Attractions
The Castle District (Hradèany)
Prague’s castle district looms atop a hill overlooking the city. Head up to the hill to explore Prague’s best churches and museums. Amid three courtyards, immaculate gardens, fortifications and state apartments, the most impressive structure is St. Vitus Cathedral. The Castle is the official residence of the president and was founded in the 9th century. The Kings of Bohemia lived in the Old Royal Palace from the 11th to 17th centuries. Head to the Benedictine Convent, next to the red Romanesque Basilica of St. George, to explore the National Gallery’s collection of old Bohemian art. Go behind the gallery to walk over the cobblestones on Golden Lane, where tradesmen cottages were built into the fortifications. The Changing of the Guard happens on the hour every hour.
Website:www.hrad.cz
Getting there: Take Tram 22 to Prazsky hrad.
Hours of operations: Interiors daily 9am–6pm, closes at 4pm in the winter. Castle grounds: Daily, 5am–midnight. Gardens: Daily, open at 10am, closing hours vary. Closed in winter (as is the tower of St. Vitus Cathedral).
Admission: 350 Kc, includes St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, the Basilica of St. George, the Powder Tower and the Golden Land/Dalibor Tower. Grounds are free.
