The Prague Castle is one of the top attractions to see in the city but with so many sections and parts to navigate, you might be lost as to what to purchase or consider viewing when you are at the gates. This is thus, a complete guide to knowing what each segment holds so that you can make your choice easy and breezily.
Golden Lane
Home to the famous Franz Kafka, the Golden Lane consists of tiny houses where guards of the castle and craftsmen lived. In particular, goldsmiths used to stay in the lane, hence the name. One of the houses also provides access to a tower and prison.
Insider Tip: You can get local souvenirs albeit pricey, and view medieval armory.
St Vitus Cathedral
Built around the chapel of St Wenceslas, which has elaborate gems and paintings of the saint’s life, the St Vitus Cathedral was first constructed in 13 century but was not completed till the 19 century. The design and feel of the cathedral is an elaborate mixture of multiple architectural styles over the period.
Catholics can attend mass and enter the cathedral for free (subject to timings) but you might want to look at the online schedule for a session that is held in your own language as most are held in Czech.
St George’s Basilica
This basilica was built as the second church of the castle and survived a fire in the early 10 century. It was revamped in the 13 century with a chapel dedicated to St. Ludmila. St. John Nepomuk’s chapel was also added on to it in the 18 century. The tombs of the royal family are kept in the basilica and upon entering, you will sense the sobriety of the atmosphere created by the brick walls and furnishings.
The Chapel is currently used for short term exhibitions.
Rosenberg Palace
For those that prefer to admire luxury and art, Rosenberg Palace is a good choice to explore. With Renaissance paintings on the ceilings and fine marble pillars, you will have a complete classical experience.
Prague Castle Moat
This last zone of the castle is free for entry but can be a bit daunting to explore on your own. A stretch of nature that appears to be wild and free, it used to be breeding grounds for deer. An underground tunnel (picture below) was built to connect the upper and lower sections.
It is definitely a nice spot to take a breather from the tourists’ crowds and enjoy nature.
While you can purchase tickets for each attraction separately, you can also purchase them in bulk with different attractions for different ‘circuits’. Now that you know what each attraction entails, be wise in your selection! Do consider whether you are looking for a serious, historical experience or one where you can enjoy the grandeur and beauty of the castle before choosing accordingly! Good luck and whatever your choice is, have fun!
