Prague Castle

Founded in the 9th century, the castle was the residence of Bohemian dukes and kings. Several emperors (Emperor Charles IV, Rudolf II and Ferdinand I) resided in it. After 1919, it was the permanent seat of Czechoslovakian presidents and most recently, as of 2013, the residence of the President of the Czech Republic. In the middle of the castle grounds stands the largest church building in the Czech Republic, St. Vitus Cathedral.

The various construction phases of Prague Castle

The castle has changed again and again in the course of its history. Numerous master builders of different architectural styles have participated in its construction. The construction and expansion took place from the 9th to the 12th century, mainly in four phases, A-C:

• First construction phase (A): Start of construction of the castle in 885 - Foundation of St. Mary's church
• Second building phase (B1): Construction of a 5 and 6 m wide wooden-earth castle wall - Foundation of the St. George Basilica - Construction of the St. Vitus Rotunda
• Third building phase (B2-Bx): Various alterations - Extension of the outer castle fortification by a 12 m wide wooden-earth castle wall
• Fourth building phase (C): Construction of the stone castle begins with the erection of a 3 m wide ashlar wall - Redesign of the royal palace - New construction of the St. Vitus Cathedral
• Late Gothic and Renaissance: further extension of the castle - construction of the Vladislav Hall
• Renovations in the 18th and 19th centuries: New construction of the entrance courtyard
• Reconstructions in the 20th century: Extension or reconstruction of the castle as a presidential seat

The sights of Prague Castle

The castle, which consists of three courtyards, has many attractions. The castle complex is best entered from Hradčany Square. On the pedestals next to the monumental entrance portal are two huge figures called "Fighting Giants". Two castle guards stand in front of them. A small ceremonial changing of the guard takes place every hour on the hour and a large changing of the guard takes place every day at 12 o'clock.

In the first, innermost courtyard of the castle, you can visit the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral with the royal crypt, the Gothic Vladislav Hall and the Mrákotín Monolith (obelisk commemorating the victims of the First World War).

In the second castle courtyard you can see other sights, e.g. the Baroque Matthias Gate leading into the castle courtyard, the Baroque Royal Palace, the Baroque Holy Cross Chapel and a Baroque castle gallery with works by Rubens, Titian etc.

On St. George's Square, the Basilica of St. George is worth a visit. The Mihulka Powder Tower and the two Gothic towers White Tower and Hunger Tower are also worth a visit. The Golden Lane, located between the two towers on the inner wall of Prague Castle, is a must-see. In one of the small houses built there, Emperor Rudolf II is said to have commissioned alchemists to produce gold for him.

Last but not least, a side trip to the gardens around the Prague Castle is worthwhile, e.g. the Royal Garden or the Paradise Garden. In the Royal Garden you can visit Queen Anne's pleasure palace, the singing fountain and an orangery.