Prague Castle is unquestionably our most important historical and cultural monument, reflecting the history of the Czech state from the 9th century to the present day.
Practically every architectural and artistic style is reflected in the castle. The castle reached great prosperity in the 14th century under Emperor and King Charles IV, who launched a grand-scale construction programme at his seat. From this period are mainly the Old Royal Palace and St Vitus Cathedral.
The castle became the imperial seat for a second time under Emperor Rudolf II, who surrounded himself here with artists, scientists and even charlatans. In any case, Rudolf II's reign brought a great flourishing of the castle and its collections.
Since 1918, when Czechoslovakia was founded, Prague Castle has been the official seat of the presidents and remains so today.
The most important buildings in the castle complex include the Theresian Palace, the Old Royal Palace, the Summer Palace of Queen Anne, the Prague Castle Riding School, Rožmberk Palace, St Vitus, Wenceslas and Adalbert Cathedral, St George's Basilica and St George's Convent, the Chapel of All Saints and the Chapel of the Holy Cross. You can also see the towers, the famous Golden Lane and the beautiful gardens, such as the Royal Garden, Bastion Garden, Paradise Garden, Hartig Garden, Garden on the Ramparts and others.
Short-term and long-term exhibitions are also on view at Prague Castle, and the coronation jewels stored in St Vitus Cathedral hold a special place here.
According to the Guinness Book of Records, Prague Castle is the largest historical castle complex in the entire world. It is visited by around 1.5 million visitors a year.
Prague Castle forms an inseparable backdrop to all our Vltava cruises. From the deck of a boat you can also admire and photograph it in all its grandeur from an unusual perspective.
