1 · Castle & churches
Prague Castle
A thousand years of kings and presidents on one hill: three courtyards, palaces, churches and the best view over the red roofs.
- Built
- From the 9th century
- Open
- Grounds daily 6:00–22:00
- Entry
- Grounds free, interiors with a ticket
Prince Bořivoj built a wooden fort here around 880, and the hill has been the seat of Bohemian princes, kings, emperors and now presidents ever since. What you walk through today is a town within the city: three courtyards, the Old Royal Palace, St George’s Basilica, the cathedral and the lanes behind them.
The changing of the guard happens at the main gate on Hradčany Square every hour, with a longer ceremony at noon. Come early and you’ll have the courtyards almost to yourself.
Walks that pass here
On the map
Nearby on the map
Castle & churches · 1344–1929
St Vitus Cathedral
The Gothic heart of the castle, begun in 1344 and finished in 1929, with the tombs of kings and a window by Alfons Mucha.
Streets & squares · Houses from the Middle Ages to baroque
Nerudova Street
The steep street up to the castle, its houses named by signs: two suns, three fiddles, a golden horseshoe.
Castle & churches · 1704–1755
St Nicholas Church
The finest baroque church in Prague, with a green dome over the Lesser Town; Mozart played its organ in 1787.
Castle & churches · Late 16th century
Golden Lane
Tiny houses built into the castle walls in the 16th century; Franz Kafka wrote in number 22.