It is probably one of the must-go place when you are in Prague . It is located in the hilltop area of Hradcany overlooking the River and is the official residence of the President of Czech Republic. It is a complex with the main castle, courtyard and a few churches. It dated back to the 9th century and has been the historical and political centre for the city and country for years.
We first visited the St Vitus Catheral.It is one of the landmarks of Prague and you can see its spires from across the river. It was built in 1344 but more work or decoration was added to it during the course of history. Therefore, inside the church, you can see a variety of styles, gothic, renaissance etc. It also contains the tomb of Czech patron saint St Wenceslas.
We walked passed the St Vitus Cathedral and reached the Basilica of St George. It is older than the St Vitus Cathedral and it’s considered one of the best preserved Romanesque churches in Prague.
We then headed to the Golden Lane which takes its name from the alchemists who were believed to be able to make gold. The street is full of many small colourful houses and the famous Czech author Franz Kafka lived at number 22.
A short walk from there is the powder tower. The original tower was built in 1496 as a cannon bastion but was destroyed in a fire. It was rebuilt afterwards and became a laboratory for alchemists during the 16th and 17th centuries. It has become a museum for alchemy and the Sigismund bell of St Vitus.
The place is not huge (I mean the place available for visitors) and you can take your time and have a relaxing couple of hours-that's what I experienced anyway. They do two types of combo ticket which includes admission to some of the major buildings. I didnot have enough time during my visit but it would have been a good idea to visit the garden as well which is right next to the castle. After the end of our visit, we headed for the courtyard and passed through the Matthias Gate, the backdoor of the castle. You can get a pretty view of the city centre from there and from this gate, there is a path going downhill which will get you to the Lesser Town. Well, correct me if I am wrong, President Obama gave a speech right outside the gate during his visit to Prague in April.
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Advantages: An amazing, breathtaking site... a must see Disadvantages: We visited in the summer, so very hot whilst walking around the largest ancient castle in the world!!
peppermintangel 08.12.2004 ·
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