Prague Castle is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Prague. Every year, millions of people visit this incredible castle to see its beauty and learn about its history. It is located on a hill overlooking the city and it is the largest castle in the world. You can go there by taking a bus or by walking up the hill.
Prague Castle, a House of Kings
The castle was built in the 9th century by Prince Bořivoj of the Premyslid Dynasty. Prince Bořivoj was the first king of Bohemia. The castle served as the royal residence for Bohemian kings and queens for centuries. Some of the most famous kings who lived in Prague Castle include Charles IV, Rudolph II and Matthias Corvinus. Charles IV is considered to be the most important king in the history of Prague Castle. He was responsible for many of the castle’s renovations and expansions. He also founded the University of Prague, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe.
Rudolph II was known as the “mad king” because of his eccentricities. He was an art collector and commissioned many famous artists, such as Peter Paul Rubens and Sir Anthony van Dyck, to create artwork for him. Matthias Corvinus was a Hungarian king who briefly lived in Prague Castle. He is best known for his military victories over the Ottoman Empire.
During the Ottoman occupation, a major fire in 1541 destroyed much of the castle. Some new buildings in a Renaissance style were built under the Habsburgs. Empress Maria Theresa had the castle rebuilt in the neoclassical style in 1784.
Prague Castle Ticket
Crown your Prague visit with a skip-the-line ticket to Prague Castle. Explore the Old Royal Palace, St. Vitus Cathedral, St. Georges Basilica, and Golden Lane on a self-guided tour. Enjoy the history of the castle as you walk through its many halls. From the castle's vantage points, you'll have a magnificent view of the city of Prague. The tour of the preserved architecture will take you back in time and show how the goldsmiths and archers used to live. The ticket is valid for 2 consecutive days and entitles you to a single entry into each building inside the castle during the castle's opening hours. With this ticket, you will bypass other queues inside the castle.
- Prague Castle entry ticket (valid for 2 consecutive days)
- 1-time entry to St. Vitus Cathedral
- 1-time entry to the Old Royal Palace
- 1-time entry to St. George's Basilica
- 1-time entry to Golden Lane
A magnificent view of the Prague's Castle from the Square.
Prague Castle Sections
The Prague Castle is an enormous complex, and it can be daunting to try to see everything in one visit. There are several different sections of the castle, and it can be confusing to figure out how to get from one section to another. However, there are a few key sections that you definitely don’t want to miss. The first is the Old Royal Palace, which is where you’ll find the beautiful Vladislav Hall. This hall was built in the 15th century and it served as a coronation hall for Bohemian kings. It is decorated with stunning Gothic frescoes, and it is truly a sight to behold. The oldest part of the castle is the Church of St. Vitus, which was built in the 11th century. It is dedicated to Saint Vitus, the patron saint of Bohemia. The church is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, and it is home to several stained glass windows that are worth seeing. The choir stalls are also very ornate, and they date back to the 16th century.
Another must-see section of the castle is Golden Lane, a street lined with colorful houses. This street gets its name from the goldsmiths who used to live there. One of the most astonishing things in golden lane is the house at number 22, which is said to be the birthplace of Franz Kafka.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the castle, make sure to visit the National Gallery, which houses a collection of paintings and sculptures from throughout the centuries. The gallery is located in the New Royal Palace, which is the section of the castle that was built in the 18th century. It is home to works by some of the most famous Czech artists, such as Antonín Dvořák and Jan Štěpánek. The National Gallery also has a beautiful garden that is worth exploring.
Tips for Visiting Prague Castle
There are a few things to keep in mind when visiting Prague Castle. First, it is important to note that the castle is only open to the public from April to October. During the winter months, it is only open for special events. Second, it is advisable to purchase tickets in advance, as the lines can be very long. Third, make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved in touring the castle complex. Lastly, don’t forget to bring your camera! There are plenty of photo opportunities throughout the castle grounds.
Some more tips about visiting Prague castle are:
– try to go early in the day, as it can get very crowded later on;
– if you want to avoid the crowds, visit during the week rather than on weekends;
– take your time and enjoy exploring all the different sections of the castle.
How to find tickets for the Prague Castle
Prague Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Czech Republic, and it can be difficult to find tickets. However, there are a few ways to get tickets for the castle. One way is to purchase them online in advance. Another way is to go to the castle itself and try to purchase tickets at the ticket office. It is important to note that the lines at the ticket office can be very long, so it is advisable to arrive early. Finally, you can also try to find tickets through a tour company. Tour companies typically have a limited number of tickets available, so it is important to book early.
Things to do nearby Prague Castle
There are plenty of things to do in the area surrounding Prague Castle. One option is to visit the Charles bridge, which is a beautiful stone bridge that spans the Vltava River. The bridge is lined with statues of saints, and it offers stunning views of the city. Another option is to explore one of the many museums in the area. The National Museum and the Czech Museum of Music are both located nearby, and they offer a great opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of Prague. Finally, you can also take a walk through one of the many parks in the area. Petřín Park and Kinský Gardens are two good options.
Prague Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Czech Republic for a good reason. It is home to some of the most beautiful architecture in Europe, as well as a number of interesting museums and gardens. If you’re visiting Prague, make sure to add Prague Castle to your list of things to see.