The Prague Castle Architecture

The Prague Castle is one of the most significant and beautiful landmarks in Prague, Czech Republic. It is situated atop a hill overlooking the beautiful city of Prague. 

It stands as a significant historical monument that plays a crucial role in the country’s history and cultural heritage. 

So much so it has become a symbol of the country’s rich history, culture, and amazing architecture, drawing millions of visitors every year. 

Prague Castle has seen Czech history unfold, acting as the seat of power for kings, emperors, and presidents throughout the ages.

The grand spires and walls of Prague Castle have witnessed coronations, battles, and grand celebrations, making it an integral part of the nation’s collective memory. 

In this article, we will explore the architecture of Prague Castle, including its building designs and notable features. 

About The Prague Castle 

Prague Castle was built in the 9th century, starting its construction around 870 and is spread over 45 hectares of land.

It is designed in both Baroque and Mannerism architectural styles. 

More than a building, Prague Castle is a complex with several landmarks. 

This includes the Old Royal Palace, St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George Basilica, Chapel of St. Wenceslas, Daliborka Tower, Royal Garden, and Golden Lane Street.

Old Royal Palace 

The Old Royal Palace, located within Prague Castle, is a significant historical site from the 12th century.

It is known for its rich architectural styles, particularly Gothic and Renaissance, and its role as the seat of Czech rulers.

The palace’s history includes:

• The original wooden residence building was constructed at the turn of the 9th and 10th centuries. 

• Prince Sobeslav had a stone Romanesque palace built in the 12th century.

• King and Emperor Charles IV enlarged the Romanesque building in the first half of the 14th century, creating a Gothic palace with a vaulted interior.

• Two perpendicular wings were added, and All Saints’ Chapel was reconstructed during the reign of Wenceslas IV.

• The magnificent Vladislav Hall was added in the 15th century, combining late Gothic and Renaissance elements.

• The palace was deserted for eighty years during the 15th century.

• After 1483, King Vladislav Jagiello returned to Prague Castle and commissioned the last large-scale palace reconstruction.

• The Theresian Wing was built during the 18th century.

The Old Royal Palace is home to the grand Vladislav Hall, which has been used for coronation festivities, banquets, and indoor jousting tournaments. 

The hall’s beautiful, late-Gothic vaulted ceiling was designed by Benedikt Rejt in 1493–1502.

The palace also features the Bohemian Chancellery, where the famous Defenestration of Prague occurred in 1618.

St. Vitus Cathedral

St. Vitus Cathedral is a Catholic metropolitan cathedral located in Prague, Czech Republic, and is the seat of the Archbishop of Prague.

The cathedral is situated entirely within the Prague Castle complex and contains the tombs of many Bohemian kings and Holy Roman Emperors.

Construction at St. Vitus began in 1344 and took nearly 600 years to complete. 

The cathedral was dedicated to Saint Vitus until 1997, when it was re-dedicated to Saint Wenceslaus and Saint Adalbert. 

It has two organ casings and is home to the heaviest silver sarcophagus in Czechia.

French architect Matthias of Arras initially conceived the design of the cathedral, but German architect Peter Parler later modified it

Some notable features of St. Vitus Cathedral include:

Central nave: This is the main section of the cathedral, with a height of 85 meters, making it the tallest church in the country.

Narrow side aisles lined with chapels: These chapels have the tombs of Holy Roman Emperors and many Bohemian kings, noblemen, and archbishops.

The northern wing of the transverse core: This wing contains the Royal Mausoleum, including the tombs of the most important Czech saints.

St. Wenceslas Chapel: This chapel houses relics of St. Wenceslas, the patron saint of Bohemia.

Basilica of St. George

The Basilica of St. George is the oldest surviving church building in Prague Castle, in Prague, Czech Republic.

It was founded by Prince Vratislav I of Bohemia in 920 and is dedicated to Saint George.

The basilica has a Romanesque, austere, and monumental interior, with the tombs of the ruling Premyslid dynasty members situated in the main nave. 

A devastating fire in 1142 resulted in several reconstructions, resulting in the present Romanesque appearance of this church.

Chapel of St. Wenceslas

One of the most beautiful places in Prague Castle is the Chapel of St. Wenceslas.

The way Prague Castle is designed really highlights the main part of the cathedral, which is the tomb of this important Czech saint.

The doors leading to the crown chamber are in the chapel’s southwestern corner, where the Bohemian Coronation kept the jewels within the Prazsky Hrad.

Daliborka Tower

The Daliborka Tower in Prague Castle was used as a prison and it was named after its first inmate, Dalibor of Kozojedy.

Inside were separate areas divided by wooden walls, and they even had heating.

The prison also had a dungeon in the basement for the worst criminals. 

The Round Tower in Prague Castle has been part of the complex since 1946.

Royal Garden

The Royal Garden at Prague Castle is considered the finest garden within the complex.

It was established by Ferdinand I. Habsburg in 1534, drawing inspiration from Italian design. 

You can find one of the most amazing Renaissance fountains, called the Singing Fountain.

From gardens like Paradise, Ramparts, and Hartig on the southern side of Prague Castle, you can enjoy stunning views of the Old Town, Lesser Town, and Petrin.

Golden Lane Street

It is a street in the Prague Castle complex that was built in the 16th century to accommodate Rudolf II’s castle guards.

Situated between the White Tower and the Daliborka Tower, it originally had houses on both sides, but some were demolished in the 19th century.

Today, the remaining brightly painted tiny houses serve as exhibitions, offering insights into life on the lane over the past 500 years.

Historical Background of Prague Castle Architecture 

Prague Castle’s origins can be traced back to the 9th century when Prince Borivoj of the Premyslid dynasty established the first walled building.

It started as a basic wooden fortress overlooking the Vltava River, primarily built as a defensive stronghold against invading forces.

The castle’s architecture has evolved over the centuries, reflecting the diverse influences of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles

Key historical events that shaped the castle’s architecture include:

• 10th Century 

The church of St. George and St. Vitus was founded, and the Basilica of St. Vitus became the main church in the 11th century.

• 14th Century

Prague Castle experienced significant growth and prosperity under the reign of Emperor Charles IV in the 14th century.

Charles IV commissioned the construction of Charles Bridge and transformed Prague into a cultural and intellectual hub.

• 16th Century 

During the Renaissance, Prague Castle saw more improvements to its architecture, including elegant palaces, gardens, and fancy facades.

Under Emperor Rudolf II’s rule in the late 16th century, Prague Castle became a hub of artistic and scientific research.

• 18th Century 

Leaders like Empress Maria Theresa and Emperor Joseph II carried out ambitious renovation projects, adding lavish interiors and detailed baroque designs.

• 20th Century 

Prague Castle underwent extensive restoration efforts in the 20th century after being damaged during World War II and the communist era. 

Today, it stands as a symbol of Czech heritage and identity, displaying architectural styles from over a thousand years of history.

Significant rulers who influenced the castle’s architectural style include:

• Charles IV: The New Royal Palace and the fortifications were built

• Rudolph II: The Renaissance-style Vladislav Hall was built

• Josef Plecnik: The New Royal Palace was renovated in the 20th century

Evolution of Prague Castle Architecture Styles  

The Prague Castle has a unique blend of architectural styles that reflect its long and complex history. The castle’s evolution includes:

Romanesque (10th-12th Century)

The oldest buildings in Prague Castle show Romanesque characteristics, like thick walls, rounded arches, and basic geometric designs. 

The original church of the Virgin Mary, dating back to the 9th century, and the Basilica of St. George, founded in the 10th century, are examples of Romanesque architecture.

Gothic (13th-15th Century)

Prague Castle Gothic architecture flourished during the reign of Charles IV, with St. Vitus Cathedral serving as a prime example. 

Renaissance (16th Century)

The Renaissance period revived classical forms and proportions at Prague Castle. 

Palaces like the Lobkowicz Palace and the Belvedere were renovated, showcasing symmetrical facades, graceful colonnades, and elaborate details influenced by Italian Renaissance architecture.

The Spanish Hall and the Rudolph Gallery, built in preparation for the coronation of Francis Joseph I, are examples of Prague Castle Renaissance architecture.

Baroque (17th-18th Century)

Delicate stucco decorations, luxurious interiors, and dramatic theatrical exteriors mark this period.

The New Royal Palace, Schwarzenberg Palace and the Archbishop’s Palace are some examples of Baroque architecture.

Features of Each Architectural Style at Prague Castle 

Some key features of different architectural styles are: 

• Romanesque: Thick walls, rounded arches, simple geometric decorations, sturdy construction.

• Gothic: Pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, detailed stone carvings, and stained glass windows.

• Renaissance: Symmetrical facades, elegant colonnades, classical proportions, harmonious balance of light and shadow.

• Baroque: Fancy stucco designs, dramatic use of light and shadow, lively building fronts, and fancy interiors with many gold decorations.

• Modern: Clean lines, minimalist design, incorporation of new materials such as glass and steel, respect for historical context while embracing contemporary aesthetics and functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions about Prague Castle Architecture