Prague Castle

Prague Castle's foundation is traditionally dated to around 870 AD, when Prince Bořivoj of the Přemyslid dynasty built a wooden fortress on the rocky promontory above the Vltava river. What began as a practical defensive fortification evolved over the next twelve centuries into the complex that stands today — a palimpsest of architectural styles that reads like a history of Central European civilisation.

The Romanesque elements date from the 11th and 12th centuries, when the Přemyslid princes expanded the wooden structures into stone palaces and basilicas. The Gothic Cathedral of St. Vitus was begun in 1344 by Emperor Charles IV, who made Prague the capital of the Holy Roman Empire and the most important city in Europe outside Rome. Construction continued for nearly six centuries — the cathedral was not fully completed until 1929.

The Habsburg dynasty took control of Bohemia in 1526 and ruled from the castle for over 400 years, leaving their mark in Baroque palaces, gardens and churches. The 17th century brought the Thirty Years' War, which began in Prague when Protestant nobles literally threw two Catholic governors from a castle window in 1618 (the 'Defenestration of Prague') — a political act that plunged Europe into its bloodiest conflict.

Following the collapse of the Habsburg Empire in 1918, Prague Castle became the seat of the Czechoslovak presidency, a role it continues to hold today. Tomáš Masaryk, the first Czechoslovak president, hired the Slovenian architect Josip Plečnik to redesign the castle grounds in the 1920s — Plečnik's humanist modifications, including garden staircases, fountains and obelisks, are still visible and debated by architects today.

Getting there from central Prague: Metro Line A to Malostranská station, then walk uphill through Malá Strana (15–20 minutes). Alternatively, tram 22 to Pražský hrad stop delivers you directly to the castle gates. The walk from the Old Town across Charles Bridge and up through Malá Strana is one of the great urban walks in Europe — allow an extra 45 minutes if you take this route.

Tickets: Grounds and courtyards are free. To enter the Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, Basilica of St. George and Golden Lane, buy Circuit B (€14 adults) or Circuit A (€16, adds the Powder Tower and Story of Prague Castle exhibition). Buy at the ticket centres in the Second Courtyard or online.

Changing of the Guard: Happens on the hour at the main gate, with a more elaborate ceremony at noon including a fanfare. Worth timing your arrival accordingly.

Crowds: The main entrance from Hradčany Square is extremely crowded. Consider entering from the east via the Old Castle Stairs (coming up from Malostranská metro) — you emerge near the Golden Lane with far fewer people and walk the complex in reverse, reaching the Cathedral from the quieter side.

Best views of Prague: The southern terrace gardens below the castle (open April–October) offer spectacular views over Malá Strana and the river. The castle itself is best photographed from Charles Bridge or from the Letná park across the river.