Dominating the Prague skyline from its commanding position on Hradcany hill, Prague Castle holds the Guinness World Record as the largest ancient castle complex in the world. Spanning over 70,000 square meters, this UNESCO World Heritage site has been the seat of Bohemian kings, Holy Roman Emperors, and Czech presidents for more than a millennium.

A Thousand Years of History

The origins of Prague Castle trace back to around 870 AD when the first fortified settlement was established on this strategic hilltop overlooking the Vltava River. Over the following centuries, successive rulers expanded and transformed the complex, leaving layers of architectural history that span Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods.

Under Charles IV in the 14th century, the castle underwent major reconstruction, including the founding of St. Vitus Cathedral. The Habsburg dynasty brought Renaissance and Baroque additions, while the modern era has seen careful restoration work to preserve this irreplaceable heritage for future generations.

Prague Castle at dusk
Prague Castle illuminated at dusk, viewed from the Vltava River

Major Attractions Within the Castle Complex

St. Vitus Cathedral

The spiritual heart of the castle complex, St. Vitus Cathedral is the largest and most important church in Czech Republic. Construction began in 1344 under Charles IV and was not completed until 1929 - nearly 600 years later. The cathedral houses the Bohemian crown jewels, the tombs of Bohemian kings and patron saints, and features stunning stained glass windows including one designed by Alphonse Mucha.

Old Royal Palace

The Old Royal Palace served as the residence of Bohemian princes and kings from the 12th century. Its highlight is the magnificent Vladislav Hall, one of the largest secular Gothic spaces in medieval Europe. The hall was used for coronation banquets, markets, and even indoor jousting tournaments - hence its unusually large dimensions.

Golden Lane

This charming street of tiny, colorful houses was built in the 16th century to house castle guards. Later, it became home to goldsmiths (hence the name), alchemists, and eventually poor artists and writers. Franz Kafka lived at number 22 for a period in 1916-1917. Today, the houses contain exhibits on medieval life and craft workshops.

St. George's Basilica

The oldest surviving church building within the castle complex, St. George's Basilica dates to 920 AD. Its Romanesque towers and red facade provide a striking contrast to the Gothic grandeur of St. Vitus Cathedral. The basilica houses the National Gallery's collection of Bohemian Baroque art.

Golden Lane at Prague Castle
The colorful houses of Golden Lane, once home to castle guards and goldsmiths

The Crown Jewels

The Bohemian Crown Jewels, kept in a chamber above St. Vitus Cathedral, rank among the oldest in Europe. The crown of St. Wenceslas dates to 1347 and was commissioned by Charles IV. The jewels are only displayed on special occasions, as the chamber is secured by seven locks, the keys held by seven different constitutional officials including the President and the Archbishop of Prague.

Changing of the Guard

Every hour on the hour, visitors can witness the changing of the guard at the castle gates. The most elaborate ceremony occurs at noon in the First Courtyard, featuring a fanfare and flag exchange. This tradition dates to the founding of Czechoslovakia in 1918 and continues to draw crowds daily.

Practical Information

Castle Grounds: Open daily 6:00-22:00 (free access to courtyards and gardens)

Historical Buildings: April-October: 9:00-17:00, November-March: 9:00-16:00

Ticket Options: Circuit A (full access): 350 CZK, Circuit B (main highlights): 250 CZK, Circuit C (treasury and gallery): 350 CZK

Getting There: Tram 22 to Prazsky hrad or Pohorelec stops. Walking from Old Town via Charles Bridge takes approximately 25 minutes.

For current information and online tickets, visit the official Prague Castle website.

Tips for Your Visit

  • Arrive early (before 10:00) or late afternoon to avoid the largest crowds
  • Book tickets online to skip the ticket office queues
  • Allow at least 3-4 hours for a comprehensive visit
  • The noon changing of the guard is the most elaborate - plan accordingly
  • Comfortable walking shoes are essential for the cobblestone streets and hills
  • Combine your visit with a walk through the Lesser Town (Mala Strana) below
  • The castle gardens offer beautiful views and are free to enter

The Castle in Czech Culture

Prague Castle is far more than a tourist attraction - it remains the official residence of the Czech President and a powerful symbol of Czech national identity. The castle has witnessed coronations, defenestrations, Nazi occupation, and the Velvet Revolution. Its image appears on Czech banknotes and in countless works of art and literature.

For many Czechs, the castle represents continuity through centuries of often turbulent history - a permanent landmark that has outlasted empires and ideologies alike.

Last updated: February 2, 2026