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Prague Castle Facts | 8 Things You Must Know
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Contents
Founded in the 9th century, Prague Castle is a historic fortress that looks like it has been plucked straight out of a fairy tale. It's not just a castle; it's the largest ancient castle complex in the world, featuring stunning architecture, gardens, and historical buildings. The official residence and workplace of the president of the Czech Republic, Prague Castle, has its fair share of secrets and an intriguing past. Here are some interesting facts about the castle that you cannot ignore.
8 interesting Prague Castle facts
Prague Castle holds a Guinness world record
Prague Castle holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest ancient castle still in use. Dating back to the 9th century, it has been a seat of power for Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors, and Czech presidents. Covering a vast area of over 70,000 square meters, the castle complex includes palaces, churches, and gardens.
From the towering spires of St.Vitus Cathedral to the quaint charm of Golden Lane, Prague Castle offers a captivating journey through centuries of Czech heritage, earning its rightful place in the Guinness World Records.
Lawbreakers were thrown out of castle windows.
Yes, this is true! And such an incident actually happened in 1618. The term "defenestration," meaning tossing someone out of a window, originated from an event at Prague Castle. The incident happened because Roman Catholic rulers shut down a couple of Protestant chapels. The angry Protestants then called for a trial at the castle and won.
Then, something wild happened. Two Catholic officials, convicted of religious suppression, were thrown out of the window! Thankfully, they landed in a heap of horse dung, escaping unharmed. However, the incident led to a long and devastating war across Europe.
The Bohemian crown jewels have never been more secure.
The precious Czech crown jewels, including the crown of Saint Wenceslas, royal scepter, and coronation cloak, are safely stored inside a chamber in St. Vitus Cathedral. In fact, the jewels probably cannot be more secure than they already are.
To ensure their safety, the chamber door and iron safe have seven locks, each held by a different key holder, such as the president and prime minister. Displaying the jewels requires the presence of all key holders, and only the president can authorize their public exhibition, which happens only on special occasions.
There is a Changing of the Guard ceremony
A visit to Prague Castle is incomplete without witnessing the captivating Changing of the Guard ceremony, a tradition dating back centuries. Every day, soldiers in colorful uniforms march with precision from the Powder Tower to the Main Courtyard to replace the outgoing guards. This must-see ritual is accompanied by music and offers a fascinating glimpse into Czech culture.
Did you know that the uniforms of the Prague Castle Guards were created by Oscar-winning designer Theodor Pistek, who worked on the set of 1984's Amadeus? So, go ahead and take pictures with the guards dressed in their traditional uniforms, complete with weapons.
A tropical garden within the castle
In the 16th century, Emperor Rudolf II introduced tropical and citrus plants to Prague Castle. Today, this tradition thrives in the Orangery, a modern greenhouse established within the Royal Gardens in 1999. You can explore this lush haven during the summer season.
You can also explore other stunning Prague Castle gardens like the Royal Garden, the Garden on the Bastion, and the Southern Gardens, offering serene escapes amidst Prague's hustle and bustle.
The Golden Lane and Franz Kafka
The Golden Lane in Prague Castle boasts quaint rows of tiny houses. In the late 16th century, Emperor Rudolf II housed alchemists here, striving to transmute metals into gold. However, today, it's bustling with tourists shopping for souvenirs.
Notably, from 1916 to 1917, Franz Kafka resided with his sister in House No. 22, where he penned works like A Country Doctor and found inspiration for The Castle. This charming alley, steeped in legend and myth, also houses exhibitions showcasing its 500-year history, offering visitors a glimpse into Prague's rich cultural heritage.
There are four palaces for four churches.
Prague Castle is home to four churches - the renowned St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George's Basilica (the oldest standing building on the grounds), All Saints Church, and the Holy Cross Chapel. Interestingly, all four churches are paired with four magnificent palaces - the Old Royal Palace, Belvedere, Lobkowicz, and New Royal Palace.
These palaces, constructed one after the other over centuries, showcase stunning architecture, reaching their zenith during the Holy Roman Empire and Austrian Empire eras. Together, these churches and palaces instill a profound sense of holiness and historical significance within the castle.
Saint Vitus - the saint of dancers
The St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague Castle houses the richest church treasury of the Czech Republic and one of Europe's largest collections. These treasures include the arm of Saint Vitus, a Sicilian martyr from the 4th century. During medieval times, Germans and Latvians celebrated him with dances. Today, he's revered as the patron saint of dancers, entertainers, and epileptics, believed to offer protection against lightning strikes.
This Gothic cathedral, founded in the 10th century, dazzles with its stained glass windows and frescoes, making it a significant religious and cultural landmark in the country.
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Frequently asked questions about the Prague Castle
When was Prague Castle built?
The construction of Prague Castle began in 870 during the reign of Prince Bořivoj and was completed in 1929.
How big is Prague Castle?
Prague Castle covers an area of 70,000 m², making it the largest castle complex in the world.
What are some interesting facts about Prague Castle?
Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world, with over 1,000 years of history. It has been the seat of power for Bohemian kings, Holy Roman Emperors, and the Czech Republic's presidents. The castle has an intriguing past as it has witnessed some wild events like the Defenestration of 1618 and the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich. It is also home to the precious Bohemian crown jewels and some historical buildings.
Has Prague Castle won any awards or recognitions?
Prague Castle has been recorded as the largest coherent castle complex in the world by Guinness World Records.
Can I go inside Prague Castle?
Yes, you can go inside Prague Castle and visit most of the buildings inside the complex with a Prague Castle ticket. These include the St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George Basilica, Golden Lane, and more.
What are some of the must-visit buildings in Prague Castle?
Some of the must-visit buildings in Prague Castle include St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, St. George Basilica, and Golden Lane.
Is there an entrance fee for Prague Castle?
Yes, there is an entrance fee for the interiors of the buildings, churches, palaces, and monuments within Prague Castle, but the courtyards and Prague Castle gardens are free to visit.
How many works of art can be found in Prague Castle?
Prague Castle houses one of the oldest and largest private art collections in Central Europe, with over 4,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and tapestries.