Guide to visiting the castle

Here is the easiest way to get to Prague Castle in the Czech Republic from the city centre.
Take the metro line A (green) to Malostranská station and then continue on foot to the castle.

To fully enjoy your visit to Prague Castle, we recommend going early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
The entire visit will take about 3 hours, so it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes.

Every day at noon, the solemn changing of the guard takes place, accompanied by a fanfare.

For the return journey, exit through the main entrance (where there are always two guards) and take the road that goes down to the left. This will lead you to the beautiful district of Malá Strana, one of the oldest and most fascinating in Prague.

The Castle and its History

Prague Castle, one of the largest castle complexes in the world, represents an iconic symbol of the Czech Republic.
Its history, spanning over a thousand years, reflects the political, cultural, and architectural evolution of the region.

Founded in the year 870 as a simple wooden and earth fortification, the castle has undergone numerous expansions, reconstructions, and restorations, growing into one of the most imposing structures in the world.
Over the centuries, it has hosted kings, emperors, presidents, and key figures of European history, witnessing the historical vicissitudes of this central region of the continent.

Within the castle, in addition to administrative offices and both permanent and temporary exhibitions, are the majestic St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George’s Basilica, the Royal Palace, and the picturesque Golden Lane.
Completing the ensemble are various historic gardens offering spectacular panoramic views of Prague.

St. Vitus Cathedral

1 – In 1344, under the reign of Charles IV, the construction of the grand St. Vitus Cathedral began, destined to become the spiritual heart of the castle.
One of the most important Gothic cathedrals in Europe, it houses the tombs of many Bohemian kings and Holy Roman Emperors.

The Old Royal Palace

2 – A complex that includes the Old Royal Palace, featuring the famous Vladislav Hall, one of the largest medieval halls in Europe.

St. George’s Basilica

3 – A significant example of Romanesque architecture.

Golden Lane

4 – A picturesque street within the castle, famous for the small colourful houses that once housed craftsmen and now are shops and small historical exhibitions. (Accessible without a ticket after 5:00 PM).

The Castle Gardens

5 – Include various historic gardens such as the Royal Garden and the Southern Garden, which offers panoramic views of Prague.

Malá Strana District

6 – Malá Strana is one of the most fascinating historic districts in Prague.
Located at the foot of the Castle, this district is famous for its cobblestone streets, baroque buildings, and historic churches, including St. Nicholas Church.
The district is an ideal place for a stroll to immerse yourself in the historic and picturesque atmosphere of the city.

Practical Tips

While access to the exterior of all buildings in the complex is free, a single ticket is required to visit the interior attractions, which we recommend purchasing in advance to avoid long queues at the ticket offices.

This ticket usually includes entry to:
– The majestic St. Vitus Cathedral
– The Old Royal Palace
– The historic St. George’s Basilica
– The picturesque Golden Lane

Guided Tours: For a deeper and more engaging experience, consider the option of a guided tour, which will enrich your visit with historical and cultural details.

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