Inisde Prague Castle | Palaces, Churches, Gardens, FAQs & more
Built in the 9th century, Prague Castle is a castle complex occupying an area of nearly 70,000 square meters. It is the world’s largest ancient castle in the world and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Prague.
What Is Inside The Prague Castle?
Since its establishment in the late 9th century, Prague Castle has seen many expansion works, installation of new historical buildings, and damages due to historical events, followed by reconstruction and preservation works.
The expansion works in the Prague Castle saw a large inclusion of beautiful historical buildings of various architectural styles in the castle complex. Interestingly, this led to the inclusion of several architectural styles, ranging from Romanesque-style structures of the 10th century to Gothic modifications of the 14th century.
Currently, the castle serves as the seat of the Head of State of the Czech Republic. The castle complex includes palaces, churches, chapels, towers, fortifications, offices, halls, courtyards, gardens. The Prague Castle interiors have been noted for their striking architecture and design.
What To See Inside Prague Castle?
- St. Vitus Cathedral: This seat of the Archbishop Of Prague is a Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral.
- St George’s Basilica & Convent Of Saint George: Dedicated to Saint George, it is the oldest surviving church building within Prague Castle
- All Saint’s Church: Holding the tomb of St. Procopius, this Romanesque building was consecrated in 1185.
- Holy Cross Chapel: Located in the second courtyard of the castle complex, the chapel temporarily served as the treasury of the St. Vitus Cathedral.
- Old Royal Palace: Originally a residence building, it is a part of the Prague Castle built in Gothic and Renaissance styles.
- Queen Anne's Summer Palace: It is a beautiful Renaissance-style building located in the Royal Gardens of Prague Castle
- Lobkowicz Palace: The only privately owned building in the Prague Castle complex housing Lobkowicz Collections and Museums.
- New Royal Palace: Comprised of four wings, it occupies a portion of the Courtyard III of the Castle.
- The Spanish Hall: It is a ceremonial hall built in the New Royal Palace where Emperor Rudolph II displayed his scientific and art collection.
- The Vladislav Hall: It is a large room designed for hosting large public events.
- Hall Of Columns: It is a part of the western wing of the staterooms.
- Rothmayer's Hall: It is also a part of the western wing of the staterooms along with the Hall Of Columns.
- Rudolph's Gallery: It houses the collections of Emperor Rudolph II.
- Royal Garden of Prague Castle
- Riding School Terrace Garden
- The Garden on the Bastion
- South Gardens
- The Hartig Garden
- Deer Moat
- St. Wenceslas vineyard
- Empire Greenhouse
- Orangery
- Horticultural Gardens
- Golden Lane: Taking after the goldsmith’s living here, it is one of the popular streets of Prague with houses of several historic figures.
- Old Supreme Burgrave's House: It belonged to the deputy of the king, the supreme burgrave – the highest official in Prague Castle.
- Ball Game Hall: It is located on the south side of the Royal Gardens
- Riding School: It is currently used as an exhibition venue.
- Old Provost Residence: It was used as the seat of Prague bishops
- New Provost Residence: It is located right beside St. George’s Basilica.
- Prašný Bridge: It was formerly used in the Prague Castle complex.
Architectural Highlights Of Prague Castle
St. Vitus Cathedral
St Vitus's Cathedral is the largest and most important church in Prague. It features two organ casings, of which the upper facade belongs to the Baroque era, with 40 stops on 3 manuals and pedals. The lower organ is the main one in use today and was built in the first half of the 20th century, with 4475 pipes in total.
Golden Lane
The Golden Lane was home to the defenders of the castle. The name comes from the goldsmiths who lived here. Writer Franz Kafka also lived in house no. 22 from 1916 to 1917. These modest dwellings present a colorful spectacle to visitors and are the last remains of the small-scale architecture of the castle.
Old Royal Palace
Once the seat of the Bohemian seat of power until the 16th century, the Old Royal Palace was built on the remains of the Sobeslav Place. Several reconstructions of the Old Royal Palace took place during the 20th century. Currently it is used for exhibitions of creative art. The highlight of the palace is the Vladislav Hall, which features some complex rib vaulting.
St. George’s Basilica
Founded in 920, the St George’s Basilica was the second church of Prague Castle. Only parts of the original structure still remain. Following a devastating fire in 1142, reconstruction took place, which gave it a Romanesque appearance. The current striking facade is a result of the Baroque elements. The church was again restored between 1887 and 1908.
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Frequently Asked Questions About What's Inside Prague Castle
A. Yes, you can go inside Prague Castle. Most of the areas in Prague Castle are open to the public. You can gain access to the historical buildings of Prague Castle with Prague Castle tickets.
A. Prague Castle is a castle complex occupying an area of nearly 70,000 square meters. The castle complex includes palaces, churches, chapels, towers, fortifications, offices, halls, courtyards, gardens.
A. The President of the Czech Republic and his family currently reside at Prague Castle.
A. Yes, your Prague Castle tickets provide access to the stunning interiors of the castle that houses several period pieces and historic artworks along with the famous architectural works.
A. Yes, Prague Castle tickets are available online.
A. Prague Castle was built around the year 880.
A. There are 5 churches in the Prague Castle complex - St. Vitus Cathedral, St George’s Basilica, All Saints Church, St. George’s Convent, and the Holy Cross Chapel.
A. Prague Castle was built by Prince Borivoj. Construction of the castle began around 880.
A. Currently, Prague Castle serves as the official residence of the Czech Republic president.