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Home  >  Czech Republic • Prague  >  Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral

Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral

Alex Posted onJuly 25, 2016January 21, 2018 Czech Republic, Eastern Europe, Europe, Golden Lane, Old Royal Palace, Prague, Prague Castle, Prague Travel Blog, St. Vitus Cathedral 6 Comments

Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) is the largest ancient castle in the world according to Guinness Book of Records. Its enormous compound area consists of the Royal Palace for the Kings of Bohemia, St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George’s Basilica and a Monastery centred around three grand courtyards. Besides its historical importance, Prague Castle also doubles up now as an important political centre where the Czech Republic President’s office is located.

Prague Castle from a distance

It was a gradual uphill walk from Manesuv Bridge (Mánesův most) towards the Black Tower of Prague Castle.

Uphill walk to the Black Tower

Black Tower of Prague Castle

Soon enough we see St. George’s Basilica (Bazilika Sv. Jiří) with its catchy-coloured reconstructed façade.

St. George Basilica in Prague

Posted Contents

  • St. Vitus Cathedral
  • Old Royal Palace
  • Golden Lane of Prague Castle

St. Vitus Cathedral

Right across St. George’s Basilica is St. Vitus Cathedral (Katedrála svatého Víta) founded by Charles IV. The spiritual symbol and largest church in the Czech Republic have witnessed many coronations of Czech kings and queens.

It holds some of the country’s most important treasures like the Saint Wenceslas Crown and the Coronation Cross. And here’s where the tomb of Saint John of Nepomuk is kept.

St. Vitus cathedral at Prague Castle

St. Vitus cathedral in Prague

I was overwhelmed upon seeing it up close – St. Vitus Cathedral is indeed an amazing sight! The Golden Gate and the Last Judgement mosaic is a joy to look at.

Golden Gate of St. Vitus cathedral in Prague

Last Judgment Mosiac of St. Vitus cathedral

Main entrance to St. Vitus cathedral

St Vitus Cathedral interior is equally stunning with high ceiling and beautiful stained glass. But expectedly, it’s so packed with tourists that I gave up and head over to the South Tower for some steps-climbing exercise instead.

Inside St. Vitus cathedral

The Great South Tower of St. Vitus Cathedral is much more peaceful in comparison. Not sure whether it’s because of the taunting 280+ narrow steps or the additional admission fee. Perhaps it’s the former as the ascent can turn legs into jelly-like LOL.

All the effort is for this rewarding view of Prague.

The views from South Tower of St. Vitus Cathedral

The view from the South Tower of St. Vitus Cathedral

360 map from South Tower of St. Vitus Cathedral

St. George Basilica view from South Tower

South Tower view of St. Vitus Cathedral

One of the Spires of St Vitus Cathedral

Vandals at South Tower of St. Vitus Cathedral

I have a chat with this pleasant lady working here and she mentioned that she and her colleagues do the climb almost every day!!

Staff at South Tower of St. Vitus Cathedral

Old Royal Palace

The castle visit will not be completed without seeing the Old Royal Palace (Starý královský palác) founded in the 12th century. It was the official residence of Czech Kings for up to 16th century but do not expect the grandeur of Versailles. The interior design and décor of the Old Royal Palace is simpler in comparison, or perhaps way too simple…

One of the highlights would be Vladislav Hall (Vladislavský sál) famed for its Gothic vaulted ceiling.

Vladislav Hall at Prague Castle

Interior of Old Royal Palace in Prague

Interior of Old Royal Palace Prague

Gothic ceiling of Old Royal Palace Prague

We then went over to check out Kohl’s Fountain (Kohlova kašna) and around before heading over to The Golden Lane.

Kohl Fountain at Prague Castle

Courtyard of Prague Castle

Entrance to Prague Castle from Lesser Town

Police Guard of Prague Castle

Nice street lamp of Prague

Nice building of Prague

Golden Lane of Prague Castle

The small street of Golden Lane (Zlatá ulička) used to be homes for those living within the castle compound. People like castle guards, servants and craftsmen especially the goldsmiths, thus the name. I find it rather amazing to be living in those little colourful houses – just look at the size of the door!

Now the picturesque street is mostly occupied by souvenir shops cater to the tourists. There are also houses which are decorated with artsy designs adding some life to their old-world quaintness.

House 19 of Golden Lane at Prague Castle

Nice flower at Golden Lane Prague

Golden Lane at Prague Castle

Golden Lane in Prague Castle

Golden Lane of Prague Castle

We spent the rest of the day around Charles Bridge and Old Town Square before heading for dinner at Kolkovna. The meal was exceptional as per previous visits and a nice way to conclude our Europe trip.

What are your thoughts about Prague Castle? Leave a comment and share it with me.

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About Author

Alex

A Singapore Travel Blog about one guy, his camera and an irresistible impulse to travel. Join his adventures to find travel reviews and tips @ WanderLex.com. Read more

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6 Comments

  1. Shirley Tay (Blackswan) Reply
    August 11, 2016 at 4:42 pm

    Fascinating travel shots, Alex! I was there just last year, travelling Eastern Europe for about 2 weeks. Definitely love to revisit again! Have a wonderful week!

    • Alex Reply
      August 11, 2016 at 5:03 pm

      Thanks Shirley!! I am sure you had a great time over in Eastern Europe and looking forward to see more of your travel stories in future. Cheers!

  2. Esther Reply
    October 22, 2016 at 10:53 am

    Great photos and blog. Hope to travel to Europe one day too:)

    • Alex Reply
      November 4, 2016 at 1:48 pm

      Hi Esther, thanks for dropping by. I am sure you will be visiting Europe sooner than you think.

  3. Dennis Reply
    August 9, 2019 at 1:09 am

    Great inspiration for an upcoming trip. Thanks for the great shots!

    • Alex Reply
      August 9, 2019 at 12:37 pm

      Hi Dennis, thanks for visiting my humble blog. Have a great trip to Prague! Cheers!

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