Prague Castle, Prague (must see)
The term "Prague Castle" might lead you to envision a single grandiose structure with towering turrets and regal chambers; yet, it's actually a sprawling fortified enclave comprising government edifices, churches, museums, historical courtyards, stunning gardens, and the enchanting Golden Lane, where one of the cottages was once inhabited by Kafka. Spanning roughly 70,000 square meters (over 17 acres), this complex holds the Guinness Record as the largest castle complex globally. Its history spans centuries of royal dynasties.
Established around 880 by Duke Bo艡ivoj I and his wife Ludmila, the Castle has hosted notable residents such as their grandson Wenceslas I, members of the Habsburg family, and Thomas Garrigue Masaryk, the first president of Czechoslovakia in 1918. Today, it serves as the residence of the Czech president, marked by the national flag flying when the president is in town. Outside the main Matthias Gates, stone-faced castle guards perform a ceremonial "Changing of the Guards" at noon, with smaller versions held hourly from 7 AM onwards.
The architectural diversity, ranging from the dazzling Gothic-Renaissance-Baroque fusion of the Saint Vitus Cathedral to the Baroque exterior and Romanesque interior of Saint George's Basilica, reflect an ongoing evolution spanning from 880 to the early 1900s. Modern elements, attributed to Slovenian architect Josip Ple膷nik's 20th-century contributions, can also be spotted throughout the grounds.
Tips:
Allocate at least 3-5 hours for a comprehensive exploration of the Castle complex. The gardens are open to the public free of charge, allowing ample time for leisurely enjoyment. Since there are multiple ticket booths, if the main line appears lengthy, consider checking alternative lines within the courtyard.
Established around 880 by Duke Bo艡ivoj I and his wife Ludmila, the Castle has hosted notable residents such as their grandson Wenceslas I, members of the Habsburg family, and Thomas Garrigue Masaryk, the first president of Czechoslovakia in 1918. Today, it serves as the residence of the Czech president, marked by the national flag flying when the president is in town. Outside the main Matthias Gates, stone-faced castle guards perform a ceremonial "Changing of the Guards" at noon, with smaller versions held hourly from 7 AM onwards.
The architectural diversity, ranging from the dazzling Gothic-Renaissance-Baroque fusion of the Saint Vitus Cathedral to the Baroque exterior and Romanesque interior of Saint George's Basilica, reflect an ongoing evolution spanning from 880 to the early 1900s. Modern elements, attributed to Slovenian architect Josip Ple膷nik's 20th-century contributions, can also be spotted throughout the grounds.
Tips:
Allocate at least 3-5 hours for a comprehensive exploration of the Castle complex. The gardens are open to the public free of charge, allowing ample time for leisurely enjoyment. Since there are multiple ticket booths, if the main line appears lengthy, consider checking alternative lines within the courtyard.
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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Prague Castle on Map
Sight Name: Prague Castle
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
The youngest (founded in 1348) and the largest (three times the size of the Old Town), the New Town (or Nove Mesto) of Prague is one of the five originally independent townships that today form the historic center of the Czech capital. This vibrant district offers a mix of historical charm and modern amenities and is traditionally dense with tourists.
At its heart lies Wenceslas Square, a... view more
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
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
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
The Jewish Quarter, also known as Josefov, is a part of the Old Town (Star茅 M臎sto) of Prague.
The area breathes history and is a captivating blend of ancient synagogues and other monuments that collectively reflect centuries of Jewish life in the city. Some synagogues are still acting, and others have been converted into art galleries and museums.
One such is the Spanish Synagogue, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
The area breathes history and is a captivating blend of ancient synagogues and other monuments that collectively reflect centuries of Jewish life in the city. Some synagogues are still acting, and others have been converted into art galleries and museums.
One such is the Spanish Synagogue, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Old Town Souvenir Shopping
Strolling through the Old Town of Prague, souvenir shopping becomes a delightful adventure. Indeed, it would be a pity to leave Prague without having explored its specialty shops and bringing home something truly original and unique to the city.
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
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
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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