Our Prague Adventure – The Castle and More
Jump to:
- Prague Castle – A Must See
- Our Experience
- Uncovering the Grand Prague Castle – A Journey Through Time
- A Patchwork of Styles
- Kings, Emperors, Revolutionaries
- Hidden Gems and Secret Passages
- A Living Monument
- How to Visit Prague Castle: Tips for an Unforgettable Experience
- Timeless
- Monastery Near the Castle
- Skip-the-Line Prague Castle Tour
Prague Castle – A Must See
Prague Castle, the biggest ancient castle complex in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records, is a must-see in the Czech capital. Here’s what you need to know to visit smoothly:
Info:
- Open daily: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Size: Over 7 hectares
- Founded: Late 9th century
Entrances:
There are five entrances to Prague Castle, each with its own charm:
- Main entrance: Near the tram station
- Royal Gardens entrance
- Hradčany Square entrance: Where the Change of Guards takes place
- Deer Moat entrance: Summer only
- Old Castle Stairs entrance
Tips:
- Security: Metal detectors are in place, random checks may occur
- Pets: Allowed in outdoor areas but not in interiors or gardens
- Access: Many areas are free to enter, some attractions require tickets
Tickets:
- Buy: At info centers within the castle or online (must be printed)
- Price: As of March 1, 2024, adult ticket 450 CZK (up from 250 CZK)
- Special ticket: Separate ticket for St. Vitus Cathedral Tower
Main Attractions (included in main ticket):
- St. Vitus Cathedral
- Old Royal Palace
- St. George’s Basilica
- Golden Lane
Other:
- Lobkowicz Palace: Private property, separate ticket
- New Starbucks: In the Provost House
- Dining: Limited options within the castle; better prices outside
- Facilities: Public toilets are scarce and some require payment
Best Time to Visit:
- Quiet walk: Early morning (6:00 AM) or after 5:00 PM
- Interior visit: After 1:00 PM, at least 3 hours before closing
- Avoid crowds: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Change of Guards ceremony
Photography:
- Phone cameras: No restrictions
- Professional cameras: 50 CZK photo license for interior shots
Views:
- Panoramic views: Climb the 96.5 meter high St. Vitus Cathedral Tower (200 CZK per person)
Special Access:
- Presidential areas: Some are off-limits as they are the Czech President’s residence
- Open doors events: Three times a year, access to these areas is allowed
Our Experience
We visited Prague Castle and the nearby Strahov Monastery during our trip. To make the most of your visit, we recommend taking an Uber to the castle and then walking from the castle and the monastery down to Charles Bridge. The walk up to the castle is long and steep, so walking down offers a different experience, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful buildings and scenery.
Uncovering the Grand Prague Castle – A Journey Through Time
Prague Castle holds over a thousand years of European history. According to legend, Princess Libuše, the founder of Prague, stood on a rocky cliff overlooking the Vltava River and said, “I see a great city whose glory will touch the stars.” On that very spot, Prague Castle was born, its foundations laid in the 9th century by Prince Bořivoj of the Premyslid dynasty.
From these mythical beginnings, Prague Castle grew to become the largest ancient castle complex in the world, spanning 70,000 square meters. As you approach its walls and towers, you can’t help but be impressed by the size and grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
A Patchwork of Styles
One of the most beautiful things about Prague Castle is the mix of styles:
- Romanesque: 10th century St. George’s Basilica, simple and beautiful, one of the oldest buildings in the complex.
- Gothic: 1344 St. Vitus Cathedral, the spires are the epitome of Gothic architecture.
- Renaissance: 16th century Royal Garden and Ball Game Hall, the culture of the Renaissance.
- Baroque: 18th century Matthias Gate and the facades added to the castle bring a bit of Baroque luxury.
- Modern: 20th century didn’t miss out, modernist elements by architect Jože Plečnik during the First Czechoslovak Republic.
Walking through Prague Castle is like living through the history of Europe, each building a chapter in a stone book.
Kings, Emperors, Revolutionaries
If the walls of Prague Castle could talk, they would tell stories that would rival the greatest historical novels. Here Bohemian kings were crowned, Holy Roman Emperors ruled, and the fate of nations was decided.
Imagine the coronation of Charles IV in 1347, the castle decorated with all the trimmings as the new king processed through the courtyards. Picture the atmosphere during the Defenestration of Prague in 1618, when Protestant nobles threw Catholic regents out of the castle windows and started the Thirty Years War.
Jump forward to more recent history and you can almost hear Václav Havel’s footsteps as he moved into the castle as the first democratically elected president after the Velvet Revolution in 1989.
Hidden Gems and Secret Passages
While the facades and spires of Prague Castle are impressive, some of its most interesting bits are hidden from view. The Golden Lane, a cute street of tiny houses built into the castle walls, used to be home to castle guards, alchemists, and, according to legend, the famous astronomer Tycho Brahe.
Under the castle are secret passages, some from the 15th century. These tunnels were used for escape routes, smuggling treasures, and add to the castle’s already rich history.
A Living Monument
What makes Prague Castle different from many other historical sites is that it’s not just a museum; it’s a living part of modern Czech life. As the official residence of the Czech president and a major government center, the castle is still very much involved in the country’s politics.
Every day at noon, you can see the ceremonial changing of the guard with fanfare and flag ceremony. This daily ritual is a reminder that while rooted in the past, Prague Castle is firmly in the present, connecting centuries of history with modern Czech culture.
How to Visit Prague Castle: Tips for an Unforgettable Experience
To fully appreciate the grandeur of Prague Castle, try these insider tips:
- Get there Early: Arrive when the castle opens to see it in peace before the crowds arrive.
- Take a guided tour: The castle’s history is complex and rich – a knowledgeable guide will bring it to life.
- Climb the Great South Tower: For the best views of Prague, climb the tower of St. Vitus Cathedral.
- Visit the Picture Gallery: With works by Titian, Rubens, and other masters, it’s a must for art lovers.
- Explore the Gardens: The Royal Garden and South Gardens are peaceful oases and offer great views.
Timeless
Prague Castle is not just a tourist site; it’s a living monument to the Czech nation and a window into European history. Whether you’re gazing at the Gothic beauty of St. Vitus Cathedral, wandering through the Golden Lane, or simply taking in the views of Prague from the castle walls, you’re part of a tradition that’s thousands of years old.
As you plan your visit to this magical fortress, remember you’re not just looking at history – you’re part of it. Prague Castle has seen countless stories unfold over the centuries. Now it’s your turn to add a new chapter to the story.
Monastery Near the Castle
After your castle tour, use your great location to visit:
- Walk down Nerudova Street
- Visit the Strahov Monastery and its library
- See the views from Petřín Lookout Tower
- Relax in the Wallenstein Garden
We were a bit disappointed with our visit to the Strahov Monastery library. The digital ticket system didn’t work, and the staff on site were not helpful, they directed us to the information center instead. After we finally paid, we were not allowed in but could only see the library from the outside which we had already done before we bought the ticket. The rest of the exhibits were not worth the ticket.
Skip-the-Line Prague Castle Tour
Skip-the-line Prague Castle tickets are your ticket to an unforgettable journey through Czech history and architecture. By skipping the queues and getting insider knowledge, you’ll have more time and energy to enjoy the sights of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Book in advance, choose the right time for your visit, and keep an eye out for the hidden gems. Now you’re ready for a royal time in Prague!
Monastery Close to the Castle!
Swedish (Our) Embassy Outside the Monastery!
Photography by Peter Billekvist. These images are under copyright and are not royalty-free. For permissions or to request use, please reach out to info@travel-treasure.com.
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