Prague Castle

1. Arrival
2. Nights
3. Guests
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One of the most popular tourist destinations in Prague is Prague Castle. Rich in history and full of curious architectural details, Prague Castle is centrally located to many Prague holiday apartments.

Prague Castle was first constructed over a thousand years ago, commissioned by princes of the Premysl dynasty. The entire complex includes the Old Royal Palace, three churches, various chapels, museums, galleries, gardens, and a monastery and is a fusion of architectural styles dating all the way up to the early 20th century.

The Premyslids were the first documented Bohemian native dynasty in Prague, known for their violent, bloody power struggles against their rivals: the Jagellons, Charles IV, the Habsburgs, and mainly the Catholic Church. Throughout Czech history Prague Castle has served as a monument to the nation’s ruling classes. The complex is a source of deep national pride and symbolism that resonates today.

To fully explore all that Prague Castle has to offer, visitors should plan on spending at least half the day at the complex. Arrive early or late, as the worst of the tourist crowds tend to gather in the middle of the day. English-speaking tourists will find it difficult to navigate, as there are very few signs or exhibits labelled in English. Most castle volunteers do speak English, however, and are friendly and willing to share their knowledge with visitors.

It is free to enter the grounds of Prague Castle, though tickets must be purchased to gain entry to the complex’s major attractions. A single ticket, priced anywhere from 7 euros to nearly 19 euros for a family, is valid for admission to the Old Royal Palace, the Basilica of St. George, the Golden Lane, the Daliborka Tower, the crypt and tower of St. Vitus’ Cathedral, the museum at St. George’s Convent, and the Prague Castle Picture Gallery. Tickets are good for two days, so visitors who book Prague holiday apartments will be able to return for more sightseeing.

Prague Castle is open year-round, though visitors staying in Prague holiday apartments will want to research their desired destination ahead of time, as some castle attractions are closed or observe limited hours at certain times of the year.

Getting to Prague Castle is relatively easy, especially for tourists who stay in centrally-located Prague holiday apartments. The Malostranska metro stop is the closest, but the tram 22 stop at Prazsky hrad is the less physically strenuous approach.

Prague Castle’s official website can provide more information prior to visiting http://www.hrad.cz/en/index.shtml.