Prague Castle: History, What to See and Where to Photograph

Prague is dominated by the landmark of Pražský hrad (Prague Castle), the vast hilltop complex that looks out over the city centre from the west bank of the Vltava River. It is not a single building but a small town of palaces, churches, courtyards, lanes and gardens, and it is usually described as one of the largest castle complexes in the world. Whatever else you do in Prague, you will end up here, and you will want to bring a camera.

A Short History of Prague Castle

The hill was the site of a Slav settlement in the 7th and 8th centuries, and there has been a castle here since at least the late 9th century, when the Přemyslid prince Bořivoj moved his seat to this ridge. Since then, whoever has had control of the Hrad has exercised authority over the Czech lands: Bohemian princes and kings, Holy Roman Emperors, the Habsburgs and, from 1918, the presidents of Czechoslovakia and later the Czech Republic.

Each period left its mark. The Romanesque Basilica of St George dates back to the 10th century. Charles IV began the Gothic St Vitus Cathedral in 1344. The Jagiellonian kings added the great Vladislav Hall around 1500, the Habsburgs brought Renaissance gardens and summer palaces, and Empress Maria Theresa gave the castle the unified facade that you see from the city today. The cathedral itself was only completed in 1929, almost six centuries after it was started.

Is the Czech President Still Based at Prague Castle?

Yes. The castle continues to serve as the official seat of the president, which is why you will see the Castle Guard at the gates. At the same time the public is free to wander around from the early hours until late in the evening, since the castle is also home to several museums and galleries.

What to See

St Vitus Cathedral

The cathedral fills the third courtyard and is the spiritual centre of the country, the burial place of Bohemian kings and of St Wenceslas. Look for the St Wenceslas Chapel, the stained glass window designed by Alfons Mucha, and the Golden Gate with its mosaic of the Last Judgement on the south side.

The Old Royal Palace

The former seat of the Bohemian kings. Its Vladislav Hall, with a remarkable late Gothic vault, was large enough for indoor tournaments, and riders reached it on horseback by a special staircase.

St George’s Basilica and Golden Lane

The basilica is the best-preserved Romanesque church in Prague, hidden behind a red Baroque facade. Close by is Zlatá ulička (Golden Lane), a row of tiny, brightly painted houses built into the castle wall. Franz Kafka worked for a time in the house at number 22.

Courtyards and Gardens

The Royal Garden with Queen Anne’s Summer Palace lies to the north, and the South Gardens run along the city side of the castle with open views over the rooftops. The gardens are generally closed in winter.

Visiting Prague Castle

You can wander freely through most of the streets, courtyards and gardens of the castle and watch the changing of the guard without a ticket. The guard changes every hour at the gates, with a larger ceremony including a fanfare at noon in the first courtyard.

For the interiors you need a ticket. There are several ticket types covering different combinations of the Old Royal Palace, St George’s Basilica, Golden Lane, the cathedral and the exhibitions, and they can be bought at the information centres in the courtyards. Prices, circuits and opening hours change from time to time, so please check the official Prague Castle website (hrad.cz) before your visit instead of relying on older guides. Expect a security check at the entrances, and allow extra time for it in high season.

How to Get There

By tram: the Pražský hrad stop is the closest and leads you in across the Powder Bridge without any climbing. If you get off at Pohořelec instead, you can walk gently downhill through Hradčany and arrive at the main gate on Hradčanské náměstí.
By metro: from Malostranská station (line A) you can walk up the Old Castle Stairs to the eastern gate.
On foot: from Charles Bridge and Malostranské náměstí, walk up Nerudova Street. It is steep, but it is one of the prettiest streets in the city.

Photographing Prague Castle

Best Light and Time of Day

The castle faces east over the city. That means the morning sun lights its long facade when you photograph it from the river, the bridges or the Old Town side, while in the evening the sun sets behind it and the castle becomes a silhouette. After dusk the whole complex is floodlit, and the blue hour view from the riverbank is one of the classic pictures of Prague.

From inside the castle, looking out over the city, the situation is reversed: late afternoon and evening light falls on the red rooftops below, and sunrise is in front of you.

Viewpoints

Hradčanské náměstí and the ramp beside the main gate – a wide view over Malá Strana and the Old Town, excellent at sunrise.
The top of the Old Castle Stairs – a terrace at the eastern end with a view over the river and its bridges.
The South Gardens – open views from the foot of the castle walls when the gardens are in season.
The third courtyard – the cathedral is so close that you need a wide-angle lens to fit in the towers. Step back towards the Old Royal Palace for the best angle on the south facade.
From outside: Charles Bridge, the embankment near the Old Town end of the bridge, and Letná Park all give strong views of the castle skyline.

Crowds and Seasons

The castle is the most visited place in the country, and between late morning and mid-afternoon the courtyards and Golden Lane are packed. Come as early as you can, or in the evening when the tour groups have left and the courtyards are still open. Winter is quieter and can bring snow on the roofs; spring and autumn give the best combination of light and manageable crowds.

Rules for photography inside the interiors can change, so check the current conditions when you buy your ticket. Tripods and drones are a different matter again; ask before you set anything up.

Prague Castle Photoshoots

The castle area is one of our regular locations for portrait sessions: families, couples, proposals and solo travellers. The courtyards, the lanes of Hradčany and the viewpoints at the gates give a lot of variety within a short walk, and an early start makes all the difference.