Prague Castle dominates the west side of the Vlatva River. It is visible from towers, overlooks, and the river bank in almost any part of the city. With over 1,000 years of history, this UNESCO World Heritage Site draws thousands of tourists every day. It also houses the presidential offices and residence for the Czech Republic. The buildings represent the history of European architecture, and its galleries display a similar history of art. Kings and emperors, popes and presidents, reigned, ruled, and led from its halls and others retired here. Power changed hands and saints prayed. The stories that fill these buildings are of intrigue, faith, duty, leadership, treachery, beauty, and pageantry.
St. Vitus
The magnificent crown rising high above the rest of the castle buildings is the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saints Vitus, Wenceslaus and Adalbert, which just so happens to be home to the Bohemian crown jewels and Czech Catholic church to this day. The gothic building dominates and crowds the main courtyard of the castle.
Two other church iterations sat on the site prior to Charles IV began construction on the gothic masterpiece we see today. However, parts of the two predecessors can still be seen, including the chapel to Saint Wenceslas or Good King Wenceslas, although it was greatly altered during the gothic construction. Even though the gothic version was started under Charles IV in the 14th century, it was not completed until 1929, almost 600 years later.
This church is magnificent! The windows burst in color. The tracery adds character to the stone. Its vaulted ceiling draws your eye up to frescoes, the windows, and more.
Crown Jewels
As mentioned, the Bohemian crown jewels are stored in a special vault in the cathedral accessed through the Wenceslas Chapel. They go on display only at discretion of the president, but traditionally every five years during a presidential election. The door’s seven locks open with the keys given to various government officials in Prague that include: the president, prime minister, Prague Archbishop, Chairman of the House of Deputies, Chairman of the Senate, Dean of the Metropolitan Chapter of St. Vitus Cathedral, and Prague mayor. It makes me imagine that when the keys come together something magical will happen.
Royal Residence
Of course, the main function of a castle is to house the royal family. That function was met for generations and for several different ruling parties. A lot still house the president and the presidential offices. Parts can be entered by tourists that are mostly used as gallery spaces now. One area we visited once hosted jousting tournaments (indoors) and still hosts balls and formal events for the nation. The large space with vaulted ceilings is magnificent.
Attached to this hall, visitors find the throne room where kings and emperors met with advisors and officials for official state business. This is where visitors can see replicas of the crown jewels.
Basilica of Saint George
The oldest church still in the castle is that of Saint George. From the outside, it doesn’t appear as old, but that’s just a baroque façade. The interior is still very Romanesque. It is rather small compared to the neighboring St. Vitus, but lovely in its own way. Beautiful frescoes decorate the ceilings of the chapels. Our visit was a very crowded visit, but it was lovely. This church is attached to one of the oldest convents in the region.
Golden Lane
One of the other major attractions of Prague Castle lies at the edge, along a wall. Golden Lane, as it is called today, consists of a very narrow alley along the back wall of the castle where guards built extremely narrow homes along the wall. These buildings were added to over time and boast bright colors. Charm exudes from the lane as if a fantasy movie set, but only if it isn’t bursting with crowds, which it happened to be when we found our way through. The buildings house shops today and are still cute as a button.
Visiting the Castle
Admission to the castle grounds is free. Guests will have to go through security screening points. To enter the buildings or galleries, you’ll need to purchase admission at one of the several ticket offices. I recommend the one inside the courtyard across from the cathedral entrance. It had the shortest lines. This is also where you can join a tour, for an additional fee, of the spaces. We did this for the route including the royal residence and the cathedral. Our ticket also got us into Saint George’s and Golden Lane.
