The Prague Castle site is undoubtedly the most important historical monument in the Czech Republic. It has been the seat of political and religious power since the 9th century. The Prague Castle is the largest continuous castle complex in the world, which includes palaces, churches, courtyards, and gardens offering an impressive view of Prague panorama.
On this elevated site, a first wooden fortification was built in the 9th century to protect the residence of the Přemyslid princes ruling the Bohemian kingdom. Inside the walls, the first stone buildings were churches built next to the still wooden palace: the Church of Our Lady (9th century, now disappeared: some archaeological traces are still visible, however), the Church and Convent of St. George (10th century, rebuilt several times), the Rotunda of St. Vitus (10th century, approximately on the site of the choir of the present-day cathedral).
The site of Prague Castle was thus the political and religious centre of Prague and the kingdom from that time on. The castle itself, a princely, royal and then imperial residence, was gradually developed over the centuries, mainly under Emperor Charles IV (14th century), King Vladislav Jagellon (late 15th - early 16th century), Emperor Rudolf II Habsburg (16th - early 17th century), and Empress Maria Theresa Habsburg (18th century). After the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918, it naturally became the seat of the new President of the Czechoslovak Republic.
Today it remains the official residence of the Czech president. The religious buildings are also of great importance: the current St Vitus Cathedral is the seat of the Prague Archbishopric, and houses many artistic and religious treasures, and the St George’s Basilica, the necropolis of several Přemyslid rulers, is one of the most beautiful Romanesque monuments in Prague.
Good to know
- the classic interior tour during a visit to Prague Castle includes: St Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, St George’s Basilica, Golden Lane
- three interesting museums within the Castle grounds: the history of Prague Castle presented in historical rooms of the Old Royal Palace, the Prague Castle Picture Gallery, the Lobkowicz family collection at the Lobkowicz Palace.
- quality temporary exhibitions are also regularly organised in the Prague Castle Riding School
- AThe Royal Garden on the northern side is open to the public from March to the end of October, and the southern terraced gardens under Prague Castle leading to the Lesser Town are open from April to the end of October; no entrance fee is charged.
