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 the summer season (April 1 - October 31)
- 6.00 - 23.00 in the winter season (November 1 - March 31)
Historical monuments are open daily except 24.12.
- 9.00 - 17.00 in the summer season (April 1 - October 31)
- 9.00 - 16.00 in the winter season (November 1 - March 31)
Opening hours
Guidepost for visitors
When is the Changing of the Guard?
The ceremonial Changing of the Guard including a fanfare and the flag ceremony:
- daily at 12.00 in the first courtyard
The Changing by the Castle gates:
- on the houre from 7.00 to 20.00 in the summer season
- on the houre from 7.00 to 18.00 in the winter season
More information: www.hrad.army.cz.
Is it possible to visit the state rooms?
Rooms used by the Office of the President of the Czech Republic are open the first Saturday after May 8 as a rule.
When are the Gardens open?
The gardens are freely accessible in the summer tourist season. (April 1 - October 31).
Are there barrier-free entrances?
Historical monuments and exhibition halls except towers (Daliborka Tower, White Tower, Powder Tower, Cathedral Southern Tower), exhibition "The Treasure of St. Vitus Cathedral" 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
courtyard. They provide tours through Prague Castle guided by professional guides of Prague Castle
Administration (including foreign language service) or you can use the Audioguide Service.
Guided tours in foreign languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian
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
The Chapel of the Holy Cross in Prague Castle’s Second Courtyard houses an extraordinary display of masterpieces amassed from the 11th century for the St. Vitus Church and Cathedral treasury.
