High on the hill above Prague’s Old Town, Prague Castle is a complex of varied buildings. Royal and religious structures have stood here since the 9th century. Today, it is home to the official office of the President of the Czech Republic. Once in the walls of the castle, you will find architecture of different styles spanning about 1,000 years.
St. Vitus Cathedral, began in 1344, impressed me the most.
The spires alone are magnificent, and the gargoyles are enchanting (or frightening!).
The detail is amazing. Look at the ironwork on just one door.
You can climb the many steps to the dome that houses the cathedral bells. The view from here takes in the Old Town of Prague, the Vlatava River, and the iconic Charles Bridge. The red roofs of Prague are stunning.
Back down to ground level, you can wander around the spacious courtyard. You may even happen on a wedding in the midst of busy tourists.
Prague Castle also has large gardens, complete with a view. Here you can clearly see parts of the castle wall.
You’ll find a toy museum, other churches and museums, and a village of small houses that once were home to blacksmiths and other tradespeople. We ate lunch at a café in a historic building, imagining all the history of that place.
Here’s the entrance to the government offices. The serious guard reminded us of London’s royal guards. If you look closely you’ll see the armed soldier at the gate. This is a great place for us tourists, but Prague knows to protect this landmark castle.
Walking down the hill from Prague Castle, you wind down picturesque streets like this one.
We took a tram to our next destination, though you could keep walking and cross a bridge over to the Old Town.
Prague Castle is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with St. Vitus Cathedral open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Aim early to avoid crowds.
Entrance to the grounds is free. If you want to go inside the museums and displays, a variety of ticket prices is available, depending on how many of the exhibits you plan to see. Check the official website for more information.
28 Comments
I visited Prague Castle back in 2015 and absolutely loved it. The view of the city from there are equally fascinating as are the old buildings. Thank you for sharing with “Through My Lens”
Mersad
Mersad Donko Photography
Wow! That architecture!!
Love it! We went there about 5 years ago! Thanks for sharing! It is fun to see what others thought as cool.
Wow – the intricacy of some of the architecture is astounding – everything is pristine and beautiful!
Thanks for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2017/12/the-explorer.html
Your captures of Prague really give a great impression of an old world capital city in Europe – great job Sharon! So many architectural styles to see – delightful! Interesting – the guard looks “Russian!” Many thanks giving All Seasons an impression of Prague! Enjoy your week (heard from my daughter it was 95 degr. with Thanksgiving -wow).
What an enjoyable read. I am envious!
Prague looks straight out of a story book. The buildings, spires and gargoyles! So fascinating. I would love to visit this place. Love your photos.
Such beauty and gorgeous architecture!
Prague Castle looks beautiful, and the cathedral as well. #citytripping
St. Vitus Cathedral –wow. It looks really grand in your photos –the spires… I can’t even get over the spires. I bet it was even more magnificent when you’re right there. Amazing photos. Sharon!
This castle is absolutely exquisite!! I’ve wanted to visit Prague for a long time but now I probably want to visit twice as badly. I really can’t get over how beautiful the ironwork on that door is. Great post! #MondayEscapes
Definitely on my bucket list!
What a stunning castle and gorgeous views from the ramparts too! Love the bride and groom pic. What a beautiful backdrop for their wedding day pics. Thanks for sharing on #MondayEscapes
We are headed to Prague in the spring so this has me even more excited! Your pictures are beautiful! #MondayEscapes
Beautiful pictures! I was completely wowed by Prague castle when I visited – the views are amazing and I love all the detail you’ve pointed out. It’s been a while since I went to Prague so I must revisit one day. Thanks for linking #citytripping
I’ve been there and Prague is a city I would love to go back to.
I love the Gargoyles
Mollyx
We visited (and loved) Prague and the Prague castle a couple of summers ago. It was a different experience than I had pictured in my head of one large connected castle, but it was as charming as Prague itself is! The Cathedral was very impressive. #FarawayFiles
Beautiful architecture and lovely photographs.
We had plans to visit Prague this year but it did not work out. Hopefully, 2018 will see us visiting the Czech Republic. #FarawayFiles
I love the look of Prague Castle! I would definitely climb the steps up to the bells to see views like that! #citytripping
Sharon those spirals are something else. The architecture is just breathtaking as are the views.
What a stunning building and place – and I love all the views of the red roofs. I’ve really been enjoying your posts n Prague. Thanks for linking up with #farawayfiles
So nice Sharon! I loved this part of Prague! We visited on a rainy day so, we didn’t enjoy as much as we wanted since we had to run from place to place (while trying to avoid getting soaking wet). Hope to go back one day! #TheWeeklyPostcard
I always love your photos, Sharon, and I have particularly enjoyed the intricate details in some of these. I loved Prague when I visited on a wintry weekend trip with my husband. I’d love to revisit with my children. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
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What a gorgeous cathedral! I hope to visit Prague sometime soon and will definitely make sure to see it. #theweeklypostcard
You make Prague look so inviting. I went a few years ago, but I went during the winter when it was snowing outside. Now, when I see images of Prague, all I can think of is how cold it was. I think I will have to visit in a warmer month…