One of the most amazing places we visited during our time in Europe was the Prague Castle Complex. There are many beautiful castles throughout Europe, but the sheer size and number of structures on the grounds of Prague Castle made it one of the most fascinating. Dating back to the 9th century with new additions being added throughout its history, the complex has the castle fortress, palaces, gardens, cathedrals and churches, a monastery, as well as several defense towers. This is definitely one of those places that you could visit several times and still see something new every time.
Seeing the castle complex from Charles Bridge is one of the most iconic sights that you will ever see while traveling around Europe. Once you cross the bridge, you enter a city of its own that surrounds the castle. We were on a walking tour, so we didn’t get to go inside of the Royal Palace, the St. Vitus Cathedral, or St. George’s Basilica, but there is so much to see just walking around the grounds. We were there during the off-season and the crowds were still very large and the lines to enter the palace were several hours long and the cathedral was closed during our visit. If you have the time and are willing to wait in the long lines, based on what we have heard, it is worth it to see the luxurious grandeur that awaits you when you enter.
Walking through the complex, the spires of the St. Vitus Cathedral dominate the skyline and it is a wonderful example of a gothic cathedral. And yet, somehow, it felt unique compared to many of the other gothic cathedrals that we have seen in Europe. There are so many incredible details on the exterior of the cathedral that you are treated to something new around every corner. The colorful fresco above the doors of the cathedral was one of the more interesting features that we saw as we toured around the complex.
The views from the castle complex are amazing and you are treated to an incredible cityscape that overlooks the ancient red roofs with the modern city of Prague off in the distance. After leaving the palace and cathedral, you walk through the narrow streets of the Golden Lane as well as streets lined with shops and restaurants. Everywhere you look, your eyes are greeted with the fascinating architecture of Prague. There is so much to see in this wonderful city, but visiting the Prague Castle Complex is certainly one of the highlights of any visit. If you want to capture the memory forever, stop at the stand of one of the many artists that are on Charles Bridge and purchase an original piece of art at a reasonable price that captures the sights of Prague.
Enjoyed reading this. We were at the Castle during our visit to Prague in Nov 2017. Unfortunately it was a freezing cold, drizzly day and the streets were iced so we couldn’t see the sights as we had hoped. Your post has made us want to return in better weather!
Thank you. We got lucky on that day, otherwise it was snowy and cold. Seems to be that time of year in Prague.
Just returned from Prague an hour ago and am currently processing my photos… which look a lot like yours 😉 Enjoyed the city a lot.
🙂 We really enjoyed it and would like to go back in the summer.
It looks beautiful. I love the architecture there.
It is one of our favorite cities 🙂
Nice reminder of a great town. Heading back next month for my wife’s b-day.
🙂
Stunning architecture. What a beautiful city. 🙂
I am very happy that you love Prague amd that you have enjoyed your stay. I just feel responsible to warn you a little about your next visit to Prague :-).
Personnaly, I love Prague Castle, mainly the cathedral (or the one tiny street which is called the Golden Lane – not more streets :-)). But that’s it, other places at castle are very simple, offices (I mean rennaisance offices), but definitelly nothing I would call “luxurious grandeur”. So do not expect much when you visit the interiors, unless you are very anxious historician or acheologist. But if you want to see some luxurious grandeur, visit any other castle in the Czech Republic, as Karlstejn, Konopiste, Krivoklat, Lednice, Lysice, Sternberk, … just any other :-).
And one last comment: unfortunatelly your photos didn’t uploaded for me :-(, but when you are talking about the fresco above the entrance, it seems to me like you mean the big gold MOSAIC above the Golden Gate to the cathedral, it is not painted to the wall (fresco), but made with little colorful pieces, which is much better then just a fresco :-).
cheers, welcome back Prague and other lovely places in the CR.
We look forward to coming back and will definitely check out some other castles.
Great post! I’ll be going to Prague in a few weeks and your post and photos have given me even more to look forward to!
We are glad you liked the post
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