Hradčany – Prague Castle

Once visitors have passed through the great wrought-iron gate adorned with sculptures of fighting giants by artist Ignaz Platzer, they feel as though they have travelled back in time through a variety of architectural eras. The foundations of the first stone church, dating from the 9th century, are just as fascinating as Romanesque architecture and the Gothic St Vitus Cathedral. Notable buildings from the Baroque, Renaissance and Neoclassical periods can also be found here. Religious buildings such as the Chapel of the Holy Cross and St George’s Basilica have also long been part of Prague Castle (Hradčany).

The “Defenestration of Prague” in 1618 provided the first spark for the devastating conflagration of the Thirty Years’ War.
The castle is a vast complex with a wide variety of buildings and three courtyards. Its buildings, towers and churches are linked by small, romantic lanes, and the whole complex is surrounded by beautiful gardens. During your tour, be sure to be in the main courtyard at noon, when the guard is changed daily in a ceremony strongly reminiscent of the one at Windsor Castle.

Another highlight of the tour is likely to be Golden Lane. Every day, well over a thousand tourists gather in this lane, lined with colourful little houses dating from the 17th century, to shop for souvenirs. Franz Kafka and other artists once lived here, though that is probably common knowledge. On some days, Prague Castle is far too small to cope with the enormous influx of visitors. So if you are seeking peace and quiet and want to enjoy the atmosphere of the complex, please come early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Where kings once ruled and decisively shaped Europe’s political development, the Czech president now resides at Prague Castle.