The Prague Castle Tour
The Prague Castle Tour with a Guide
A tour with a guide through a Prague Castle should not miss any enthusiast for history or architecture. But above all, the Prague castle charms everyone. With a guide, you will get to know many remarkable facts about this seat of president and the previous seat of the Czech dynasties. We will be pleased to provide a guide for you.
This complex is one of the most extensive castle complexes in the world. It is even considered a symbol of the Czech republic and above all, it is one of the most significant monuments in this country. Many also see this complex as a huge art piece.
Another interesting significant fact is that the castle has its place on the Guinness World Record list. The area is about 70.000 m² large. The complex also belongs to UNESCO world heritage.
The Prague Castle – a brief history and the dynasty rule
The colonization where the Prague Castle is built today dates back to the neolith age. Archaeologists found objects from the early beginning of the 9th century. Examples of the found objects were, for example, wooden fences, fortifications and even jewellery.
The castle’s construction started with the Přemyslovci dynasty. This place happened to be a seat of the kings and princes. In the year 1918, when was established the Czechoslovakia republic, the first president was seated there.
There were also other dynasties that ruled the Czech land. They contributed to building the complex of Prague castle. After Přemyslovci, the throne took over Lucemburkové. They brought gothic architecture. During the Jagellonci rule was built, for instance, a very spacious Vladislav Hall. This hall was the first in the land, constructed in a renaissance style. It was also even the first building without arched columns.
There are still two dynasties left. The Habsbuskové and Habsbursko-Lotrinská dynasty. Habsburkové, particularly Ferdinand I., was interested in the reconstruction of castle gardens into a renaissance look.
Parts of a Prague Castle – The Golden Lane and St. Jiří basilic
If you start your tour from the Malostranské Square, up to the castle on your right hand, see the Golden Lane. The Golden Lane consists of a lane of cute, small and colourful houses. The houses were built around the 16th century. The legend says that there used to live alchemists trying to make some gold. It is probably not true since this part used to be the poorest part of the castle complex. In the 19th century, the Golden Lane started to be visited by tourists. They were interested in the legends related to it. After the 2WW, not many owners of the houses got back to live there. Therefore the government bought all the houses in Golden Lane. All of them were mended and colourfully painted.
After passing the Golden Lane, you are almost at the top. Before you see the main and dominant building, the Catedral of st. Vitus, notice the Basilica of st. Jiří. This basilica is one of the oldest in the Czech country. The construction started in 920. The basilic was used as the burial ground of Přemyslovci. They are buried here till these days. The architecture signs a roman, gothic and baroque styles.
Parts of a Prague Castle – The Old Royal Palace
Opposite the south tower of the St. Vít Catedral, you can admire the Old Royal Palace. The palace used to be the seat of the Czech kings from the 10th – to the 16th century. In addition, this building was constructed in a gothic style. The main parts of the palace are All Saints Church which is connected to mentioned Vladislav Hall. Jagellonci dynasty started with a construction of a space for the parliamentary session. This space these days is known as an Old Chamber of Deputies. Ludvig’s wing, creating another part of this Old Royal Palace is known for the third Prague defenestration (1618). Even there were the Czech aristocrats thrown out of the window.
Parts of a Prague Castle – St. Vitus Catedral
The full name of the cathedral is The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saints Vitus, Wenceslaus and Adalbert. The height of the highest tower is 96m, which makes the cathedral the third highest one in the Czech republic. (The first one is the Cathedral of St. Bartoloměj in Plzeň. This one reaches 100m).
The construction of St. Vitus Cathedral lasted many centuries. It started with the rotunda building around the year 929. This rotunda was built during the St. Wenceslaus rule. The groundbreaking ceremony of the cathedral itself started Jan Lucemburský, around the year 1344.
In the year 1873-1929, The last part was built, followed by many reconstructions. The used architectural style you can see on this monumental building is a style.
Inside this cathedral is situated a mausoleum of Czech kings. In total, there are buried 27 persons.
There are not even missing three castle gardens, where you can enjoy a nice stroll.
If you are interested in the detailed description and historical context, contact us for a private guide. For another tour through the city, visit our list of Walking Tours in Prague.
