Prague Castle

"We believe in democracy, we believe in liberty - and liberty evermore..."
from the Declaration of Czecho-Slovak Independence, Paris, 18 October 1918

Visit to Prague Castle

The Prague Castle, an ancient symbol of the Czech lands, is the most significant Czech monument and one of the most important cultural institutions in the Czech Republic.

The Prague Castle was most likely founded in around 880 by Prince Bořivoj of the Premyslid Dynasty (Přemyslovci). According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the Prague Castle is the largest coherent castle complex in the world, with an area of almost 70,000 m². A UNESCO World Heritage site, it consists of a large-scale composition of palaces and ecclesiastical buildings of various architectural styles, from Roman-style buildings from the 10th century through Gothic modifications in the 14th century. The famous Slovenian architect Josip Plečnik was responsible for extensive renovations in the time of the First Republic (1918-1938). Since the Velvet Revolution, the Prague Castle has undergone significant and ongoing repairs and reconstructions.

Basic information:

When is the Castle open?

The Prague Castle is open daily:

• 5.00 - 24.00 in summer season (April 1 - October 31)
• 6.00 - 23.00 in winter season (November 1  - March 31)

Historical monuments are open daily except 24.12.

• 9.00 - 18.00 in summer season (April 1 - October 31)
• 9.00 - 16.00 in winter season (November 1 - March 31)

Opening hours
Guidepost for visitors

When is the Changing of the Guard?

Ceremony by the Castle gates takes place every hour. At noon it also includes a fanfare and the flag ceremony in the First Courtyard.

Is it possible to visit the state rooms?

Rooms used by the Office of the President of the Czech Republic are open two days a year. The first Saturday after May 8 and the first Saturday after October 28 as a rule.

When are the Gardens open?

The gardens are freely accessible in the summer tourist season. (April 1 - October 31)

Gardens of the Prague Castle

Are there barrier - free entrances?

Historical monuments and exhibition halls except towers (Daliborka Tower, White Tower, Powder Tower, Cathedral Southern Tower) and defence corridor in the Golden Lane offer barrier - free entrances.

Is it possible to have a guide?

When visiting Prague Castle you can use the service of Information Centres of Prague Castle in the second and the third courtyards. They provide tours through Prague Castle guided by professional guides of Prague Castle Administration (including foreign language service).
Guided tours in foreign languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian

Information Centre

Contact

Department of Tourism
Pražský hrad
119 08 Praha 1
Phone: +420 224 37 3368
Fax: + 420 224 37 3238
E-mail: tourist.info@hrad.cz

print | top