Old Royal Palace, Prague
The Old Royal Palace, among the Castle's oldest structures dating back to the 12th century, offers a fascinating stop for history enthusiasts. Once the residence of monarchs, it gained notoriety as the site where the Thirty Years War ignited in 1618, following the expulsion of two Imperial Catholic Governors from one of the Bohemian Chancellery Rooms by Protestant nobles. A curious twist in Czech history, the two individuals were fortuitously saved by landing on a heap of muck from the Royal Stables beneath the window!
The highlight of the palace is the impressive 60-meter-long Vladislav Hall, designed at the turn of the 16th century with marvelous stellar-ribbed vaulted ceilings. It was once used for all manner of events, from coronations to balls and indoor jousting tournaments, evidenced by the specially designed "Rider's Staircase" facilitating access for knights on horseback. Today, the hall is where the National Assembly elects new presidents and witnessed the inauguration of V谩clav Havel in 1990, marking the end of over four decades of Communist rule.
Adjacent to the hall's eastern end lies a balcony offering views of All Saints Church, erected during the latter half of the 14th century. Ravaged by fire in 1541, only its outer walls survived, prompting a Renaissance-style reconstruction towards the late 16th century. Accessible to the public solely during religious services and occasional concerts.
Why You Should Visit:
Immersed in Czech heritage, the palace promises a culturally enriching afternoon. You can admire the multitude of painted coats of arms adorning the walls and ceilings, and delve into the intriguing old heating system featuring tiled room towers.
Tips:
Be sure to gaze upwards, as some of the most captivating sights await above!
Also, don't overlook the observation gallery on the southern wall of Vladislav Hall.
The highlight of the palace is the impressive 60-meter-long Vladislav Hall, designed at the turn of the 16th century with marvelous stellar-ribbed vaulted ceilings. It was once used for all manner of events, from coronations to balls and indoor jousting tournaments, evidenced by the specially designed "Rider's Staircase" facilitating access for knights on horseback. Today, the hall is where the National Assembly elects new presidents and witnessed the inauguration of V谩clav Havel in 1990, marking the end of over four decades of Communist rule.
Adjacent to the hall's eastern end lies a balcony offering views of All Saints Church, erected during the latter half of the 14th century. Ravaged by fire in 1541, only its outer walls survived, prompting a Renaissance-style reconstruction towards the late 16th century. Accessible to the public solely during religious services and occasional concerts.
Why You Should Visit:
Immersed in Czech heritage, the palace promises a culturally enriching afternoon. You can admire the multitude of painted coats of arms adorning the walls and ceilings, and delve into the intriguing old heating system featuring tiled room towers.
Tips:
Be sure to gaze upwards, as some of the most captivating sights await above!
Also, don't overlook the observation gallery on the southern wall of Vladislav Hall.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Prague. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Old Royal Palace on Map
Sight Name: Old Royal Palace
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Prague, Czech Republic
Create Your Own Walk in Prague
Creating your own self-guided walk in Prague is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Lesser Town Walking Tour
Mala Strana (or "Lesser Town") is a district in Prague situated on the left bank of the Vltava River. Renowned for its architectural beauty, this is one of the capital's most historically significant neighborhoods. Back in the Middle Ages, it was predominantly populated by ethnic Germans and, in later years, despite the prevalence of Baroque in its architecture, largely retained its... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
New Town Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
At its heart lies Wenceslas Square, a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
One of the prime spots for such endeavors is the Municipal House, a majestic Art Nouveau building that houses various shops and boutiques. Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour
The Star茅 M臎sto (Old Town) of Prague is a former medieval settlement that is now a lively cobblestoned hub with landmark attractions.
The area was once separated from the outside world by a semi-circular moat and a wall, hugged by the Vltava river. The moat is now covered up by streets, which form the official boundary of the Old Town. One of them, called Na P艡铆kop臎 (literally 鈥淥n the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
The area was once separated from the outside world by a semi-circular moat and a wall, hugged by the Vltava river. The moat is now covered up by streets, which form the official boundary of the Old Town. One of them, called Na P艡铆kop臎 (literally 鈥淥n the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Prague Introduction Walking Tour
Nicknamed 鈥渢he City of a Hundred Spires,鈥� Prague is home to a wealth of attractions, including more than ten major museums, numerous theatres, galleries, and plethora of historic sights.
The Czech name Praha derives from an old Slavic word pr谩h, which means "ford" or "rapid", referring to the city's origin at a crossing point of the Vltava river. The legendary... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The Czech name Praha derives from an old Slavic word pr谩h, which means "ford" or "rapid", referring to the city's origin at a crossing point of the Vltava river. The legendary... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Hradcany (Castle District) Walking Tour
Hradcany, or the Castle District, is a historical neighborhood in Prague brimming with cultural landmarks and architectural marvels.
The area is centered around Prague Castle, reportedly the biggest castle complex in the world. Dating back as far as the 9th century, the castle has been the residence of Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors, leaders of socialist Czechoslovakia, and currently the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
The area is centered around Prague Castle, reportedly the biggest castle complex in the world. Dating back as far as the 9th century, the castle has been the residence of Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors, leaders of socialist Czechoslovakia, and currently the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
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