The castle complex is a mixture of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. During the 16th century, the castle enjoyed its greatest period of splendor under King Rudolf IKinge commissioned a palace and churches. The opulent Vladislav Hall boasts impressive 5-meter-high windows and is still used for state events.
When visiting Prague, be sure to take one of the top tours that covers the castle.
It’s a royal palace
Prague Castle is a massive complex with several historic buildings, including palaces and churches. It was founded in the ninth century by Prince Borivoj, and over time various structures have been added to it.
After the Hussite Wars, it went into a period of abandonment, but in 1483 King Vladislav Jagiello had much of what is now the Old Royal Palace rebuilt. The spectacular Vladislav Hall, with its ribbed Gothic vault, was built to designs by architect Benedikt Ried. This was a ceremonial hall used for coronation festivals and knightly tournaments as well as art markets. Up until 2013 the yearly Diet meeting also took place here.
You can visit the Old Royal Palace and many of its other rooms. Other highlights include Golden Lane, a pretty street with houses that once housed alchemists under Rudolf II (who was obsessed with turning metal into gold). Franz Kafka lived in one of these houses from 1916 to 1917.
It’s a tourist attraction
Prague Castle is a tourist attraction that contains a wide variety of interesting palaces, temples, and gardens. Visitors can enjoy viewing the treasury and the massive picture gallery, which contains works by many of the world’s most famous painters over the centuries. The cathedral is also a must-see site, where coronations of Czech kings were held for centuries.
The main palace in the complex is Old Royal Palace, which features a mix of Romanesque stonework and late Gothic architecture. Its solemn Vladislav Hall is used for special occasions.
The most important church within the castle is St Vitus Cathedral, which contains the tomb of the saintly patron saint Wenceslas, who united the Czech people in the 10th century. Other notable sites include the fancy Wenceslas Chapel, which was built for crowning kings and queens, and the gilded Treasury of St. Vitus Cathedral, which was robbed and pillaged in the past.
It’s a place of worship
Despite being a place of worship, Prague Castle has also been a seat of power and a home for various kings, queens, and emperors. The first walled structure was a church built in the 9th century, and it was followed by several other churches and even a monastery.
The interiors of the castle showcase a variety of styles, from the early Romanesque aspects to late Gothic. The Vladislav Hall is one of the most representative halls of Prague Castle, where Czech kings used to reside.
Golden Lane, an ancient street within the castle, features small colored houscolorede These days tourists flock to the street and visit the shops, in the past alchemists lived here, searching for ways to turn metal into gold. The writer Franz Kafka stayed in house number 22 for some time. He wrote his short story “The Castle” while living there.
It’s a residence
As the center of Czech power, Prague Castle has witnessed many eras of empires, struggles, and triumphs. It is also a magnificent architectural marvel that stands as a symbol of Czech identity.
The first major reconstruction of the complex took place in the 16th century when Emperor Rudolf II turned it into the real center of the empire and added numerous palaces, churches, and halls. The Old Royal Palace is one of the oldest, with its gorgeous Gothic Vladislav Hall, which was used for ceremonial occasions and even indoor jousting tournaments!
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the castle was rebuilt further by Slovenian architect Josip Plecnik. He updated the first and third courtyards, as well as the Matthias Gate. He also opened up several previously closed areas, including the Teresian Wing of the Old Royal Palace, to the public.
