After turning the corner from our hostel, Annalisa and I made our way uphill to Prague Castle this morning! Prague Castle is one of the main attractions in Prague and since it is located high atop a hill, the fortress can be seen from almost every point in the city. Travelers rate the castle very well on Tripadvisor so definitely visit when in Prague!
Steps Leading to the Castle
So many steps! No Pain. No Gain.
Made it to the top!
Prague Castle
Annalisa and I did not want to spend extra money to view the interiors of the castle, but the grounds and courtyards are free to the public. I am not sure how much the entry tickets cost, but judging from the excellent review on Tripadvisor, the price is justified from the experience.
Today Prague Castle, besides the seat of the head of state, is also an important cultural and historical monument. The crown jewels are kept in Prague Castle, as are the relics of Bohemian kings, precious Christian relics, art treasures and historical documents. Events important for the whole country have taken place within its walls. Hence Prague Castle is the embodiment of the historical tradition of the Czech state, linking the present with the past.
– Official website
The Prague Castle was most likely founded in around 880 by Prince Bořivoj of the Premyslid Dynasty (Přemyslovci). According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the Prague Castle is the largest coherent castle complex in the world, with an area of almost 70,000 m². A UNESCO World Heritage site, it consists of a large-scale composition of palaces and ecclesiastical buildings of various architectural styles, from Roman-style buildings from the 10th century through Gothic modifications in the 14th century. The famous Slovenian architect Josip Plečnik was responsible for extensive renovations in the time of the First Republic (1918-1938). Since the Velvet Revolution, the Prague Castle has undergone significant and ongoing repairs and reconstructions.
– Official website
Annalisa perched on a fountain in the main courtyard.
St. Vitus Cathedral
St. Vitus Cathedral is located right inside the walls of Prague Castle so it is a very easy walk to get there. I really loved that the main foyer is accessible to the public free, so Annalisa and I definitely took advantage of that perk!
Parts of the Cathedral is open and free to the public. It is one of the city’s most significant cathedrals, so I would recommend to have a look when visiting Prague Castle.
The basilica of St. Vitus, built on the site of the original rotunda, was the main castle church since the 11th century, where the relics of the patron saints of the land were kept: SS. Vitus, Wenceslas and Adalbert. And from the 10th century the convent of the Prague church was an important educational and cultural institution.
– Official website
The cathedral is famous for its gorgeous gothic architecture. It almost looks like Notre Dame in Paris!
The main atrium area is accessible to the public but if you want to get to closer to the podium, you will have to pay a small fee that is probably included with the ticket fee to Prague Castle.
Views from the Grounds
Located high on the hillside, Prague Castle provides some of the best views of the city!
This is why I can’t be trusted with photos
Selene + Abroad 