Prague Castle — Attraction in Prague

THIS IS A REVIEW I THINK ANYONE WHO WANTS TO VISIT THE PRAGUE CASTLE SHOULD READ!!! Why? So that you will not have too high of expectation as I did.

This is a bit of a long one, but trust me, it is worth it. Before going on my city break, I take a looooong time designing a schedule. And I read a lot of reviews. Well, in my opinion, none are really honest about this landmark.

To start off, I added a picture of the price list for tickets here and the possible tours you can take. When I went with my family we bought 2 of them: The Main Circuit (Old Royal Palace, St George Basilica, Golden Lane, St Vitus Cathedral) and The Permanent exhibitions (The story of Prague castle, Castle Guard exhibition, Prague Castle Picture Gallery, Rosenberg Palace).

I am also going to start woth a general info and tip for everyone. Get here as early as possible as the tour for the whole Castle takes many hours (we arrived at 9, left at 15) and have a lot of patience. Why? Because until I visited this place I never truely hot how many people there are out there. This is probably the most crowded and claustrophobic place I have ever been to. There are soooo many people and the spaces in many buildings are very narrow. They also allow many groups of 70+ people to enter at once and they kind of ruin the experience. The guides are loud, the people are too many and will always push you, step on your feet, get into all pictures, push you away so they can go get a picture...it is absolute chaos.

Anyway. On to the attractions. I will also post individual reviews, but it is good to have them all gathered too: ●The Vitus Cathedral and the St George Basilica. They are the main "stars" of the show. They are nice, just like any other religious building. The Vitus is always extremely crowded so get in as early as possible. A fun fact about it is that it took almost 1000 years to complete this building (it was finished in 1929) and there is a famous painting of this cathedral, but without its towers because apparently they also took a couple hundred years to be raised. The St George Basilica has 2 interesting thing: the crypt (you cannot enter it, only take pictures from outside; the story of the people burried here is really interesting and you can learn it in the story of the castle exhibition) and the human remains (bones) you will fing inside a wall at the exit of the building. ●The Old Royal Palace and the Rosenberg Palace. The two big dissapointments. I dkn't know how it is for other people, but wherever I went, the palaces were the main focus point of the exhibition. Not here! The old Royal Palace is just an empty room. That's it! When I went there was the Bohemian Crown exhibition here and we had to wait an hour and a half to get in. We didn't know that was all that we would see...actually half the people didn't know that which is why we were dissappointed that after all that waiting that was all. The Rosenberg Palace is some sort of old bording school for noble women in Europe. This has sooo much potential, but it is all wasted. You can visit 4 rooms, out of which 2 are fully emty and 2 are chambers that present a salon and the room of one of the girls. ●The Golden Lane. Probably the only exhibition worth its money. This is a very narrow street with many houses on the side where they simulated the place where seamstresses, blacksmiths and even a psychic lived. Here you can also see the deffence tower with many armours, shields and weapons and also the torture chambers. This exhibition was really cool, but it is very crowded and also very narrow. Be careful if you don't like small spaces or big crowds! ●The Picture gallery. I feel like the name is misleading and because of it I almost didn't visit it. It is actually a painting gallery. Something normal for a castle. Paintings of saints, villagers, monarchs etc. It is a nice break from the crowds and a little bit of artistic history. ●The Castle Guards Exhibition. Nice, but way too small.

Overall nice and it is a landmark you can't really miss, however don't se your expectations way too high.

Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Czech Republic and one of the largest ancient castles in the world. Situated on a hill overlooking the city, the castle has been the seat of Czech kings, emperors, and presidents for over 1,000 years. Today, it serves as the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Historical Overview:

• Foundation: The castle was founded around 880 AD by Prince Bořivoj of the Přemyslid Dynasty. It has been continuously expanded and rebuilt over the centuries, reflecting various architectural styles including Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, and Renaissance. • Czech Royalty and Politics: Throughout history, Prague Castle has been the seat of Czech kings and Holy Roman emperors. It was also the political center of the Kingdom of Bohemia and later the Czechoslovak Republic.

Key Features of Prague Castle:

1. St. Vitus Cathedral: • This stunning Gothic cathedral is the spiritual heart of the castle complex. Construction began in 1344 under Charles IV and took nearly 600 years to complete. • The cathedral contains the tombs of many Bohemian kings and Holy Roman Emperors, including Charles IV. It also houses the Czech crown jewels in a hidden chamber. • Notable for its massive stained glass windows, tall spires, and intricate stone carvings, it is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
2. Old Royal Palace: • Dating back to the 12th century, the Old Royal Palace was the residence of Bohemian kings. Its most famous feature is Vladislav Hall, an enormous space used for royal banquets, coronations, and even jousting tournaments. The hall is renowned for its impressive late-Gothic vaulted ceiling. • The Bohemian Chancellery within the palace was the site of the Defenestration of Prague in 1618, a pivotal event that led to the Thirty Years’ War.
3. Golden Lane: • This charming, narrow street is lined with colorful, tiny houses that once housed the castle’s guards and craftsmen. According to legend, alchemists lived here, trying to turn base metals into gold. • Famous residents included Franz Kafka, the renowned writer, who lived in house No. 22 for a brief period.
4. St. George’s Basilica: • Built in the early 10th century, this Romanesque basilica is the oldest surviving church within the castle complex. Its simple, austere interior contrasts with the later Gothic and Baroque additions found elsewhere in the castle. Today, it serves as a concert hall and exhibition space.
5. The Powder Tower: • Originally part of the castle’s fortifications, this Gothic tower was used to store gunpowder. Visitors can climb the tower for panoramic views of Prague.
6. Lobkowicz Palace: • This Baroque palace, part of the Prague Castle complex, houses the Lobkowicz family’s private collection of art, manuscripts, and historical objects. The collection includes works by Canaletto, Velázquez, and even manuscripts from Beethoven and Mozart.
7. The Gardens: • Surrounding Prague Castle are beautiful gardens, offering peaceful walks and stunning views of the city below. Notable gardens include the Royal Garden, which features Renaissance designs, and the Southern Gardens, which offer breathtaking views of the Vltava River and Prague’s historic cityscape.

Architectural Styles:

Prague Castle is an architectural treasure trove, with buildings and structures reflecting the various styles of Europe’s past, including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. Its architectural evolution mirrors the history of the Czech lands and their rulers.

Political Significance:

Today, Prague Castle remains the seat of the President of the Czech Republic. It is also the location for many state ceremonies, including presidential inaugurations, and important cultural events.

A Majestic Marvel

Prague Castle, located in the heart of the Czech Republic's capital city, is a breathtakingly beautiful and historically significant complex that is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Prague. Here's a review of this incredible landmark:

Architecture and History: The castle complex is a stunning example of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture, with a rich history dating back to the 9th century. The castle has been the seat of power for Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors, and Czech presidents, and its architecture reflects the various styles and influences of these different periods.

Must-see Attractions:

1. St. Vitus Cathedral: A magnificent Gothic cathedral located within the castle complex, featuring stunning stained-glass windows and intricate stone carvings.
2. Old Royal Palace: A historic palace that showcases the castle's Romanesque and Gothic roots, with impressive vaulted ceilings and ornate decorations.
3. Basilica of St. George: A beautiful Romanesque basilica that dates back to the 10th century, featuring stunning frescoes and a peaceful atmosphere.
4. Golden Lane: A charming street lined with colorful houses and shops, where famous writers like Franz Kafka once lived.

Tips and Insights:

1. Buy a Comprehensive Ticket: Purchase a ticket that includes access to all the major attractions within the castle complex to make the most of your visit.
2. Guided Tours: Consider taking a guided tour to gain a deeper understanding of the castle's history and architecture.
3. Wear Comfortable Shoes: The castle complex is vast, and you'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes to ensure a pleasant experience.
4. Respect the Site: Remember to dress modestly and behave respectfully when visiting the cathedral and other sacred sites within the castle.

Overall: Prague Castle is an unforgettable experience that offers a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of the Czech Republic. With its stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and world-class museums, it's a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Prague.

Recommendation: Prague Castle is a great destination for:

1. History buffs
2. Architecture enthusiasts
3. Families with kids
4. Anyone interested in culture and heritage

Visit Prague Castle and experience the grandeur and beauty of this incredible landmark!