Prague Castle

The world’s largest ancient castle, this imposing Gothic fortress overlooks the river Vltava and the rest of the city.

Chequered history

Prague Castle is a 70,000m² complex of churches, palaces, halls, towers and gardens, and has been the seat of power for Bohemian Kings, Holy Roman Emperors and Czech presidents. The castle has a long history. The now ruined Church of the Virgin Mary was first built on the site in 870 AD; its oldest surviving building is the Basilica of St. George, founded in 920.

Having weathered a number of wars and a great fire in 1451, the castle has undergone a number of renovations and rebuildings. Its architectural styles span a millennium, including wonderful examples of Gothic and Romanesque, and the castle houses several museums including the National Gallery collection of Bohemian art in St. George’s Basilica.


Relics of Bohemia

Another highlight is the Czech Crown Jewels in St. Vitus’ Cathedral; some of the oldest Crown Jewels in Europe, they include the Crown of Saint Wenceslas. During the Nazi occupation Reinhard Heydrich, the ‘Reich Protector of Bohemia and Moravia’ who took the castle as his headquarters, was rumoured to have worn the crown; an ancient legend states that any usurper who does so will die within a year and sure enough, Heydrich was killed eight months later.

Today, the castle is the seat of Miloš Zeman, the Czech president and current head of state. His state rooms are open the first Saturday after 8 May every year. The castle is also host to numerous concerts and shows each year in its Spanish Hall, and outside St. Vitus on the Terrace of the Riding School.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Prague
St Vitus Cathedral
A stunning masterpiece of Gothic architecture designed by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV.
Golden Lane
Golden Lane is a street situated in Prague Castle, Czech Republic.
Prague Old Royal Palace
Designed in the Gothic and Renaissance styles, this 12th century Palace is now part of the Prague Castle.
St. George's Basilica
Located inside Prague's Castle this 10th-century basilica was rebuilt in 1142, with a baroque facade & Bohemian art decorations.
Lobkowicz Palace
The only privately owned building inside the Prague Castle complex, housing the Lobkowicz Collections & Museum.
Church of St. Nicholas
The very best of Prague Baroque, in the heart of the city's Lesser Town.

Related Tours

Prague In a Day: Private Full-Day Walking Tour with Prague Castle
Discover the best of Medieval and modern Prague on this full-day private walking tour of the city’s most iconic sites including tickets and a guided tour of the fairytale castle, and a relaxing scenic river cruise along the Vltava at the end of the day. 

On your private tour your will:

  •  Discover the fairytale magic of Prague Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to some of the Czech Republic's greatest artistic and cultural treasures;
  •  Explore the rooms of the Old Royal Palace, including the opulent Vladislav Hall;
  • Hear the stories of Prague’s kings and queens, emperors and saints – in particular the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV;
  • Step inside the resplendent St. George’s Basilica and magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral and see the famous chapel and tomb of Saint Wenceslas – prince and patron saint of Bohemia, assassinated by his own brother in the early middles ages!;
  • Walk along Golden Lane and experience what daily life was like within the castle walls;
  • Enjoy watching the ceremony of the changing of the guard;
  • Exit the castle, walk by Nerudova and the famous John Lennon Wall before crossing Charles Bridge, and take a well-earned lunch break at a delicious local eatery;
  • Spend the afternoon exploring the rest of beautiful Prague, beginning with the historic Jewish Quarter, highlights include the Maisel Synagogue and the Hebrew Clock;
  • See Wenceslas Square, the Old-New Synagogue, and Jerusalem Synagogue;
  • Visit the Old Town Square and see the amazing Astronomical Clock and the Powder Tower;
  • Learn all about the Art Nouveau scene in Prague;
  •  End the tour at the dock where your guide will drop you off for your beautiful river cruise ride.

Prague is the beautiful, fairytale capital city of the Czech Republic, famous for its medieval gothic architecture, colourful baroque buildings, spectacular royal castle, and the River Vltava running through its city centre – the longest river in Bohemia and the lifeblood of the city. 

Nicknamed the ‘City of a Hundred Spires’ for its breathtaking beauty, on your day-long private walking tour of Prague, you will explore the city’s iconic highlights, including a fully guided tour of the splendid medieval castle, a UNESCO world heritage site, including St George’s Basilica, and St Vitus Cathedral - with the changing of the guard ceremony in the morning. 

After a delicious local lunch, you’ll explore the Old Town, Jewish Quarter and famous monuments – both old and new – including the John Lennon Wall and the astounding medieval Astronomical Clock dating to the 1400s. 

You’ll walk through Wenceslas Square, across the old Charles Bridge built in 1402 and lined with Catholic saints, and marvel at the famous Jewish places of worship, including the Maisel, Jerusalem and Old-New Synagogues and the Hebrew Clock. 

Your guide will regale you with stories of the rogues and royals of the past, the development of Gothic architecture, the emergence of Art Nouveau and the history of the Jewish community in this fascinating and beautiful city. 

At the end of your walking tour, your guide will take you to the river for your relaxing, scenic cruise along the mighty Vltava. 
The Best of Prague: Private Half-Day Walking Tour
Explore the best of Prague and its most popular highlights in just half a day, with a private guide giving you the rich and complex history for which the city is known. 

On your private tour, you will: 

  • Take a stroll through Prague's Old Town, a fairytale-like part of town with cobblestone streets and beautiful architecture;
  • See the medieval Astronomical Clock with over 600 years of history and one of the most photographed attractions in the city;
  • Walk across Charles Bridge, the oldest standing over the Vltava river connecting the Old town with Lesser Town;
  • Explore the Jewish Quarter located between the Old Town Square and the Vltava River including the famous Hebrew clock;
  • Discover the Gothic Quarter, known as Lesser Town and Malá Strana with incredible gothic architecture;
  • Learn about the architectural influences behind the iconic medieval Nerudova Street;
  • Finish your tour on Prague Castle’s grounds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in around 880.

See the heart of Prague, Old Town Square, where you will learn about the religious symbolism of the absolutely stunning medieval Astronomical Clock and its long-standing historical influences. Then, your guide will take you wandering through the Old Town, where you will be able to experience what ‘Old Prague’ must have been like 500 years ago. 

Be immersed in the layers of history and cultural influences that are around every corner. Your private guide will be more than happy to field any questions you may have on the history of this great city and the changes it saw, set in motion by the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV. 

Crossing over to the Lesser Quarter of Prague over the Vltava River, your guide will show you the Gothic masterpiece of the Charles Bridge, which dates back to the 14th century.  It was key in creating Prague’s New Town area, as it linked the established parts of Prague with new innovation and development. 

Looming above the Vltava's left bank, with its many beautiful fairytale-like spires and towers, the stunning Prague Castle is one of the most famous and imposing buildings in Europe. 

Within its walls lies a fascinating collection of historic buildings, museums and galleries that are home to some of the Czech Republic's greatest artistic and cultural treasures. For those who book the morning tour, you will have the chance to see the daily changing of the guard, which happens at noon each day. 
Explore the Historic Prague Castle: Private Half-Day Walking Tour
Founded in the 9th century by Prince Bořivoj, the historic Prague Castle holds the Guinness world record as the largest coherent castle complex with approximately an area of 70.000 m2. Your private tour guide will help you immerse yourself in the history of the fascinating city of Prague by learning the history of its beautiful castle. 

On this half-day walking tour, you will:

  • Explore Prague Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on the top of Castle Hill and one of the most visited monuments in Central Europe;
  • Learn about the Czech monarchy and the castle's architecture which date back to the 9th century, when the castle was first founded;
  • Discover the Old Royal Palace, the seat of Bohemian princes and kings until the 16th century made of a mix of many architectural styles, particularly Gothic and Renaissance;
  • Explore St George’s Basilica, founded in 920 and the oldest preserved church in the castle, while learning about the history of Prague as the capital for Holy Roman emperors throughout the Middle Ages;
  • Visit St. Vitus Cathedral, the scenario for many coronations of Czech kings and queens and home to the tomb of Saint Wenceslaus, the most important Czech patron;
  • Stroll down idyllic Golden Lane, originally built in the 16th century where you will get a sense of life behind the castle walls;
  • End your tour outside the castle where your tour guide will give you great recommendations for the rest of your stay.

Prague Castle looms above the Vltava River’s left bank and is adorned with many beautiful fairytale-like spires and towers. Within its walls lies a fascinating collection of historic buildings, museums and galleries that are home to some of the Czech Republic's greatest artistic and cultural treasures. Prague Castle is an absolute must for anyone visiting the Czech Republic.

The castle has long been the seat of Czech monarchs, as well as the official residence of the head of state. Its construction has been on a monumental scale and is famed across Europe; with Prince Bořivoj founding a fortified settlement here in the 9th century. It grew sporadically as monarchs made their own additions to the castle complex. 

There have been four major reconstructions, from that of Prince Soběslav in the 12th century to a classical facelift under Empress Maria Theresa (r 1740–80). 

Your expert city guide will help you to unravel the fascinating history of this enigmatic building in the heart of Prague. The Castle also provides a breathtaking, royal view over Charles Bridge, the Vltava river and the rest of Prague. 

Exploring the Castle complex will help us to discover more about the fascinating life of the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV, and his contributions to his Empire. 
The Best of Prague Live Virtual Tour
Discover the best of Prague, one of the most popular destinations in Eastern Europe on this Live Virtual Tour which will be the perfect introduction to the city!  On your virtual tour, you will:

  • See the Prague Castle
  • Walk the Charles Bridge
  • Walk the Old town Square
  • Learn amazing facts about Prague’s history
  • See interesting details on buildings and beautiful Prague’s architecture
Prague is known for its centuries of history and cultural heritage. It's the medieval heart of Europe the beat of which can be felt in its narrow cobblestone streets.

You'll hear about Prague’s history and be led passed the city's iconic landmarks on this live virtual tour a perfect introduction to the city. 

You will be taken on a walk through the pretty narrow streets of Prague, one of the most popular destinations in Eastern Europe known for its historic baroque architecture, friendly people, and delicious food. Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague is known for its Old Town Square, the heart of its historic centre, with its baroque buildings, Gothic churches and the medieval Astronomical Clock, which gives an animated display every hour.
Visit Prague Castle & Lobkowicz Palace: Private Half-Day Tour
Immerse yourself in the history of the fascinating city of Prague as you visit Prague Castle with your private tour guide, the largest castle complex in the world built in the 9th century, and explore the Lobkowicz Palace, home to the Lobkowicz Collections and museum. 

On this private half-day tour, you will:

  • Explore Prague Castle, a UNESCO world heritage site, with tickets included and a private guide throughout your tour;
  • Learn about the Czech monarchy and the architecture, some parts which date back to the 9th century, when the castle was first founded;
  • Explore St George’s Basilica and St Vitus Cathedral while learning about the history of Prague as the capital for Holy Roman emperors throughout the Middle Ages;
  • Visit St. Vitus Cathedral where the tomb of Saint Wenceslaus can be found;
  • Stroll down idyllic Golden Lane, originally built where you will get a sense of life behind the castle walls;
  • End your tour with a guided visit to the Lobkowicz Palace, where you will see works by Canaletto, and Bruegel and the original manuscripts of pieces by Beethoven and Mozart.

Prague Castle looms above the Vltava River’s left bank and is adorned with many beautiful fairytale-like spires and towers. Within its walls lies a fascinating collection of historic buildings, museums and galleries that are home to some of the Czech Republic's greatest artistic and cultural treasures. Prague Castle is an absolute must for anyone visiting the Czech Republic.

The castle has long been the seat of Czech monarchs as well as the official residence of the head of state. Its construction has been on a monumental scale and is famed across Europe; with Prince Bořivoj founding a fortified settlement here in the 9th century. 

It grew sporadically as monarchs made their own additions to the castle complex. There have been four major reconstructions, from that of Prince Soběslav in the 12th century to a classical facelift under Empress Maria Theresa (r 1740–80). 

Your expert city guide will help you to unravel the fascinating history of this enigmatic building in the heart of Prague. The Castle also provides a breathtaking, royal view over Charles Bridge, the Vltava river and the rest of Prague. 

Exploring the Castle complex will help us to discover more about the fascinating life of the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV, and his contributions to his Empire. 

After your tour of Prague Castle, you will visit the Lobkowicz Palace, which is another portion of the castle’s complex with your tour guide. 

You will see the original manuscripts by famous composers – each with handwritten notes by the composers themselves, and see the works by some of the great masters, including Bruegel and Velásquez.
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