Dating back to the 9th century, Prague Castle is one of the most interesting sites in the Czech capital, filled to the brim with history. The castle is the official office of the President of the Czech Republic, following in the footsteps of the former Bohemian monarchy and Holy Roman emperors. The castle was also where Nazi official Reinhard Heydrich stayed during his tenure as Protector of Bohemia and Moravia during the Nazi occupation, as legend would have it, becoming cursed after wearing the Bohemian crown and being gunned down less than a year later. These crown jewels remain in a hidden room somewhere within the castle.
While the castle complex itself is extremely impressive, the largest ancient castle complex in the world, and it offers fantastic views over the city below, understanding the history of the castle makes for a much more enjoyable experience. The castle’s Vladislav Hall in the Old Royal Palace is home to the Second Defenestration of Prague Window, sparking a Bohemian uprising that grew into the Thirty Years’ War and cost millions of lives all over Europe. It was here in 1618 that Bohemian protestants threw two representatives of the Catholic Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand II out of a window; they didn’t die, Catholics claiming that angels saved them. The Protestants said they landed in a pile of poo. It’s not really as marked out as it should be, but if you head to the South Gardens and keep an eye out for a part in the palace that juts out, there should be an obelisk with a crucifix on top marking where the representatives were thrown out. The window is the second one up.
The castle also saw the end of the Thirty Years’ War in 1648, when a Swedish army stormed the castle and looted Rudolph II’s remarkable art collection, occupying the west of the Vltava River for months until they heard the war had come to an end. It is this sense of history that really comes through on closer inspection as you consider the incredible views and wonder what scenes must have taken place here.
Despite what the word ‘castle’ conjures up, at least for Welsh folk like ourselves, it’s more of what we’d describe as a palace. Within the complex lie beautiful buildings like the aforementioned Vladislav Hall, the jaw-dropping St Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane and the Royal Gardens of Prague, making it a good spot for a walk as you admire the range of architecture and stunning views.
Keep in mind that you have to pay for entry to some parts of Prague Castle, including Golden Lane, although the views, access to the Defenestration Window and the St Vitus Cathedral are free. There is also a security barrier that will need to check your bags and metal detect you before entry due to its importance to the Czech state. While in the area, consider exploring the Strahov Monastery and its beautiful library.
For more information, visit the Prague Castle website here.
Want more? Read our Prague city guide here.
Comments