Discover the Majestic Beauty of Prague Castle: Europe’s Most Historic Landmark
Perched atop a hill overlooking the city of Prague, the Prague Castle is Europe’s largest ancient castle, deemed an exemplary landmark of Czech history and culture. The splendor of the castle is irresistible, and to see its grandeur is a must for anyone who wants to feel the spirit of the Czech Republic. Discover the majestic beauty of Prague Castle, Europe’s most historic landmark, as it offers a glimpse into the vivid history of the city and the complexities of its culture.
History
The immense history surrounding the Prague Castle dates back to the 9th century when it was established as an essential fortress. Later, it became the residence of Czech kings and eventually the seat of the Holy Roman Empire. During the 20th century, it played a significant role in the Czechoslovak political scene and served as the home of Presidents. Today, it stands as a national treasure, containing within its walls a vast array of structures such as Gothic cathedrals, Renaissance palaces, and Baroque gardens, symbolizing the rich past, traditions, and culture of the Czech Republic.
Discovering the Castle
The Prague Castle is surrounded by a deep moat and a thirteen-meter high wall, adding grandeur to its architecture. The castle grounds showcase broad courtyards where you can explore exceptional architectural masterpieces. This fabulous castle measures roughly 70,000 square meters – roughly the size of seven rugby fields. Touring the castle takes a day or two, but the adventures and the experience are worth every minute.
As you experience the grandness of the castle, take a moment to explore the surrounding areas. Start at the St. Vitus Cathedral, built between 1344 and the 20th century, showcasing a unique mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque style architectures. The cathedral houses the relics of saints and kings of medieval Bohemia, and climbing to the top of the cathedral’s tower offers a breathtaking view of the city.
Next, take a leisurely stroll down the Golden Lane, a street crammed with tiny, colorful, picturesque houses. The Golden Lane takes its name from the goldsmiths that once inhabited these quarters in the 16th century.
At the eastern edge of the castle grounds, you will find the palace gardens. The garden is a luxuriant and romantic setting displaying roses, peonies, and an array of exotic flowers, showcasing intricate water fountains running into rock-pools lined with fish.
The Castle Tour
There are several ways you can go about touring the castle. You can opt for the standard guided tour to take you to the main highlights. But, to make the most out of your exploring experience, get a Prague Castle Short-Term Ticket. This ticket gets you through the impressive history museum, the Picture Gallery, and the exhibitions devoted to the Czech Art Nouveau.
You can also choose a more unconfined route where you will follow your interests and enjoy the scenery without being confined to a tour guide. However, you should consider downloading audio tours and exploring with a detailed guidebook.
FAQs
Q: How do I get to the Prague Castle?
A: You can reach the Prague Castle by taking public transportation, including trams 22 and 23, or by walking if you are staying in the central part of the city.
Q: When is the best time to visit the Prague Castle?
A: Early mornings and weekdays are the best times to visit the castle to avoid the crowds. During the summer months, the castle can get crowded, so be prepared to wait in lines.
Q: What is the admission fee to the Prague Castle?
A: Admission fees vary depending on the package selected, but a basic tour costs between $14-$20.
Top 5 Tourist Attractions Located in Prague Castle
1. St. Vitus Cathedral – An example of Gothic architecture, it houses the group of Saints and Kings of Medieval Bohemia.
2. The Golden Lane – A street crammed with tiny, colorful, picturesque houses that takes you back in time to the 16th century.
3. The Palace Gardens – A luxuriant and romantic setting showcasing intricate water fountains and exotic flowers.
4. Lobkowicz Palace – Throwback to the 16th century history- a privileged, extraordinary place showcasing some of the most incredible Baroque art in Europe and one of the world’s most significant private collections of music manuscripts.
5. Prague Castle Picture Gallery – A museum showcasing art of the 19th and 20th centuries, including pieces by Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, Cézanne, and others.
Conclusively, Prague Castle remains one of the great cultural treasures of the Czech Republic, reflecting its rich past and cultural complexity. Located in the heart of Prague, the castle stands as an exceptional example of extraordinary architectural styles updating the visitors on the country’s history and culture. A trip to Prague Castle is never complete without exploring its grounds and letting its grandness soak in. A treasure trove of breathtaking artistic works, history, and folklore, the castle stands as an ultimate spot for discovering the beauty of Prague.