This must-see attraction Prague Castle has been a seat of power and home to rulers of Bohemia since it was built in the late 9th CE. This castle has seen many additions and renovations.
Prague Castle
This must-see attraction has been a seat of power and home to rulers of Bohemia since it was built in the late 9th CE. This castle has seen many additions and renovations.
What you see today is as it was done by Maria Theresa in 18th CE. By dimensions, it is supposedly the largest castle in the world. But that is a matter of fact that does not stand out when you are standing on the hill housing the Prague castle. What stands out is the view from this hill of Prague on both sides of the Vltava with red-roofed buildings and green domes of churches.
Tourist Attractions of Prague Castle
Most parts of this historical monument are open to the public. You would see people moving around without any monitoring or security checks. That was kind of a feel-good factor for me as we are not even allowed in the vicinity of buildings that house our politicians. And even if we are allowed the number of security drills we have to cross takes away the whole fun of it. At the entrance gate, there are guards on duty in their pale grey and white uniforms with matching boxes behind them. I cannot say what the purpose of these guards here is besides a ceremonial duty. But they were a delight for the visitors as the tourists posed to be clicked with them. And they kept obliging by standing like a statue.
As you enter the ornate gate of the Prague castle with two massive statues depicting the fighting giants you see the first courtyard. Here you see Mathias Gate in Baroque style. And enter the next courtyard with a fountain in the middle. Different structures are clearly from different periods in history. There is an elongated circular building white, with beautiful niches in the walls to hold the statues of revered saints. There are tall and thick walls with giant shapes and decorations.
St. Vitus Cathedral
Move to the next courtyard to see the most beautiful part of the castle, a tall and narrow Gothic-style St Vitus Cathedral in black brownstone. The structure stands tall, almost out of reach of most cameras. Inside the vaulted roof covering the narrow length of the hall would create a haunting environment. But for the crowd and the colorful stained glass painting across the long walls on both sides. Go around the cathedral and you would see another ornate but this time colorfully painted entrance that is no longer used.
Scattered around the palace complex are various statues. If one can find someone to explain these, you could spend a couple of days in this complex. Turn around from the cathedral and you see buildings in cheerful colors against the bright blue sky. A passage from here leads to Golden street.
Golden Street
A very narrow and small street that was built sometime in 16th CE. At first, glance looks like it was built for the dwarfs and would make you feel taller suddenly. Initially, this was built to house the marksmen or the guards of the castle. But later they moved on and other people came to live here. One of the famous inhabitants of this street was author Franz Kafka at No 22.
Legend of Golden Street
The legend of how this street got its name is interesting. In mid-19th CE, an alchemist living in this street was experimenting with converting any metal into gold. One day there was a loud noise and fire in his house. And when the fire brigade entered his house, he was found dead with a solid piece of gold in his hand. If he smuggled that gold into the house or actually discovered alchemy will always remain a mystery. But giving the small street its name immortalizes the story.
Outside the historical monument in the cobbled streets beside tourists, you see entertainers like musicians, acrobats, and even a witch. As you walk down the stairs to climb down the hill, on one side is the castle wall and on the other side is the top view of the city. And on the wide stairs are various performing artists displaying their talents.
To the visitors of Prague, I do not think I even have to recommend this tourist destination. It has to be on any itinerary.
Recommend you read the following travel blog posts on the Czech Republic.
Thank you for sharing. Not to many people in your position are so gracious. Your article was very poignant and understandable. It helped me to understand very clearly. Thank you for your help.
Hello Anuradha madam :-)..
I pass by your blog sometimes and feel nice that you are following your passion i.e. travel :-)..
I also went to Prague in October 2011 and fell in love with the place..was a short trip but I managed to see this castle and also saw the change of guard ceremony 🙂
Hello Anuradha madam :-)..hope you remember me!
I pass by your blog sometimes and feel nice that you are following your passion i.e. travel :-)..
I also went to Prague in October 2011 and fell in love with the place..was a short trip but I managed to see this castle and also saw the change of guard ceremony 🙂
This city and it’s street performers! Would love to do a collaborated post if you would be interested!
Sure Nikita, though I went there a while ago, not sure how much I remember.
Prague seems fantastic. I hope to go there next year.
Prague is lovely.