and includes a fanfare and banner exchange.

Easter and Christmas markets are held on the square in front of St. George's Basilica.

SECURITY CHECKS:

Security checks at Prague Castle can result in lengthy queues, with waiting times between 10 and 50 minutes.

Despite what you may have read elsewhere, it is NOT possible to 'skip the line' at the castle unless you are the president! ALL visitors must wait in line.

BUT, there are several entrances, and if you book a guided tour you will be led through the one with the shortest queue.