The Prague Castle - Prazsky hrad
Located on the hilltop, Hradcanske namesti, and considered one of the biggest castles in the world, the Prague Castle accommodates the presidential offices at the Royal Palace and the crown jewels of the Bohemian Kingdom. The history dates back to the 9th century.
The grounds encompass buildings, churches, palaces, towers and gardens. The main sights are: St Vitas Cathedral, the Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, the Powder Tower and Golden Lane. During your exploration, notice the variety of architectural design from Gothic (St.Vitas Cathedral) to Romanesque (basilica of St. George). In addition there are three courtyards.
You can purchase tickets to tour the above sites or just wander the castle grounds and enjoy its architectural beauty and the sense of serenity that lies within. It could take a day or two to see the entire area! Inside the courtyards are the Prague Castle information center to purchase tickets, a post office, various gift shops and eateries.
Getting there is quite easy, just take tram 22 or 23 to Prazsky hrad stop or take the tram to Hradcanske namesti and enter through the beautiful rococo gateway guarded by two castle guards on either side. On the hour there is a changing of the guards at the gateway entrance- not to miss the clicking of their brightly shined shoes and twirling of their rifles!
St Vitas Cathedral
St. Vitas Cathedral (Chram Sv. Vita), it is the most important part of the castle with historical significance; named after the Sicilian martyr in the 4th century and visited by Pope John Paul the II at least three times. Legend has it that after St. Vitas died in Rome, angels brought his remains here in 1355 and since has continued to be the most popular saint in the country.
The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace (Kralovsky palac) lodges the presidential offices and the Green Chamber (Zelena Svetnice) where Charles the IV held his meetings. Inside is like being back in time with the grandeur of the chandeliers, the red-carpeted halls and more.
St. George’s Basilica
St. George’s Basilica (Kostel sv. Jiri) is the oldest Romanesque structure in the country dating back to the 10th century. Inside is a Gothic Czech Art Museum- a must see- and a genealogy of those who have passed through.
The Powder Tower
The Powder Tower (Prasna vez) is located off Golden Lane. It was originally a gunpowder storage house and canon tower. Then, in the 17th century it was an alchemist laboratory for the Emperor, Rudolph the II.
The Golden Lane
Golden Lane (Zlata ulicka) is a quaint and charming street of houses that were built in the 16th century and home to castle sharpshooters. It is also said that Franz Kafka worked out of house #22 for a short time. Today, the houses have been transformed into shops, galleries and refreshment stands.
Although the above are just the main places of interest around the castle grounds, there are plenty of other historical areas within to explore. OR just have a seat at one of the various benches and breathe in the sites and sounds.