Prague Castle

The historical core of the Czech capital is the famous, fairy-tale Prague Castle (Pražský Hrad in Czech), the most important symbol of the Czech state for over a millennium. Once the seat of the Bohemian rulers, today it is the residence of the Presidency of the Republic and one of the country’s most visited tourist attractions.

Prague and its castle are an inseparable combination in the minds of all visitors, who are enchanted by the simultaneously romantic and imposing appearance of this extraordinary building perched atop a hill.

The highlight of any holiday in Prague, the castle truly appeals to every visitor’s taste with its incredible mix of architectural styles and historical and cultural references. You can waste hours simply walking through the alleys and gardens, or admire the crown jewels of Bohemia and works by important artists such as Titian and Reubens, climb to the top of a soaring tower to enjoy the most beautiful view of the city or even become a child again by visiting the Toy Museum.

It is an extraordinary complex, fascinating at all hours of the day, but for a wonderful overview admire it from Charles Bridge at sunset, when the sky is coloured with delicate hues and gives the castle a timeless atmosphere. You will take home with you extraordinary photos and an emotion that will remain in your heart for a long time.

Things to do in the castle complex

Contrary to what many tourists think before arriving in Prague, the famous castle is not a single building but a huge complex of buildings covering an area of 45 hectares, making it one of the largest complexes in the world.

The most interesting attractions found within this complex are:

• Old Royal Palace, seat of Czech kings for many centuries. The original construction was made of wood but has not been preserved.
  
• St Vitus Cathedral, a true Gothic splendour, is the most important religious building in Prague where kings and queens of Bohemia were crowned. Be sure to visit the Chapel of St Wenceslas.
• St George’s Basilica, an important Romanesque church.
• Golden Lane, a charming alley dotted with colourful houses. According to legend, alchemists in the service of Emperor Rudolf II lived here, engaged in the search for the elixir of eternal youth or the philosopher’s stone.
• Powder Tower – Mihulka, a defensive tower that today houses a permanent exhibition of royal guard uniforms and memorabilia.
• Rosenberg Palace, a luxurious Renaissance palace.
• South Tower of the Cathedral, a soaring tower over 100 metres high with a breathtaking view. To reach the top you have to climb 280 steep steps!

Tickets for Prague Castle

A visit to Prague Castle is a must on any visit to Prague! You can spend an entire day visiting historical, official and ecclesiastical palaces, fortifications, gardens and other picturesque places that make up the castle complex. We are sure you won’t regret staying there for so long: the atmosphere is magical, like a walk back through the centuries.

Skip the line entrance ticket

Buying a ticket to Prague Castle can be a tricky business because there are so many different types of tickets available!

There are in fact three different circuits that grant you access to certain areas and buildings. Each circuit corresponds to a different ticket; the price of the ticket varies according to the circuit you have chosen. For those who are not interested in an entire circuit, there are additional tickets that give access to a single building or exhibition. Discounts are available for children up to 16, students up to 26 and adults over 65.

To avoid wasting time at the ticket office, possibly causing the queue behind you to grow longer or annoying the employee at the counter, we recommend that you buy your ticket in advance directly online, with or without a guided tour.

Ticket + guided tour

For a small surcharge, you can participate in a tour of the castle with a certified professional guide. Tours are available for individuals and groups in several languages. Reservations are recommended during peak tourist periods.

Save on admission with a Prague city card

To save on Prague Castle entrance fees consider purchasing a Prague city card, a tourist pass that allows you free or discounted entry to several, including the castle. Choose the one that’s right for you, depending on duration, attractions to visit or services included, such as public transport.

← → Scorri in orizzontale per vedere la tabella

	Prague CoolPass / Prague Card	Prague Visitor Pass	Prague Digital Pass
Attractions	Over 70	Over 60	Castle & Astronomical Clock
Trasport	Not included	Unlimited	Not included
Duration	1 to 6 days	48, 72 and 120 hours	Unlimited
	Buy	Buy	Buy

← → Scorri in orizzontale per vedere la tabella

How to get to Prague Castle

It is really easy to get to Prague Castle from the centre because there are many tram and metro stops nearby. The easiest way to get there is to take tram 22 and get off at the Pražský Hrad stop: the entrance is a 5-minute walk away. If arriving by metro, the recommended stop is Malostranská Hradcanske.

Many visitors, however, choose one of the alternative routes, which, although longer, provide a beautiful view of the city. For a pleasant walk up the hill, take tram 22 and get off at Pohořelec; if you don’t mind a more strenuous route, get off at Malostranské Náměstí and walk up the new staircase to the chateau. Your effort will be rewarded with a wonderful view over the rooftops of the Lesser Quarter.

In the summer months you can reach the chateau by a walk through the gardens.

Reaching the castle on foot

• From Nerudova Street
  Walk up the picturesque (and rather steep) Nerudova from Malostranské námestí and at the top turn right towards Ke Hradu. You will find yourself in front of the main entrance to the Castle.
• From the Castle Steps (Zámecké schody)
  Go up Nerudova from Malostranské námestí and then turn immediately right onto Zámecká. Then turn left to climb the romantic steps that will lead you to the Embankment Garden (Záhrada na Valech).
• From the Old Castle Steps (Staré zámecké schody)
  The steps begin near the Malostranská underground station and will take you to the beginning of Jirská. You will be rewarded with one of the most beautiful views of Prague.

Reach the Castle by tram

Taking the tram will spare you the climb up the hill or the steps and the journey is very scenic. Take tram 22 or 23 in the direction of Pražský hrad or Pohorelec and get off at one of these stops:

• Belveder
  Start your tour with the Royal Garden, the Belveder and the Rope Ball Room and then cross the Deer Moat Bridge to reach the Second Court.
• Pražský Hrad
  You will start your tour from the Second Court.
• Pohorelec
  You will walk to the castle through Hradcany to reach the main entrance. This is probably the most pleasant route.

One suggestion is to take the tram up to the Castle and then walk back once you have finished your visit.

Castle History

Prague Castle was founded around the year 880 by Prince Borivoj of the Premyslid dynasty, who immediately made it their kingdom due to its dominant position on the Vltava River. At that time it comprised a palace, three churches and a monastery. Over the centuries it was restored, rebuilt and expanded, especially during the reign of Charles IV.

After being abandoned and deteriorating during the Hussite wars, in the 15th century, the entire complex was rebuilt thanks to Vladislaus Jagellon and new fortifications and watchtowers were built, as well as the grandiose Renaissance Vladislaus Hall. In the 16th century, the Royal Garden, the Belvedere and the Hall of the Rope Ball were built; the Cathedral and the Royal Palace underwent alterations and new residential buildings were constructed to the west of the Old Royal Palace.

The reconstruction of the Castle reached its peak during the reign of Rudolf II, who brought his court back to Prague and transformed the Castle into an elegant centre of power that would attract foreign artists, scientists and diplomats.

The last major reconstruction of the Castle took place in the second half of the 18th century when the complex took on a residential style. Since 1918 it has been the seat of the Presidents of the Czech Republic.

Interesting facts about Prague Castle

• Some Prague Castle buildings are used as exhibition spaces for temporary and permanent exhibitions of painting, sculpture, photography and other visual and decorative arts. Permanent exhibitions include The History of Prague Castle on the Gothic floor of the Old Royal Palace and the art collection of the Picture Gallery. The castle is also used as a venue for classical music concerts.
• The writer Franz Kafka wrote a novel, which remained unfinished, set inside the castle complex. The title of the work, needless to say, is ‘The Castle’. The writer himself lived here from 1916 to 1917, in cottage 22 in the Golden Lane, which you can still see today.
• The uniforms of the guards at the entrance are not historical costumes: they were designed by the Oscar-winning costume designer Theodore Pistek for the costumes in Miloš Forman’s film ‘Amadeus’.