Prague Castle is a castle complex in Prague, Czech Republic,
dating from the 9th century. It is the official office of the President of the Czech Republic. The castle was a seat of power for kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia. The Bohemian Crown Jewels are kept within a hidden room inside it. According to the Guinness Book of Records, Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world, occupying an area of almost 70,000 square metres (750,000 square feet), at about 570 metres (1,870 feet) in length and an average of about 130 metres (430 feet) wide. The castle is among the most visited tourist attractions in Prague attracting over 1.8 million visitors annually.
History : The history of the castle began in 870 when its first walled building, the Church of the Virgin Mary, was built. The Basilica of Saint George and the Basilica of St. Vitus were founded under the reign of Vratislaus I, Duke of Bohemia and his son St. Wenceslas in the first half of the 10th century. The first convent in Bohemia was founded in the castle, next to the church of St. George. A Romanesque palace was erected here during the 12th century.
Architectural styles of Prague Castle : The castle buildings represent virtually every architectural style of the last millennium. Prague Castle includes Gothic St Vitus Cathedral, Romanesque Basilica of St. George, a monastery and several palaces, gardens and defense towers. Most of the castle areas are open to tourists. The castle houses several museums, including the National Gallery collection of Bohemian baroque and mannerism art, exhibition dedicated to Czech history, Toy Museum and the picture gallery of Prague Castle, based on the collection of Rudolph II. The Summer Shakespeare Festival regularly takes place in the courtyard of Burgrave Palace.
Opening hours : Summer Tourist Season (April 1 till October 31) Prague Castle complex
6.00 – 22.00 / Historical buildings 9.00 – 17.00 . Winter Tourist Season (November 1 till March 31) Prague Castle complex 6.00 – 22.00 / Historical buildings 9.00 – 16.00
How to get here ? : Coordinates: 450.08975, 14.3984 / The access to Prague Castle complex is easy. There are several tram stops nearby (Kralovsky letohradek, Prazsky hrad, Pohorelec) and also two metro stations (Malostranska, Hradcanska). The visitors use mostly tram No. 22 (stop called Prazsky hrad) – option 1. Then they leave the Castle through the Old Castle Stairs to metro station Malostranska
