Are you planning to visit Prague Castle and want more information? You have come to the right place.
I’m Andrea from Prague Tip and in this article you will find out all the information you need to visit the beautiful Prague Tip Castle.
We’ll see together what to visit inside, what its history is, hours, ticket prices and how to get there.
Are you ready? Let’s get started
“Skip the Line” Tickets at Prague Castle
Gain access to Prague Castle and its interior by skipping the line at the ticket office and listen to a brief introduction in Italian at the meeting point.
You can cancel your visit up to the day before.
Prague Castle
Prague Castle is an architectural feature that dominates the entire Czech city.
After all, which is common with many similar architectures, it was built on one of the 9 hills that characterize the landscape.
The fortified complex has a fairly ancient history: in fact, it dates back to the 9th century.
Around it and its 70 thousand meters of extension, ancient narrow streets branch off, very dated buildings rise and every year hundreds of tourists gather.
The truly considerable area of the manor makes it the largest single-body castle to date. It is among other things the most important monument among the many towering over Prague.
History of Prague Castle
Apparently, the hill on which the ancient Prague Castle currently stands was absolutely the first populated core of the city.
In fact, the history of the Czech capital did not begin until the construction of this mighty castle.
Beginning in880, the year to which it is traditionally traced, it was inhabited by the princes and kings of Bohemia.
The height of its wealth can be placed in the period between 1346 and 1378, the time when Charles IV reigned here.
It was precisely during this historical phase that plans were made to further expand the primitive core of the castle to include the beautiful Cathedral of St. Vitus.
Another flourishing period was for this structure that of the rule of Wenceslas IV.
Soon after, however, roughly around the first half of the 15th century, the manor was damaged by the Hussite wars.
Part of the building was thus rebuilt, this time in the Renaissance style.
The Habsburgs also settled in the castle and further expanded the building.
Between periods of alternating fortunes related to continuous damage and rebuilding of the structure, we arrive at the beginning of the 1900s.
At this stage, with the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Prague Castle became the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic.
What to see at Prague Castle
As I have already mentioned, organizing a tour to Prague Castle means moving within a vast architectural complex.
In fact, there are many buildings that stand in the surrounding area and have been incorporated into the ruler’s residential area over the years.
They include the aforementioned St. Vitus Cathedral, the Belvedere Palace, the Convent and Basilica of St. George, or even the towers, the picture gallery, the Royal Palace and the Golden Lane.
Let’s find out together what there is to visit in the fortified Prague Castle complex, starting right from the interior of the castle (which, however, cannot be visited as it is a royal residence).
Interior of Prague Castle (New Palace)
On the second floor of all wings of the New Palace, there are rooms and halls intended for the reception of official guests of the President of the Czech Republic.
Some of these rooms already had representative functions in the 16th century and also served as residences for rulers.
During the Theresian reconstruction in the 18th century, the southern wing took on its present appearance, and during the same period the buildings of the northern wing of the New Palace were connected.
After 1918, the ring of state rooms was completed with a monumental interior in the west wing, which now serves as the entrance.
The Spanish Hall and Rudolph Gallery, built in the 16th century for the collections of Emperor Rudolph II, now host important state events, concerts, and social gatherings. Over the years, adaptations have been made to the New Lounges, located along the so-called Wide Corridor.
The central wing of the palace is connected to the southern wing through the Janák Hall and the Octagon.
Since the year 1918, some lounges in the south wing have been gradually restored for the state purposes of the president of the republic.
However, the state halls are not normally open to visitors to Prague Castle, and at present changes are still being made to the furniture and equipment of these halls.
St. Vitus Cathedral
St. Vitus Cathedral is certainly the most important Catholic house of worship in all of Prague.
Its floor plan is just over 120 meters long and 60 meters wide.
High are its vaults, not to mention the 33 towers that complete its profile.
In the middle of the courtyard in front of the opulent church sits the statue of St. George and the dragon.
In keeping with tradition, the saint is depicted in the company of the fearsome animal.
The work was created by the Cluj brothers, masters who lived in the height of the medieval era.
The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is one of the oldest buildings in the monumental complex.
Erected during the 9th century, it was often modified in its original structure, transforming over time into the building we know today.
Inside, the Vladislaus Hall, built in the Renaissance style and featuring a large number of stained glass windows, and the Bohemian Chancellery can be said to be particularly interesting.
It is said that in the former of these two rooms even horse games were once organized, while in the latter the Defenestration of Prague, the triggering event of the Thirty Years’ War, took place in the early 1600s.
The Golden Alley
This is probably one of the most fascinating of the views visible within the area occupied by the castle and its walls.
Here there is a succession of a large number of colorful little houses, once intended primarily to house the dwellings and emporiums of master goldsmiths.
Nowadays these structures have been converted into charming craft stores.
Get lost in the alley and admire this fairy landscape. It will leave you breathless.
The basilica and convent of San Giorgio
Once again we are in the presence of centuries-old buildings: in fact, the Basilica was built in 920, while the Convent dates back to 973.
Within these walls finds a rich collection of Bohemian art (19th century) from the National Gallery in Prague.
Also preserved here are the panels of the Master of Brod as well as many of the works of the so-called Master of the Trebon Altar.
Inside the Basilica of St. George, the statue of St. Bridget, depicted in an obviously interesting state, is still visible. In the belly of the saint, however, as intended by the Italian sculptor Spinetti, there are only snakes.
The Towers of Prague Castle
Several are the towers that tower over Prague Castle Hill.
Each was built to fulfill different purposes and to make the manor a safe place or where the law was enforced.
A military purpose had, for example, the so-called Powder Tower.
It, dating from the 15th century, was in fact part of the castle’s fortification system. Over time, however, it ended up housing a swarm of alchemists in the service of King Rudolf II.
A place of imprisonment, on the other hand, was the White Tower. Here the king could imprison the nobles of the kingdom.
The Daliborka Tower, similarly to it, was initially intended as an elite prison; later, however, it turned into a common jail in which delinquents from all walks of life could find imprisonment.
The Torre negra was also a prison but intended for debtors. Following a dangerous fire, it took on its characteristic color.
What else to see in Prague Castle?
I am certainly not finished with the buildings of historical and artistic interest within the monumental complex!
Once you arrive at Prague Castle however, it would be advisable to spend some time also to admire the Gigantomachia group, the Chapel of the Cross, the Baroque Matthias Gate as well as the Rhodolfine Gallery where, among other things, a number of works by important Italian (Titian and Tintoretto above all) and Flemish (Rubens) masters are preserved.
Also of interest are the Spanish Hall, the Royal Garden, the Singing Fountain, and the Lobkowicz Palace.
Prague Castle: useful information
Price of tickets for Prague Castle
To enter Prague Castle you have two options: buy the ticket at the ticket office or online.
My advice is to buy it online, so you can skip the long line that might form at the ticket office, and enjoy priority “skip the line” access.
The access ticket is priced at 18€, while the guided tour has a higher cost depending on the type of entrance.
Let’s look together at all the options for accessing Prague Castle.
Prague Castle “skip the line” tickets
Gain access to Prague Castle and its interior by skipping the line at the ticket office and listen to a short introduction in Italian at the meeting point.
You can cancel your visit up to the day before.
Tickets for Prague Castle: 2.5-hour guided tour
Join a guided tour of this fairy-tale castle with a professional guide who speaks Italian. Discover the history and mysteries behind the castle and visit St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, and the Golden Lane.
You can cancel your visit up to the day before
Prague Castle Opening Hours
Prague Castle opens very early in the morning and closes quite late in the evening, so you have plenty of time to visit. Here are the current opening hours:
November through March: daily, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. (for monuments from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
April through October: daily, from 5:00 a.m. to midnight (for monuments from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).
| Month | Opening hours | Closing hours | Notes |
| January | 06:00 | 22:00 | for monuments from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m |
| February | 06:00 | 22:00 | for monuments from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m |
| March | 06:00 | 22:00 | for monuments from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m |
| April | 05:00 | 00:00 | for monuments from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m |
| May | 05:00 | 00:00 | for monuments from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m |
| June | 05:00 | 00:00 | for monuments from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m |
| July | 05:00 | 00:00 | for monuments from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m |
| August | 05:00 | 00:00 | for monuments from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m |
| September | 05:00 | 00:00 | for monuments from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m |
| October | 05:00 | 00:00 | for monuments from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m |
| November | 06:00 | 00:00 | for monuments from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m |
| December | 06:00 | 00:00 | for monuments from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m |
Length of visit
How long does a visit to Prague Castlelast? If you decide to visit the castle complex on your own, plan on 2 to 3 hours. If you decide to opt for a guided tour, this has a total duration of 2 1/2 hours.
Getting there
To get to Prague Castle, take streetcar number 22 from Malostranská metro station or Národní třída. You can get off at Prague Castle’s main stop, Pražský hrad. If you prefer to add a short scenic walk, reach the Pohořelec stop and walk downhill to the main entrance of the castle.
Prague Castle: frequently asked questions
The castle complex is a “must see” on a trip to Prague , much of the complex can be visited for free. I assure you that it is worth paying every penny even just for the armory and the golden alley. The vast collection of weapons, armor and torture equipment is amazing.
My advice is to enter the castle in the early morning hours (possibly between 8 and 9 am). At these times you will meet only locals, a few photographers, castle employees or people coming out of the morning service in St. Vitus Cathedral. Avoid lunchtime, the most crowded time. Alternatively, you can opt for the evening hours, from 5 p.m. onward, a time when the crowds of tourists leave the castle to head elsewhere.
Spring and fall (April, May and September, October) are the best times to visit Prague and its castle. The spring and fall months attract fewer crowds but offer the possibility of sunny days and warm weather (remember to bring a jacket and umbrella just in case). April and May are especially beautiful as trees and flowers bloom.
Although tickets can be purchased on site, to avoid the long lines that may form at the ticket office, online purchase is always recommended. To purchase online, click here and book your visit to Prague Castle now.
“Skip the Line” Tickets at Prague Castle
Gain access to Prague Castle and its interiors by skipping the line at the ticket office and listen to a brief introduction in Italian at the meeting point.
You can cancel your visit up to the day before.
