Prague Castle
Prague Castle dominates a ridge above the Vltava and, at roughly 570 m long and 130 m wide, holds the Guinness record as the world's largest ancient castle. Construction began around 870 under the Přemyslid princes. The Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, begun inside the walls in 1344 under Charles IV, serves as coronation and burial church of Czech kings. The Habsburgs ruled from here; Maria Theresa oversaw the last major 18th-century rebuilding.
Since 1918 it has been the seat of the Czech head of state, drawing about 2.6 million visitors a year. Legend warns that placing the Bohemian Crown on one's head uninvited brings death within a year — Heydrich reportedly tried it and was assassinated shortly after.
Visitor information
- Location
- Prague
- Country
- Czechia
- Tier
- B (Great castles)
- Coordinates
- 50.09, 14.4
- Official site
- https://www.hrad.cz/
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Prague Castle?
- Prague Castle is in Prague, Czechia (approximately 50.09, 14.4).
- Can you visit Prague Castle?
- Yes — Prague Castle is open to visitors; see the official site at https://www.hrad.cz/ for hours and tickets.
- What tier is Prague Castle on the Castle Atlas?
- Prague Castle is rated B tier on the Castle Atlas — Great castles.
- What can you see at Prague Castle?
- Prague Castle dominates a ridge above the Vltava and, at roughly 570 m long and 130 m wide, holds the Guinness record as the world's largest ancient castle. Construction began around 870 under the Přemyslid princes. The Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, begun inside the walls in 1344 under Charles IV, serves as coronation and burial church of Czech kings. The Habsburgs ruled from here; Maria Theresa oversaw the last major 18th-century rebuilding.