Prague Castle city tour with a licensed professional tour guide – a program and city walking tour in Prague
The Prague Castle city tour is a very popular tourist program in Prague. You can book a city tour with or without entry to the historical buildings of Prague Castle. In fact, the city tour lasts around 2 to 2.5 hours. The tour gives you an insight into the history of Prague Castle and its magical charm. In addition, it is possible to set the focus of the city tour in advance and easily adjust the content of the city tour. The city tour itself is full of historical attractions and cultural contexts. For the purposes of description we have selected some parts of it here. We look forward to hearing the full statement and seeing Prague Castle.
A meeting with a tour guide can also be arranged according to your wishes or by default at one of the entrances to the castle (e.g. Matthias Gate). A very nice start is a meeting in a beautiful palace called Queen Anne’s Summer Palace. This summer palace from the mid-16th century is considered to be the most beautiful Renaissance building north of the Alps. After a short walk through the royal garden with a wonderful view of Prague Castle, we will go to the bridge and the north entrance of the castle.
Prague Castle and History
The first surviving mentions of construction work on the site of the current castle refer to the remains of the Church of St. Anne of Prince Bořivoj from the end of the 9th century. Over eleven centuries of striving to create a cultural space have left us with a majestic legacy. Imprint of historical events. During the tour we will mainly admire 4 beautiful courtyards of Prague Castle. The total area of the castle is almost 70,000 square meters.
As you stroll through the courtyards, you will see architectural gems and many contrasts. On the one hand there are huge palaces, a cathedral or a basilica and on the other hand there are architectural details, charming fountains or a picturesque alley with small houses. A fine example is the 2nd courtyard with the majestic seat of the President of the Republic in contrast to the beautiful details of the courtyard in the form of a charming baroque fountain. During the city tour, small and interesting details are mixed with breathtaking, large buildings. Probably the most interesting thing about its beauty is the 3rd courtyard. Here you will find a number of smaller or larger historical jewels. However, as soon as you step from the small passage to the 3rd courtyard, everyone of the size of the Cathedral of St. is warmly welcome.
Our cathedral at Prague Castle – St. Vitus Cathedral – welcome to the city tour
St. Vitus Cathedral – today’s Gothic cathedral – by St. Vitus, Wenceslaus, Adalbert and the Virgin Mary was built from 1344 for almost 600 years until 1929. The abbreviated name of the Cathedral of St. Vitus is based on the original dedication of the rotunda by St. Welcome. The rotunda was built at the beginning of the 10th century by the patron saint of the Czech nation, Prince Wenceslaus. It originally stood on the site of today’s Wenceslas Chapel. The rotunda was rebuilt during the construction of the cathedral under Spytihněv II. to the Basilica of St. Vitus, St. Adalbert and the Virgin Mary.
In 1344, John of Luxembourg began building St. Vitus Cathedral on the occasion of the promotion of the Prague diocese to the archdiocese. The construction of the cathedral was a very demanding and lengthy undertaking that lasted until the 20th century. The city walking tour, including the entrances, provides an explanation of the charming interior of our most famous cathedral. Probably the most beautiful inner part of the cathedral is the Wenceslas Chapel with the remains of St. Wenceslas. Even without entering the cathedral, it is possible to admire its beauty, including the south side of the cathedral with the former main entrance. Here is a Golden Gate with an original mosaic from the second half of the 14th century. According to many Czechs, this is the most beautiful mosaic in northern Italy.
Old Royal Palace (The Vladislav Hall)
From the Cathedral of St. We pass the Old Royal Palace. The palace was the original seat of the Czech kings until the 16th century. Part of the palace are representative rooms. It is the Vladislav Hall, the All Saints Church or the Old House. The second defenestration of the regents (1618) took place here in the building. The old palace experienced a long development and the legacy of many Czech monarchs is preserved in it. E.g. the original part of the palace from the time of Charles IV, which stands above the hall and is connected to the reconstruction of the palace by Prince Soběslav from the 12th century. So it’s no wonder that the permanent historical exhibition on the development and reconstruction of Prague Castle took place here.
Basilica of St. George
Near the royal palace we pass 2 white towers of the Romanesque basilica of St. George. This is also a window into early history, because after the Church of St. Anne from the end of the 9th century, the Church of St. George has been the oldest church since the beginning of the 9th century. St. George’s Basilica has largely retained its Romanesque character to this day, apart from the changes that were necessary in connection with several fires.
Dalibor Tower and Golden Lane
Another well-known station is Golden Lane and the adjoining Daliborka or Dalibor Tower, which, according to its first prisoner, Dalibor from Kozojedy, is known. Golden Lane is a quaint collection of houses that form an alley against the wall. Golden Lane with the makeshift houses originally formed one of the poorer parts of Hradčany. However, the tiny houses soon gained their popularity due to their charm and sharp contrast to the majesty of the buildings at Prague Castle. In addition to a fairytale impression, there are also many interesting residents. E.g. original marksmen, alchemists, fortune tellers or Franz Kafka. You have all contributed to the fact that Golden Lane has retained its attractiveness and thus its current shape.
At the gate we see the castle guard and leave the Prague Castle. From the lookout point you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city with an explanation and the old castle stairs lead us back into the city towards the Charles Bridge.
Program in Prague
Our guided tour of Prague Castle is ending, but our guide will still help you if you have any questions about the event in Prague. A visit to Prague Castle can be combined very well with a city tour through the old town. City tours are not only interesting but also healthy 😉