Prague Castle
Castle District, Prague 1

Prague Castle is perched majestically on the hillside above the Lesser Town. It dominates the city skyline and is Prague's most recognisable landmark.

For parts of the 14th, 16th and 17th centuries, Prague Castle was the seat of the Kings of Bohemia. Today, the castle is the official residence of the President of Czechia.

Prague Castle is not a single edifice, but a complex of buildings, squares, streets and gardens that cover 7 hectares (18 acres). It is centred around three great courtyards and enclosed within huge castle walls.

Prague Castle's eventful history, which spans a variety of political and religious forces, as well as several rebuilding programmes following destructive wars and fires, has produced an intriguing mix of buildings and fortifications: state apartments, great halls, palaces, churches, a monastery, viewing towers, museums and art galleries.

The most prominent building within the Prague Castle complex is St. Vitus Cathedral, the grandest and most important church in Prague, where the coronation of medieval kings and queens was held.

Interred in the royal crypt beneath the cathedral are figures of national historical importance, such as Charles IV, Wenceslas IV and Rudolf II.

Visitors can climb the Great South Tower at St. Vitus for spectacular views over the city.

The Old Royal Palace is another significant monument, and the first residence building of the castle. Today, it is a Romanesque and Gothic stone structure, but the original was mostly wooden.

Vladislav Hall at the Old Royal Palace was used for coronation festivities and banquets, and knights' tournaments.

Connecting the great courtyards to the outlying castle buildings are a maze of streets, most notably Golden Lane. From the 15th century, skilled artisans lived and worked in the houses lining Golden Lane, providing goods and services for the inhabitants of Prague Castle.

Famously, the mystical art of alchemy was practised here in the reign of Rudolf II (1552-1612).

In the first courtyard of Prague Castle, a ceremonial Changing of the Guard is held every day at 12:00. It features a fanfare and flag exchange.

At the entrance gates to Prague Castle, a ceremonial Substitution of the Guard is held on the hour every hour from 07:00 to 18:00. This is when the sentries change.

The landscaped gardens at Prague Castle are open for visitors to stroll around too. The Royal Gardens are open all year. The South Gardens are open March to October; on a clear day, the views over Prague from the South Gardens are exquisite.

HOW TO VISIT PRAGUE CASTLE

There is no charge to enter the Prague Castle complex, to wander around its courtyards, streets and gardens. But to enter any of the historical monuments requires a Prague Castle Ticket.

The Prague Castle Ticket covers admission to St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica and Golden Lane.

Time is usually the deciding factor in whether to wander or purchase a ticket. If you only have an hour at the castle, it is pleasurable enough simply to walk through the complex and marvel at the monuments. If you have several hours, it is well worth buying a ticket so you can visit them inside.

Many visitors to Prague Castle go as part of a tour. Tours include transport up to the castle and a guide to take care of things. An expert guide will ensure you gain a true understanding of the history and significance of everything you see.

Summary of Options to Visit Prague Castle:

1. Prague Castle Ticket (self-guided)
Make your own way up to the castle and buy a Prague Castle Ticket at the castle ticket office. Arrive early as the queues can be lengthy.

Ticket Price: 450 CZK. Audio Guide: 350 CZK extra.

2. Prague Castle Tour With Entrance Ticket
The Prague Castle Tour With Entrance Ticket includes transport to the castle by bus, a guided walk through the castle complex, a Prague Castle Ticket and a tour inside the historical monuments.

3. Prague Castle Tour
The Prague Castle Tour includes transport to the castle by tram and a guided walk through the castle complex.

4. Prague City Tour:
The following Prague City Tours include a visit to Prague Castle in their itinerary. They include transport to the castle by bus and a guided walk through the castle complex:

Prague Explorer Tour + Boat Trip
Prague City & Castle Tour + Boat Trip
Historical Centre & Castle Tour + Boat Trip.

5. Prague Castle by Night Tour:
The Prague Castle by Night & Alchemy Tour is an intriguing experience. It includes transport to the castle by tram and an evening tour of the castle once the daytime crowds have disappeared.

6. Prague Castle Concert:
A different approach to experience the grandeur of Prague Castle is to attend a classical concert in one of the historical monuments.

Lunchtime concerts are held at Lobkowicz Palace. They are staged in its most beautiful room, the 17th century Baroque Concert Hall.

Evening concerts are held several times a week at the historic St. George's Basilica, which dates from in the 10th century.

Performances often sell out, so we recommend booking in advance:
View listings and book concert tickets.

PRAGUE TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

Prague Castle houses a Prague Tourist Information Centre. It provides details of Prague events, museums and monuments, and supplies maps and public transport information - tourist information.