Prague Castle at dusk
Photo Credit: Pescan, in the public domain
Prague Castle
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague Castle, home to Czech kings, Holy Roman emperors, presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic, is the biggest castle in the world. It is also where the crown jewels of the Bohemian kingdom is kept. This huge castle is 570 meters long and 130 meters wide. The neighbourhood around Prague Castle is called Hradcany (because the castle itself is called Hrad in Czech).
The origin of Prague Castle can be traced back to the 9th century, to the first walled building there, which was the Church of Our Lady. The Basilica of St George and the St Vitus Cathedral were founded there in the 10th century. Also within Prague Castle was the first convent in Bohemia.
The buildings within Prague Castle showcases virtually every architectural style of the last millennium. This includes gothic style on St Vitus Cathedral, romanesque on the Basilica of St. George, a monastery and several palaces, gardens and defence towers. Most of Prague Castle is open to tourists. Within it are several museums, including the National Gallery collection of Bohemian baroque and mannerism art; an exhibition dedicated to Czech history, a Toy Museum and the picture gallery of Prague Castle, based on the collection of Rudolph II.
