Quick Guide to Prague Castle

Prague Castle deserves plenty of attention. It's thelargest castle in the world and is the seat of the Czech government. It's come to symbolize the Czech Republic as a whole and is the most important tourist destination in Prague.

This page gives a quick overview of Prague Castle. I've briefly touched on each significant area.

These areas are open to the public and are included in the admission prices listed below.

We've also thrown in a few tips as well.

If you can, please give the castle as much time as possible to soak in its atmosphere and many gardens.

Prague Castle: Many Parts

The castle is a fairytale complex of buildings. It'salmost a small town on its own with a variety of walls, gardens and buildings. Founded in the year 880, Prague Castle took nearly 700 years to complete - piece by piece.

	St. Vitus Cathedral		Golden Lane
	Old Royal Palace		Daliborka Tower
	St. George's Basilica		Powder Tower
	Convent of St. George - National Gallery		Prague Castle Picture Gallery

Tickets

The castle grounds, gardens and much of the cathedral are free to enter. But, tickets are required for many individual buildings and areas. There are two basic unguided tickets to choose from, the long tour and the short tour.

Tickets are good for two days. The long tour is 350 CZK and gets you into each area of the castle (see map). While, the short tour is 250 CZK and doesn't include the two galleries and "The Story of Prague Castle".

NOTE: You can also pay to enter some individual areas. Get official admission details here.

TIP:

Get the short tour ticket unless you really fancy the gallery idea. This will give you plenty to see. Spend the rest of your time exploring the castle grounds and enjoying the various views above the city.

St. Vitus Cathedral

St. Vitus' Cathedral (or Prague Cathedral) is the most recognizable part of Prague Castle. Its size and imposing spires seems like an entire castle unto itself.

Founded in 1344 by Charles IV it now combines Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Over centuries, changes have been made to the cathedral until its consecration in 1929.

There is a small free area in the rear of the cathedral for those who wish to pray. But tourists should consider buying either a long or short tour ticket - see ticket info above. These tickets will give you access to the entire cathedral and a fuller idea of the history represented here.

At the northern end, you will find incredible effigies, statues, the Royal Mausoleum and the impressive silver tomb of St. John of Nepomuk. Be sure not to overlook the stairs leading down to the Royal Crypt. It houses remains of past Czech leaders such as Charles IV, Rudolf II and Wenceslas IV.

The cathedral also includes a number of side chapels. Be sure not to miss the Chapel of St. Wenceslas. Its detail and decor is exquisite. But even more intriguing might be the nearby door with seven locks. Behind this door is a staircase to the Coronation Chamber and the Czech crown jewels. The jewels are only displayed publicly upon word of the president - which is very rare.

TIP:

If you don't mind tight spaces, climb the narrow stairs up the cathedral's tower. You will pass the clockworks and enormous 16th century bells on your way to splendid views.

Old Royal Palace

Just next to St. Vitus Cathedral sits the Old Royal Palace. It dates from the 10th century and has been the home of numerous princes and kings. And, every president of the republic has been sworn in here.

A particular highlight of the palace is Vladislav Hall (pictured). Its beautifully interlaced ceiling is absolutely remarkable. The hall has been used for banquets, coronations and even jousting tournaments. Knights entered the hall from the aptly named Riders' Staircase.

The exhibition The Story of Prague Castle can be found on the ground floor of the palace. Admission is included in the long tour. It's a quick way to see the changes and developments of 1000 years of Prague Castle.

St. George's Basilica

St. George's Basilica has Romanesque foundations dating to the 10th century. But most of what is seen today is from subsequent modifications in later years (19th and 20th centuries).

The basilica remains one of my favorites. It somehow maintains a simplicity that seems more personal and separates itself from other Prague churches.

The basilica includes the tombs of Prince Boleslav II and Prince Vratislav I (founder) - both from the 10th century. Under the stairs you will find the crypt of the Premysl kings. And, be sure to find the bizarre sculpture of Vanity from the 16th century.

Adjacent to the basilica is the Convent of St. George. This was the first convent in Bohemia and dates from 973. The convent now houses the National Gallery and its impressive Gothic and baroque art collection. (Like most museums and galleries in Prague, the National Gallery is closed on Mondays.)

TIP:

You can buy single admission tickets to the basilica. If you're short on time or cash, visit St. Vitus for free and buy a ticket for the basilica only.

Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower

The Golden Lane is a small romantic row of 16th century dwellings. They were originally built as homes for castle servants, marksmen and possibly goldsmiths - hence the name. The homes were occupied until World War II and Franz Kafka lived at No. 22 for a brief time. Today the lane is marked by little souvenir shops.

I wouldn't say the lane is essential sightseeing, but the buildings are certainly a unique feature to Prague. You can enter the lane with either tour ticket or it's free after 4 pm. The Daliborka Tower is included as well.

The Daliborka Tower was built in the 15th century as part of the castle's fortifications. The bottom floor was used as a prison and the tower is named after its first prisoner, Dalibor of Kozojedy. Today there is an exhibition of gruesome torture devices and a history of prison "services" from the Middle Ages to the 18th century.

NOTE: the Golden Lane will be closed for approximately one year commencing April 2010.

TIP:

The Golden Lane can be quite crowded - so visit in the late afternoon when the crowds thin out a bit. After 4 pm it's free without a tour ticket!

Powder Tower (Mihulka)

The Powder Tower is another fortification tower built in the 15th century - similar to Daliborka Tower. It sits on the north end of the castle grounds and overlooks the Stag Moat. Admission is included in either tour ticket or you can buy a single admission ticket.

The tower was never battle tested and likely has a more interesting history based on its prior inhabitants. In the 16th century the bell maker Tomas Jaros lived and worked here. And his bell, Zikmund, still rings overhead in the cathedral's bell tower. Jaros also made the Singing Fountain which is still in use in the Royal Gardens.

During the rule of Rudolf II, the tower was inhabited by alchemists who were convinced they could turn lead into gold. Afterward it was used as a storage for gunpowder - hence the tower's name.

TIP:

Have a look through the little windows for pleasant views of Prague and the Stag Moat. There's a very nice pathway through the Stag Moat that is hardly visited. Check it out if you have some extra time.

Castle Picture Gallery

The Picture Gallery offers a significant European collection of nearly 4,000 paintings. The collection was first started by Rudolf II in the 16th century. His joy for art compelled him to acquire a variety of works.

The collection is now housed just off the second courtyard of the castle. The building is the former imperial stables where Rudolf II kept his Spanish horses and rotates a number of paintings from the permanent collection as well as temporary ones. The collection includes works from Lucas Cranach, Tintoretto, Titian and others.

TIP:

Admission is free every Monday from 4pm to 6pm.

Prague Castle Gardens

There are at least six gardens that encircle Prague Castle. And, thankfully they are all free. The gardens range from carefully terraced and manicured to a bit wild and reclusive. Some gardens have limited accessibility (April - October). But, when everything is open, you can walk a green ring almost all the way around the castle.

I particularly like the Stag Moat (Jeleni Prikop) on the northern side of the castle. Turn right just before the guarded northern entrance to the castle and follow the path down into the moat. Even in summer this relaxing pathway is nearly deserted. There's a cafe hidden just above the moat for a nice refreshment.

The gardens also include a variety of walls and beautiful buildings. The Summer Palace, located at the eastern end, was built by Emperor Ferdinand I for his wife, Anne Jagiello. Many people consider it to be the "most beautiful building north of the Alps."

On the southern slopes of the castle you'll find a maze of grapevines and incredible views over Mala Strana. But, you'll need a little extra time to find some of the more interesting spots. But it's well worth it.

Prague Castle - final thoughts

It's easy to spend a whole day touring the castle. But, it's do-able in half a day. It just depends on whether or not you choose a tour or individual spots of interest. If you can, get out early or visit in the afternoon. The crowds are thinner then.

If you need a place to eat and don't want a tourist hot spot, find U Zavěšnýho Kafe just below the castle at Uvoz 6. Good Czech food with local prices.