PRAGUE CASTLE HISTORY
Prague Castle: A thousand years of history
Prague Castle is one of the largest and oldest castles in the world, covering over 70,000 square meters. Located on a hill above the Vltava River, it has been a key part of Czech history for over 1,000 years. Founded in 870 AD by Prince Bořivoj of the Přemyslid dynasty, it has housed Czech kings, Roman emperors, and, today, the Czech president. Over the centuries, the castle expanded into a vast complex of palaces, churches, towers, and gardens. Inside, you’ll find some of its most important landmarks, including the Old Royal Palace with Vladislav Hall. It was once used for coronations and royal events. The castle complex also features Golden Lane, a charming street of colorful houses that once housed castle guards and goldsmiths.
Prague Castle has witnessed major historical events, including the 1618 Defenestration of Prague, which helped spark the Thirty Years’ War. It was occupied by the Nazis during World War II and later used by the communist government. Today, Prague Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering rich history, stunning architecture, and panoramic views of Prague.
From kings to presidents: Prague Castle’s journey through time
Bořivoj’s vision: The founding of Prague’s iconic castle
Prague Castle was established in the 9th century, around 880 AD, by Prince Bořivoj I of the Přemyslid dynasty. He built the first wooden fortress and the Church of the Virgin Mary, setting up the castle as the center of early Czech rule. Over time, stone buildings replaced wooden structures, transforming the castle into a powerful stronghold. Several key buildings were added by the 10th and 11th centuries, shaping the castle’s development. St. George’s Basilica, built in 920 AD, became one of the oldest remaining churches in Prague and was later expanded in the Romanesque style. In the 930s, Prince Wenceslaus I built the St. Vitus Rotunda, which was later expanded into a basilica and eventually into St. Vitus Cathedral. In the 12th century, the Old Royal Palace was constructed as a Romanesque stone palace and later transformed into a Gothic and Renaissance residence for Bohemian rulers. These early structures laid the foundation for Prague Castle’s evolution into Bohemia’s political, religious, and cultural center.
Fall of the Přemyslid dynasty
The Přemyslid dynasty ruled Bohemia for over 400 years before ending with the assassination of King Wenceslaus III in Olomouc in 1306. Without a male heir, the kingdom fell into a crisis, leading to power struggles. Prague Castle experienced shifts in control and influence, reflecting the broader political instability in the region.
St. Vitus Cathedral and Prague’s Golden Age
In 1344, under King Charles IV, the Gothic transformation of St. Vitus Cathedral began, marking a new era for Prague. The cathedral’s origins date back to the 10th century, when Prince Wenceslaus I built a rotunda dedicated to St. Vitus, which was later expanded into a Romanesque basilica by Prince Spytihněv II in the 11th century. Over the centuries, St. Vitus Cathedral became the site of Czech royal coronations and the final resting place of patron saints and rulers. One of the most significant moments in Czech history was the coronation of Charles IV as King of Bohemia in 1347. A visionary ruler, Charles IV made Prague the center of culture and politics in Central Europe, building monumental projects like St. Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge, and Charles University.
This era, known as Prague’s Golden Age (1346–1378), transformed the city into a European powerhouse. The Gothic expansion of St. Vitus Cathedral symbolized Prague’s rise, but the city’s prosperity declined in the early 15th century with the outbreak of the Hussite Wars.
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Prague Castle & Lobkowicz Palace Visit
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Skip the lines and discover the world’s oldest and largest medieval castle complex. Explore Prague Castle, including Lobkowicz Palace, St. Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane, Old Royal Palace, and St. George’s Basilica. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Prague from the castle’s hilltop, with stunning sights of the city's red rooftops, the Vltava River, and iconic landmarks. Use the audio guide to delve into the history of the Lobkowicz family and their private art collection.
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Prague City Pass
This ticket opens the doors to over 70 unique historical monuments, museums, and guided tours. Explore iconic sites like Prague Castle, the Golden Lane, and the Charles Bridge Museum. Later, enjoy a Vltava River Cruise and take in the stunning views of the historic center. You'll also have unlimited access to the public transit system, including transportation to and from the airport.
The Hussite Rebellion: Defenestration and the Siege of Prague
In 1419, rising tensions between Hussites and Catholic authorities erupted when radical Hussites threw Catholic officials out of a window at the New Town Hall. This event, known as the First Defenestration of Prague, sparked the Hussite Wars, a series of brutal religious conflicts. By 1420, Hussite forces seized Prague Castle, turning it into a stronghold against Catholic armies. The castle endured multiple sieges over the years, with the Hussites fiercely defending their position. However, after a long struggle, they were defeated in 1434, marking the end of their control over Prague.
The construction of Vladislav Hall
The impressive Vladislav Hall, inside the Old Royal Palace, designed by architect Benedikt Rejt and built between 1490 and 1502 during Vladislav II’s reign, is one of the largest medieval halls in Europe. This grand hall was used for royal banquets, jousting tournaments, and even early forms of parliamentary meetings. Its Gothic architectural style and massive ribbed ceiling were a major architectural achievement of its time.
The fire that devastated the castle
A massive fire in 1541 destroyed large parts of Prague Castle, including many old wooden structures and priceless archives. The disaster forced major renovations, and the Habsburg rulers took the opportunity to rebuild the castle in the Renaissance style, adding new palaces and gardens.
Golden Lane: Prague Castle’s historic street
Golden Lane was built after the great fire of 1541, which destroyed much of Prague Castle, including many wooden structures. Following the fire, new buildings were constructed, and in the late 16th century, Golden Lane was established along the northern castle wall to house castle guards. The first residents were servants and guards, but over time, the lane became home to artisans and goldsmiths. One of its most famous residents was Franz Kafka, who lived in House No. 22, a small blue house, for a short time between 1916 and 1917. The house, which belonged to his sister Ottla, is now a popular tourist attraction, displaying books and memorabilia related to Kafka’s life and work. Today, Golden Lane’s colorful houses preserve Prague’s medieval charm, making it one of the castle’s most visited sites.
Prague Castle in the Thirty Years War
In 1618, tensions between Protestants and Catholics in Bohemia erupted when Protestant nobles threw two Catholic officials out of a window at Prague Castle. This event, known as the Second Defenestration of Prague, triggered the Thirty Years’ War, a brutal conflict that spread across Europe.
After the Protestant defeat at the Battle of White Mountain (1620), the victorious Catholic Habsburgs crushed Czech resistance. In 1621, to cement their rule, 27 Czech noblemen were publicly executed in Old Town Square, marking the end of Protestant influence and confirming Habsburg control over Prague and its castle. In 1648, during the war’s final stages, Swedish forces looted parts of the castle, including treasures from St. Vitus Cathedral.
Habsburg rule and Baroque transformations
During the rule of the Habsburgs, Prague Castle was transformed into a grand Baroque palace. Under Emperor Rudolf II’s rule (1576–1612), Prague Castle underwent significant transformation as he made it his imperial residence. During this period, the Spanish Hall was built in the New Royal Palace to display Rudolf’s extensive collection of precious artworks. Designed in the early Baroque style, it became one of the castle’s largest and most magnificent ceremonial halls, featuring high ceilings, stunning chandeliers, and lavish decorations.
In the 16th century, Ferdinand I commissioned the construction of Queen Anne’s Summer Palace in the Royal Garden as a leisure retreat for his wife, Queen Anne Jagiellonica. This Renaissance-style palace, also known as Belvedere, remains one of the most elegant architectural landmarks within the Prague Castle complex.
Later, during the 18th century, Empress Maria Theresa oversaw major renovations of Prague Castle, further enhancing its Baroque style. Under her rule, the castle evolved from a fortress into a grand royal residence.
The Castle becomes a presidential seat
After World War I, Prague Castle became the official seat of the newly independent Czechoslovakia in 1918. Tomáš Masaryk, the first president, moved into the castle, transforming it into the center of Czech political life.
Under his leadership, the castle underwent renovations to modernize it while preserving its historic significance.
Prague Castle under Nazi rule
In March 1939, Nazi Germany occupied Czechoslovakia, establishing the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. During this period, Adolf Hitler personally visited Prague Castle. The Castle served as the headquarters for the Nazi administration, with Reinhard Heydrich appointed as the Acting Reich Protector. The Czech resistance’s assassination of Heydrich in 1942 was a significant act of defiance during the occupation. The Castle remained under German rule until the end of World War II in 1945.
Communist era and Velvet Revolution
During the communist era (1948–1989), Prague Castle served as the seat of the Czechoslovak government. While it maintained its governmental functions, there were no significant architectural additions during this period. However, efforts were made to preserve its historical integrity through restoration work. The Velvet Revolution of 1989 marked an important moment for Prague Castle. Following the peaceful protests that ended communist rule, Václav Havel was elected the first post-communist president of Czechoslovakia. His inauguration in Vladislav Hall symbolized a new era in the nation’s history. Since then, Prague Castle has undergone significant and ongoing repairs and reconstructions to restore and preserve its historical and architectural heritage.
Prague Castle today
Today, Prague Castle is the official residence and workplace of the Czech president, symbolizing the nation’s history and resilience. The Office of the President of the Republic manages the castle’s administration, ensuring its preservation and daily operations. The Guinness Book of World Records recognizes Prague Castle as the largest ancient castle in the world. At approximately 70,000 square meters and about 570 meters in length, this historic complex is the most visited destination in the Czech Republic, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Mysteries and legends of Prague Castle
Numerous legends surround Prague Castle, adding to its mystery. These legends blend folklore with the castle’s rich history.
The prophecy of Princess Libuše
One of the legends referring to the foundation of Prague tells the story of Princess Libuše, a legendary ancestor of the Přemyslid dynasty. Gifted with prophetic vision, she stood atop a cliff overlooking the Vltava River and foretold the rise of a great city, declaring, “I see a great city whose glory will touch the stars.” Following her vision, she instructed her people to build a castle on that site, laying the foundation for Prague’s establishment.
The deadly curse of the Czech Crown Jewels
The Crown of Saint Wenceslas, part of the Bohemian Crown Jewels housed within Prague Castle, is surrounded by legend. According to tradition, the Czech Crown Jewels kept in St. Vitus Cathedral bring death to anyone who wears them without the right to rule. In 1941, Reinhard Heydrich, the Nazi governor of Bohemia and Moravia, is rumored to have placed the crown on his head. Just months later, he was assassinated by Czech resistance fighters in one of World War II’s most daring missions, fueling the legend of the Crown Jewels’ deadly curse.
Prague Castle alchemy legends: fact or fiction?
During the reign of Emperor Rudolf II (1576–1612), Prague Castle was a center for science, alchemy and mysticism. The Emperor, fascinated by alchemy, invited Edward Kelley and other alchemists to his court to conduct various experiments under his patronage. While historical records do not confirm that their work specifically focused on turning metals into gold or creating the elixir of life, such legends have persisted over time. Some tales also suggest that Golden Lane housed secret alchemical laboratories.
The secret tunnels beneath the castle
It is believed that a network of secret tunnels lies beneath Prague Castle, connecting various buildings and leading to hidden escape routes. While some passages have been found, many remain covered in mystery, inspiring stories of hidden treasure and forgotten pathways. One tunnel is rumored to lead to the Vltava River, while another was supposedly used by alchemists to smuggle gold. Though some tunnels have been discovered, many remain a mystery, inspiring legends of hidden treasure and forgotten passageways.
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Prague Castle Tours
Join this guided tour and see the largest castle in Europe! Enter quickly with the skip-the-line access. Follow your expert local guide, who will take you through all parts of the castle. You will visit St. Vitus Cathedral, the Golden Lane, and St. George's Basilica. Also, explore the chamber where the Defenestration of Prague happened. This event led to the Thirty Years War.
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Prague Walking Tour
Discover Prague’s rich history with an expert guide. Explore the city’s most famous landmarks and learn about its history. Walk through the Old Town, see the iconic Astronomical Clock, the Church of St. Nicholas, and other top monuments. Cross the historic Charles Bridge and explore the Prague Castle. Enjoy panoramic views of Prague from the castle grounds.