Prague Castle: Skip The Line Ticket
Prague's most popular attraction
- Prague Castle: Skip The Line Entry Ticket and its interiors valid for 2 consecutive days
- A short introduction in English, German, Italian, Spanish, French, Russian, and Czech at the meeting point
Prague Castle Tickets and Information
- Prague Castle Address: Hradčany, 119 08 Prague 1, Czechia
- Opening Hours: Daily: 10:30 - 17:00
Is Prague Castle worth visiting
- It’s the number 1 tourist attraction in Prague, if that answers the question!
- Steeped in history, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so we definitely think so, yes!
What you see when visiting Prague Castle
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The largest ancient castle in the world!
- Admission to the Charles Bridge Museum
- Art
- Cultural Treasures
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About Prague Castle
Prague Castle (pronounced "Pražský hrad" in Czech) is the number one tourist attraction in Prague! Home to the Czech President and also the famous crown jewels and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
An iconic landmark and a truly historical site, the castle holds the distinction of being one of the largest ancient castles in the world! It spans an area of over 70,000 square metres (750,000 square feet)! To put that into perspective, Windsor Castle in the UK is 484,000 square feet and the White House (in America) is only 55,000 square feet! So Prague Castle is HUGE!
The castle has been a centre of power and governance for over a thousand years with its origins dating back to the 9th century when it served as the seat of Czech kings, Holy Roman Emperors, and later presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic!
The castle complex is an amazing amalgamation of various architectural styles spanning from the Romanesque period to the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque eras and its buildings, towers, and palaces showcase the rich architectural heritage of Europe.
The castle complex has several notable attractions that all attract visitors and they include:
- St. Vitus Cathedral (houses the tombs of kings and emperors)
- The Old Royal Palace
- St. George's Basilica
- The Golden Lane
- The Powder Tower
Similar to Buckingham Palace in London, Prague Castle also hosts a ceremonial ‘Changing of the Guard’, which takes place every hour but the main ceremony occurs daily at noon in the first courtyard and is a very popular tourist attraction.
Due to its elevated position overlooking the Vltava River and the rest of Prague, the castle also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city where visitors can enjoy the views from various vantage points within the complex for some great photo opportunities.
The castle is not just a historical site but also a vibrant cultural hub and hosts various events throughout the year, including concerts, exhibitions, and festivals.
As one of Prague's most popular tourist destinations, the castle attracts millions of visitors annually and guided tours are also available and very popular. Or visitors can explore the complex on their own.
Due to the castle’s size it can take several hours to fully experience everything the castle has to offer.
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Prague Castle FAQs
- Is Prague Castle a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
- Yes, Prague Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- How big is Prague Castle?
- Prague Castle is 75,000 square metres, making it the largest ancient castle in the world!
- Do I need to book tickets in advance for Prague Castle?
- We would always recommend booking tickets for Prague Castle in advance if you know when you are visiting. It’s Prague’s most popular tourist attraction so it gets very busy.
- What is Prague Castle?
- Prague Castle is a historic complex in Prague and one of the largest ancient castles in the world! It serves as the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic.
- When was Prague Castle built?
- Prague Castle was founded in the 9th century, around 870 AD, making it over 1,100 years old!
- Who built Prague Castle?
- The original castle was established by Prince Bořivoj of the Přemyslid dynasty.
- What can you see inside Prague Castle?
- Key attractions at Prague Castle include St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, Golden Lane, St. George’s Basilica, and the gardens.
- Is Prague Castle the largest castle in the world?
- Yes, by area, Prague Castle is listed as the largest ancient castle complex in the world by the Guinness World Records!
- What is St. Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle?
- St. Vitus Cathedral is a Gothic cathedral located within the castle complex. It is the most prominent building and serves as a religious centre and a royal mausoleum.
- What is Golden Lane at Prague Castle?
- Golden Lane is a charming row of small, colourful houses that once housed castle workers, alchemists, and goldsmiths.
- Can you visit Prague Castle?
- Yes, Prague Castle is open to the public and you can explore various areas with an entry ticket. Click HERE for Prague Castle ticket options.
- What is the Changing of the Guard at Prague Castle?
- The Changing of the Guard is a ceremonial event that takes place at the castle, with a full performance at noon.
- Why is Prague Castle historically significant?
- It has been the seat of Czech kings, Holy Roman emperors, and presidents, playing a central role in the country’s history.
- How long does it take to explore Prague Castle?
- We would suggest spending at least 3-5 hours exploring the castle complex.
Prague Castle Fun Facts
- Big Castle: Prague Castle covers 70,000 square metres, making it the largest ancient castle complex in the world!
- 6 Centuries: St. Vitus Cathedral took nearly 600 years to complete, from 1344 to 1929!
- Crown Jewels: The castle is home to the Crown Jewels of Bohemia, including the famous St. Wenceslas Crown!
- Namesake: Golden Lane got its name from the goldsmiths who lived there in the 17th century.
- Author: Renowned writer Franz Kafka lived in Golden Lane No. 22 for a brief period in 1916.
- Vineyard: The castle complex includes a vineyard which was established by Emperor Charles IV in the 14th century!
- St. George's Basilica: is the oldest surviving church within the castle, dating back to the 10th century.
- WWII: During World War II, Prague Castle was the headquarters of Reinhard Heydrich, the Nazi governor of Bohemia and Moravia.
- Castle Guardian: Prague Castle has its own mythological guardian, a pagan deity named Žižkov.
- War: The ‘Prague Defenestration’ of 1618, a key event sparking the Thirty Years’ War, occurred in the castle’s council chambers.
Useful Information About Prague Castle
Tips for Visiting
- Book Tickets in Advance: Prague Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, so it does get busy. We strongly suggest booking your tickets in advance so you've already got them. This can save you a lot of time.
How to get there
- Hradčany, 119 08 Prague 1, Czechia
Opening Hours
- Monday: 06:00 - 22:00
- Tuesday: 06:00 - 22:00
- Wednesday: 06:00 - 22:00
- Thursday: 06:00 - 22:00
- Friday: 06:00 - 22:00
- Saturday: 06:00 - 22:00
- Sunday: 06:00 - 22:00
