Prague Castle – Hradcany Prague Tourist Attractions

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Located in Prague – the capital of Czech Republic, Prague Castle is one of the largest castles in the world with about 570 meters in length and 130 meters wide. It is a vast complex that includes St. Vitus Cathedral, the Romanesque Basilica of St. George, Old Royal Palace, a monastery, palaces, defense towers, and other structures. Prague Castle is the symbol of the Czech lands, and it is premier tourist attractions in Czech Republic.

Prague Castle construction began in 880 AD by Prince Borivoj of the Premyslid Dynasty. The first walled building was the Church of Our Lady. The Basilica of Saint George and the Basilica of St. Vitus were founded in the first half of the 10th century. The castle area were developed many times through the centuries, so it is a splendid mix of architectural styles, from Roman-style buildings in the 10th century through Gothic modifications in the 14th century. Today Prague Castle maintains its appearance from the 18th century at the time of Queen Maria Theresa.

The most prominent landmark in Prague Castle complex is the Saint Vitus Cathedral, a Roman Catholic cathedral that hosts the Archbishop of Prague. This majestic Gothic architecture is the biggest and most important church in the country, and also containing the tombs of many Bohemian kings.

St. George’s Basilica is the oldest church building within Prague Castle. The basilica was founded by Vratislaus I of Bohemia in 920, it is dedicated to Saint George. The church is Romanesque style architecture, and today hosts exhibitions of old Bohemian art inside its convent.

Changing of the Guard is one of interesting aspect from Prague Castle, theis impressive ceremony take place in the Castle every hour. There are some similar ceremonies in Europe, for instance Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, Kremlin Guard at Moscow, and Kongelige Livgarde at Copenhagen. At noon it also includes a fanfare and the flag ceremony in the First Courtyard. There are also some chances 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.

The area around Prague Castle is called Hradcany, thus the castle complex also known as Hradcany Castle. There are numerous interesting sights, museums, galleries and beautiful surrounding can be found on Hradcany area. Wealth of history and culture can be experienced from a visit to Prague Castle and it should not be missed.