Prague Castle: Introduction and tickets

Supplied by: Fun in Prague (EUR)

Overview

Prague Castle, the official seat of the President of the Czech Republic, has always been one of the most significant centres of political and ecclesiastical powers in Europe. The monumental residence of Czech monarchs and Holy Roman emperors is also one of the largest castles in the world consisting of a large-scale composition of palaces, churches and other buildings of various age and architectural styles, which makes it the most visited monument in the country.
In Prague Castle, the guide will give you a short introduction to the history and presence of the Castle as well as further recommendations for your individual visit. After your questions have been answered, you will get your ticket so that you can explore the Castle’s interiors at your own pace.
First, you can visit St. Vitus Cathedral, a masterpiece of European Gothic architecture. The traditional place of Czech royal coronations became also the burial site of many Czech dukes, kings and even Habsburg emperors. See St. Wenceslas’ Chapel decorated with precious stones – where the national patron saint is buried – with a door with seven locks leading to the Crown Chamber where the Czech Crown Jewels have been kept to this day. Be dazzled by the Art Nouveau stained glass window made by Alfons Mucha and by the huge silver tomb of St. John of Nepomuk.
On the way to the Old Royal Palace do not forget to marvel at the beauty of the Last Judgment Mosaic from 1370s above the southern entrance to the Cathedral. In the medieval palace, stand under the massive vault of the Vladislav Hall where once knightly tournaments on horseback were organized, later also coronation banquets and today the presidential inaugurations. See the window which witnessed the Defenestration of Prague in 1618, a violent overthrow of the Catholic pro-Habsburg government starting the Thirty Years’ War, and enter the old parliamentary room where the Czech nobility met until 1848.
Next, visit St. George's Basilica, the oldest surviving church within the Castle, and admire its Romanesque architecture from 1140s. Here, Benedictine nuns have prayed seven times a day for more than 800 years before their convent – the oldest monastic institution in Bohemia – was abolished in 1782.
Then walk further to enter the picturesque Golden Lane with many tiny houses built for the royal guards in the late 16th century who took care of the adjoining fortification wall with a defence corridor and castle’s towers with prisons and dungeons. The alley got its name from goldsmiths who later moved in its houses and in the early 20th century, it attracted many artists like Franz Kafka who even found a short-term retreat here. In the end, you will be rewarded by one of the best views over the city.
Please note, on special occasions (e. g. state visits), parts of the Castle might be closed to visitors. St. Vitus Cathedral is regularly closed every Sunday morning (church services) and the Old Royal Palace for several days around October 28 (state awards ceremony). The interiors are open 9:00–17:00 during the summer season (April – October) and 9:00–16:00 during the winter season (November – March). Your ticket is valid for two days and allows you to enter each of the four sights once.