Prague Castle
Castle District, Prague 1

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, the castle 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 that cover 7 hectares (18 acres). It is centred around three great courtyards and enclosed within enormous castle walls.

Prague Castle's eventful history spanning differing political and religious forces, along with various rebuilding programmes following destructive wars and fires, has produced an intriguing mix of buildings and fortifications: a palace, state apartments, great halls, churches, a monastery, viewing towers, museums and art galleries.

The most prominent structure in Prague Castle is St. Vitus Cathedral, the largest and most important temple in Prague. The coronation of medieval kings and queens took place here.

Interred in the royal crypt beneath the cathedral are national historical figures, such as Charles IV, Wenceslas IV and Rudolf II.

St. Vitus also boasts the Great South Tower, which you can climb for spectacular views over the city.

The Old Royal Palace is another significant building. Although we see a Romanesque and Gothic stone building today, the first structure was mostly wooden, and was the original residence building of the castle at the end of the 9th century.

The palace contains Vladislav Hall, which hosted coronation festivities and banquets, and knights' tournaments.

Connecting the great courtyards to the outlying castle buildings are a maze of streets, most notably Golden Lane. From as early as the 15th century, skilled artisans lived and worked in the houses lining Golden Lane, providing goods and services for the inhabitants of Prague Castle. During the reign of Rudolf II (1552-1612), the mystical art of alchemy was also practised here.

A ceremonial Changing of the Guard, which includes a fanfare and flag exchange, is held in the first courtyard of Prague Castle every day at 12:00.

A ceremonial Substitution of the Guard, when the sentries change, is held at the castle's entrance gates on the hour every hour from 07:00 to 18:00.

Well worth a visit too are the landscaped gardens of Prague Castle, which visitors can stroll around at leisure. The most significant are the Royal Gardens (open all year) and the South Gardens (open March to October); on a clear day, the views over Prague from the South Gardens are quite exquisite.

HOW TO VISIT PRAGUE CASTLE

There is no charge to enter Prague Castle and wander around its courtyards, streets and gardens. But to enter the historical monuments requires a Prague Castle Ticket. This gains you entrance to St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica and Golden Lane.

You can buy a self-guided Prague Castle Ticket on the day of your visit at the castle ticket office.

Alternatively, we highly recommend the Prague Castle Tour With Entrance Ticket. The tour transports you up to the castle by bus, then guides you through the entire Prague Castle complex and inside all the important monuments.

Another option, if you have less time, is the Prague Castle Tour, which leads you up to the castle by tram, then guides you through the Prague Castle complex and introduces you to the monuments from the outside.

Finally, many general Prague City Tours include a visit to Prague Castle in their itinerary.

All tours are led by expert guides, to ensure you gain a true understanding of the history and significance of everything you see.

For an entirely different approach, visitors can experience the grandeur of Prague Castle by attending a classical concert in one of the historical buildings. Currently, concerts are held at Lobkowicz Palace and St. George's Basilica.

SUMMARY OF OPTIONS FOR VISITING PRAGUE CASTLE

1. Self-Guided Prague Castle Ticket:
Make your own way to the castle and buy a self-guided Prague Castle Ticket at the castle ticket office. Arrive early as the queues can be lengthy.

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

2. Prague Castle Tour:
The Prague Castle Tour With Entrance Ticket and the Prague Castle Tour both include transport to the castle and a guided tour of the castle complex.

3. Prague Castle by Night Tour:
The Prague Castle by Night & Alchemy Tour includes transport to the castle and a guided tour of the castle complex once daytime visitors have gone. An intriguing experience.

4. Prague City Tour:
Prague Tours with Prague Castle in their itinerary include transport to the castle and a guided 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 Concert:
Classical concerts are staged in two historical buildings at Prague Castle. Performances often sell out, so advance booking is highly recommended.

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

Early evening concerts are staged several times a month in the 10th century St. George's Basilica.

View listings and book concert tickets.

PRAGUE TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

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