Prague Castle

Prague Castle is an essential sight of all of our cruises on the Vltava. From the deck of our boats you can see it and photograph it in all of its glory and from an unusual perspective.

Prague Castle is without a doubt the most famous historical and cultural monument in Prague. It has been at the centre of Czech history from the 9^th century to the present day.

Prague Castle is a panoply of every architectural and artistic style. The golden age of the Castle was the 14^th century under Emperor Charles IV who ordered magnificent construction works in his capital. Dating from this era are the Old Royal Palace and St. Vitus Cathedral in particular.

The Castle again became the imperial seat under Emperor Rudolf II. He surrounded himself with artists and scientists, but also charlatans. In any case, the Castle and its collections flourished in the era of Rudolf II’s rule.

From 1918, when the Czechoslovak Republic was established, Prague Castle became the official seat of the president and remains so today.

Among the most noteworthy buildings in the Castle grounds are the Theresa Palace, the Old Royal Palace, Queen Anne’s Summer Palace, the Prague Castle Riding School, the Rosenberg Palace, the St. Vitus, Wenceslaus and Adalbert Cathedral, the Basilica and Chapel of St. George, the Monastery of All Saints and the Chapel of the Holy Cross. You can also visit the tower, the famous Golden Lane and the beautiful gardens, such as the Royal Garden, the Garden on the Bastion, the Paradise Garden, the Hartig Garden, the Garden on the Ramparts and others.

In Prague Castle you can also see temporary or permanent exhibits as well as the crown jewels housed in St. Vitus Cathedral.

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Prague Castle is the largest historical castle complex in the world. It is visited annually by around 1.5 million people.