About
Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) stands in the Hradčany district of Prague, on the Czech Republic's Bohemian side of the country. It is one of the largest ancient castle complexes in the world and serves as the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic, so the site combines working government life with a place open to visitors.
The castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its buildings and grounds span many centuries. Its best-known landmark is St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Old Royal Palace sits within the same complex. Visitors who want to understand the place usually plan to see both, along with the castle's gardens, which are spread across the grounds and offer quieter stretches between the courtyards and buildings.
What a visit involves
- Size: the complex is large, so allow time to move between its courtyards, churches, palace rooms and gardens.
- Setting: it sits above the city, in the Hradčany district, which makes the castle a natural starting point for exploring the surrounding streets.
- Gardens: several gardens are part of the complex and make a calmer counterpoint to the historic buildings.
- Contact: for current information, the castle can be reached by phone at +420 224 373 368.
Around the castle
Hradčany is a district of narrow lanes and old houses that surrounds the castle, so a walk outside the gates is an easy addition to a visit. The castle suits travellers interested in architecture, history and the institutions of the Czech state, and it rewards a full day, or at least a long half-day, for anyone who wants to see the cathedral, the palace and the gardens without rushing.