What Is There To See Inside Prague Castle?

Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world, with an area of almost 70,000 square meters, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

From Romanesque structures in the 10th century to Gothic modifications in the 14th century, Prague Castle’s buildings reflect various architectural styles.

Visitors can explore the iconic Saint Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, and Golden Lane, among other attractions. 

Prague Castle interiors feature palaces, churches, chapels, towers, fortifications, offices, halls, courtyards, and gardens that are noted for their striking architecture.

The complex houses a variety of significant buildings and pretty gardens. 

Visitors can stroll through the peaceful Royal Garden and Queen Anne’s Summer Palace, the Garden on the Bastion, the South Gardens, and the Stag Moat. 

The castle also offers a changing of the guard ceremony.

It is evident from the beginning that this castle has a lot to offer, making it a must-see attraction for anyone traveling to Prague.

Inside Prague Castle: Growth, Reconstruction, and Preservation

Since its establishment in the late 9th century, Prague Castle has seen numerous expansions and the installation of new historical buildings.

Also, the devastation caused by historical events is followed by rebuilding and preservation efforts.

During the enlargement of Prague Castle, exquisite buildings were added to the castle complex. 

Here is a list of things that you can see inside Prague Castle:

1. St. Vitus Cathedral

This Gothic masterpiece is the spiritual symbol of the Czech state. It houses the tombs of many Bohemian kings and Roman emperors. 

Notable features include the stunning stained-glass windows, the St. Wenceslas Chapel, and the towering spires visible from throughout Prague.

The stunning panoramic city views from the south tower of Saint Vitus Cathedral make the 280 stairs to the

This majestic cathedral is about 100 meters tall and is unquestionably one of the best things to see in Prague Castle.

Additionally, the south tower houses seven cathedral bells, one of which is the oldest and heaviest in the Czech Republic, weighing 13.5 tons. 

All the bells are manually driven; you can usually hear them ringing on Sundays.

Do you know you can even get married at Prague Castle? If not, then read our article on wedding venues in Prague and plan your wedding at the castle.

2. Old Royal Palace

Dating back to the 12th century, the Old Royal Palace includes the Vladislav Hall, a massive space used for coronations, banquets, and markets. 

It is known for its beautiful late Gothic vaulted ceiling. 

The palace also contains the Diet, the old Czech parliament, and the defenestration room, which played a key role in Czech history.

The historic royal palace, built in the ninth and tenth centuries, also housed notable kings. 

It also hosted kings’ coronation rites, assemblies, and crucial meetings. This Gothic palace features an intriguing arched interior.

However, it holds the Czech president’s election ceremonies and major Czech festivals today.

3. St. George’s Basilica

Founded in the 10th century by Prince Wroclaw, St. George’s Basilica is the oldest surviving church inside the Prague Castle complex. 

It features a lovely baroque façade and contains the tombs of the first dynasty, the Premyslids. In addition, there is the first Czech monastery.

Its Romanesque architecture and Baroque interior modifications tell a story of evolving styles through the centuries.

4. Golden Lane 

A charming row of colorful houses dating back to the 16th century, originally built to house castle guards. 

Today, these houses display medieval armory and textiles, and visitors can explore the lives of the castle’s former residents on Golden Lane.

The Golden Lane is a lovely neighborhood with little elegant homes where goldsmiths and castle archers lived and worked.   

It is extremely popular among travelers because it was once home to the renowned writer Franz Kafka.   

He stayed in house number 22 for a while, and it is now a popular spot for photographers. Don’t forget to take a selfie at the iconic blue home!

5. Royal Gardens 

Inside the castle, you will find exquisite gardens where the kings used to wander and where you may also take a stroll. 

The gardens are full of exotic plants, flower kinds, and fountains.

There are several gardens, including the Royal Garden, the terrace of the riding school, the Garden on the Bastion, the South Gardens, and the Stag Moat.

The Royal Garden, dating back to the Renaissance era, offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful landscaping and fountains. 

The Royal Summer Palace, also known as Queen Anne’s Summer Palace, is a fine example of Renaissance architecture.

The Royal Garden is the best garden to see because it is the largest.  

The Southern Gardens should be next on your itinerary, as they offer stunning views of Prague.

6. The Daliborka Tower 

Part of the castle fortifications, the Daliborka Tower, once served as a prison. 

Named after its first prisoner, Dalibor of Kozojedy, it now exhibits medieval torture instruments.

This tower’s most striking feature is the circular hole with a pulley in the basement, which was used to throw people to their deaths and torture them. 

To reach this tower, you must walk to Golden Lane’s end.

7. Lobkowicz Palace

The only privately owned part of Prague Castle, the Lobkowicz Palace, features the Lobkowicz Collections.

It includes paintings by Canaletto, Velázquez, and Brueghel, manuscripts by Beethoven and Mozart, and an array of decorative arts.

If you visit the castle, don’t miss this 16th-century palace. 

The Lobkowicz family owned it until 1939, when the Nazis stole it and then the communist regime. 

It was eventually returned to the Lobkowicz family in 2002. The palace has undergone several restorations and was opened to the public in 2007. 

So you’ll adore the decor! It features an attractive Italian style, with walls decorated with stunning fresco murals and emperor statues.

Finally, enjoy delicious Czech and foreign cuisine in the palace’s café-restaurant, which boasts a Renaissance terrace with stunning views.

Coming to Prague? Check out our guide on how to visit Prague Castle and learn about its fascinating history. 

Also, check out the top things to do in the city to make your trip memorable!

8. Powder Tower (Mihulka)

Originally built as a cannon tower in the 15th century, it was later used to store gunpowder, hence its name. It now serves as an exhibition space.

It’s also known as Prašná věž Mihulka, a cylindrical stone tower located within the Prague Castle complex. 

The tower, with a diameter of 20 meters and a height of 44 meters, was the most powerful cannon tower of the castle fortifications due to its fire facilities. 

It served defensive purposes and was also used for other activities, such as an alchemist’s workshop, a dungeon, and a gunpowder storehouse. 

The tower underwent reconstruction and was opened to the public in 1982, housing a museum. 

Visitors can explore the tower, which offers a view of the northern part of the Prague Castle complex and the Deer Moat. 

The Mihulka Powder Tower can be accessed via Vikářská Street in the III. Courtyard, next to the Cathedral of St. Vitus.

9. Picture Gallery

Featuring 100 paintings from the Prague Castle’s extensive collection, the Picture Gallery features artists from both the Czech Republic and abroad.

Founded in the late 16th century, it is the oldest continuously existing collection of paintings in the Czech Republic.

The gallery houses a representative selection of over 100 high-quality paintings, including works by renowned artists such as Titian, Hans von Aachen, Bartholomeus Spranger, Peter Paul Rubens, and many others. 

The collection is divided into various schools, including Italian, German, Dutch, and Flemish. 

The gallery is located in the Imperial Stables at Prague Castle and is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. 

Visitors can explore this remarkable collection of masterpieces for a nominal entrance fee. 

The gallery provides a unique opportunity to appreciate and immerse oneself in the rich artistic heritage preserved inside the Prague Castle.

10. Changing of the Guard

When visiting Prague Castle, don’t miss the changing of the guard. 

This magnificent ritual features a loud fanfare and the booming sound of the castle guard marching as they shift positions while wearing their distinctive uniforms. 

It is quite the sight! During the months of May and October, the castle guard assists with the security of Prague Castle Open Day. 

Then, visitors can observe crucial locations that are not generally accessible to the public.

This ceremonial changing of the guard occurs daily at noon in the first courtyard, offering a glimpse into the castle’s traditions and protocols.

Who Lives in Prague Castle?

The Prague Castle is an ancient icon and one of the Czech Republic’s most significant cultural institutions. 

Historically, it served as the seat of authority for Bohemian monarchs and Roman emperors. It is currently utilized as the official house of the Czech Republic’s president.

Complete List Of Places At Prague Castle

FAQs About Prague Castle Interiors

Featured Image : Prague, Czech Republic, Apr 14, 2016