Old Royal Palace

The first mentions of the palace date back to the 9th century, when it was mostly made of wood. 

It was later rebuilt during the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Classicist periods.

Even though visitors to Prague Castle may have difficulty locating the Old Royal Palace.

Due to its front being covered up with 18th-century plaster, the palace’s interiors will astound you. 

The most well-known representative space is Vladislav Hall, which was previously used for social gatherings and presidential inaugurations.

The Old Royal Palace of Prague Castle was built in the ninth century. 

It was a modest, wooden structure at the time, the position of which archeologists have not proven.

Duke Sobeslav I ordered the home to be rebuilt as a stone palace in the 12th century. 

The Old Royal Palace’s bottom level is still partially authentic from that era. 

During the reign of Premysl Otakar II in the 13th century, minimal changes were made.

The most substantial restoration took place under the reign of Charles IV, who was both King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor. Charles IV expanded the palace by adding a new floor. 

The height of the Old Royal Palace today is roughly similar to that of the 14th-century structure. 

The Gothic arches visible on the northern side are also the result of this reconstruction.

The top floor of the palace was fully reconstructed and given its current appearance in the 15th century. 

Vladislav II of Hungary, or as we Czechs know him, Vladislav II Jagellonsky, was the monarch who ordered the restoration. 

The most famous feature of the Old Royal Palace, Vladislav Hall, is named for him. It is one of Europe’s largest Gothic vaulted spaces.

The Louis Wing was erected at the same time as the Vladislav Hall by the same architect, Benedikt Ried. 

This is the site of the legendary 3rd Prague Defenestration, which triggered Europe’s 30 Years War.

Interesting Facts

• People reportedly ran outdoors in fright because they thought Vladislav Hall was about to collapse. They’d never seen such a big internal space with no pillars supporting the roof.
• Because the Vladislav Hall lacked pillar support, it might be used for jousting! They have specific stairs made just for horses to climb into and this can be found on the northern side of the hall.

Featured Image: Prague.eu