— What You Can Expect —

Explore Prague Castle, the official seat of the President of the Czech Republic and a significant hub of political authority in Europe. As the monumental residence of Czech monarchs and Holy Roman emperors, it stands as one of the world's largest castles, comprising palaces, churches, and diverse buildings spanning different ages and architectural styles. Get a brief introduction to the history and present of the Castle, along with recommendations for your visit. Then, get your ticket to explore the Castle at your own pace.

Visit St. Vitus Cathedral, a European Gothic architectural masterpiece. This traditional site for Czech royal coronations also serves as the burial place for numerous Czech dukes, kings, and Habsburg emperors. Witness the adorned St. Wenceslas’ Chapel, the burial place of the national patron saint, with a seven-lock door leading to the Crown Chamber, where the Czech Crown Jewels are still housed. Marvel at the Art Nouveau stained glass window by Alfons Mucha and the massive silver tomb of St. John of Nepomuk.

On the way to the Old Royal Palace, admire the Last Judgment Mosaic from the 1370s above the southern entrance to the Cathedral. In the medieval palace, stand beneath the grand vault of the Vladislav Hall, once the venue for knightly tournaments and coronation banquets, now hosting presidential inaugurations. Observe the window that witnessed the Defenestration of Prague in 1618, the violent overthrow sparking the Thirty Years’ War, and explore the old parliamentary room where Czech nobility convened until 1848.

Then, stroll around St. George's Basilica, the castle's oldest surviving church, and appreciate its Romanesque architecture from the 1140s. For over 800 years, Benedictine nuns prayed seven times a day in this church, part of the oldest monastic institution in Bohemia, until its abolition in 1782.

Continue to the charming Golden Lane, featuring small houses constructed in the late 16th century for royal guards responsible for the nearby fortification wall, defense corridor, and castle towers with prisons and dungeons. The name originates from goldsmiths who later occupied the houses, and in the early 20th century, it became a haven for artists like Franz Kafka. Finally, enjoy one of the city's best views.

Please note that on special occasions, such as state visits, certain parts of the Castle may be closed to visitors. St. Vitus Cathedral is regularly closed every Sunday morning for church services, and the Old Royal Palace is closed for several days around October 28 for a state awards ceremony. Interiors are accessible from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm during the summer season (April–October) and from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm during the winter season (November–March). Your ticket is valid for two days, allowing entry to each of the four sights once.

Prague Castle View