Prague Castle

Prague Castle, located in the Hradčany district, is an emblematic place that encapsulates the history, art, and culture of the Czech Republic. Founded around 880 by Prince Bořivoj of the Přemyslid dynasty, the castle covers a vast area of about 70,000 square meters, making it one of the largest fortified complexes in the world. This monument has played a central role in Bohemian history, serving as the residence of the kings of Bohemia, the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire, and, since 1918, the presidents of the Czech Republic. The history of Prague Castle is marked by a series of expansions and reconstructions that reflect the various architectural styles that have succeeded over the centuries. The first stone building was the Church of the Virgin Mary, followed in the 10th century by St. George’s Basilica and St. George’s Convent, the first convent in Bohemia. In the 11th century, the Rotunda of St. Vitus was replaced by St. Vitus Cathedral, the core of the future St. Vitus Cathedral, one of the most important examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. During the reign of Charles IV (1346-1378), the castle reached one of its periods of greatest splendor. Charles IV, who made Prague the capital of the Holy Roman Empire, commissioned the construction of St. Vitus Cathedral, inspired by the great French Gothic cathedrals. The Royal Palace was expanded and the fortifications strengthened, transforming the castle into a politically and culturally significant center. The castle underwent a period of decline during the Hussite Wars (1419-1437) and was partially abandoned. However, it came back to life under the reign of Vladislaus II Jagiellon (1471-1516), who commissioned the construction of Vladislaus Hall, a late Gothic architectural work of extraordinary beauty. The hall, used for ceremonies and tournaments, is still one of the main attractions of the castle. With the ascent to the throne of the Habsburg dynasty in 1526, the castle underwent further transformations in the Renaissance style. Ferdinand I of Habsburg built the Royal Garden, the Belvedere, and the Ball Game Hall, while Rudolf II, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, brought the court back to Prague in 1583, enriching the castle with works of art and scientists. The 17th century saw a new period of turmoil with the Defenestration of Prague in 1618, which triggered the Thirty Years’ War. During this period, the castle was damaged and looted. Reconstruction only took place in the second half of the 18th century, when the complex assumed a more uniform residential style. With the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918, the castle became the official residence of the president of the newly formed Czechoslovakia. Slovenian architect Josip Plečnik was tasked with renovating the castle, introducing modern elements while respecting the historical structure. Plečnik designed the Bull Staircase, the southern gardens, and renovated the Spanish Hall. The castle continued to be a symbol of power and culture even during the communist period, and after the Velvet Revolution of 1989, many areas of the castle were opened to the public for the first time. Today, the castle houses numerous museums, including the Museum of St. Vitus Cathedral, the Castle History Museum, and the Prague Castle Picture Gallery, which holds a rich collection of Bohemian art. Among the main points of interest of the castle are St. Vitus Cathedral, which dominates the skyline with its Gothic towers; the Golden Lane, a picturesque alley of colorful houses that housed artisans and palace guards; and St. George’s Basilica, one of the best-preserved Romanesque buildings in Prague. St. Vitus Cathedral is famous not only for its architectural grandeur but also for the numerous works of art it contains, including the stained glass windows by Alfons Mucha and the Chapel of St. Wenceslas, decorated with precious stones. The cathedral is the burial place of numerous Bohemian kings and saints, including St. Wenceslas and Charles IV. The Golden Lane, named for the numerous goldsmiths who lived there, is also known for being the residence of Franz Kafka, who lived at number 22 between 1916 and 1917. Today, the small houses host souvenir shops and small exhibitions. Prague Castle is also the site of official ceremonies, such as the changing of the guard, which takes place every hour and attracts numerous visitors. The noon ceremony is particularly impressive, accompanied by a fanfare.