Earlier this year I visited Prague for the second time, during this visit, I spent a day at the immense Prague Castle (Pražský Hrad).
Towering above the city of Prague from its cliff-top outlook, Prague castle contains 1000 years of history, from its beginnings as a simple walled-in compound in the 9th century, its now breathtaking scale that qualifies it as the biggest ancient castle in the world. This title justified by the following figures: 570m long, an average of 128m wide and occupying 7.28 hectares.
As you enter the front gate under two monumental statues of battling Titans, you are able to grasp the huge scope on which this vast complex is set. The site includes a palace, three churches, royal stables, a monastery and the surrounding gardens.
Inside the castle grounds is the magnificent and huge St Vitus cathedral. Entrance fees are required for a few selected areas but visitors can freely walk through the grounds and even into the larger portion of the cathedral. (A collective ticket can be purchased at the information office)
History of the area: "Hradčany, the residential area around the west gate of Prague Castle, was made a town in its own right in 1320. Before it became a borough of Prague in 1598 it suffered heavy damage in the Hussite wars, and in the Great Fire of 1541. Nevertheless, the area is an outdoor museum of well-kept antiquities"
"The castle has been the seat of Czech government since Prince Bořivoj founded the first fortified settlement here in the 9th century, though president Václav Havel chose to live in his smaller (and less touristed) home on the outskirts of the city."
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An amazing tourist site at which you are recommended to spend at least half a day. If anyone is visiting Prague, the Castle should be a definate on the sight-seeing list
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Dec 8th, 2004
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