Prague Castle, Hradčany and Strahov

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Adresa: Pražský Hrad, Praha 1

Prague Castle, Hradčany and Strahov

Prague Castle

Prague Castle has been, for more than 1200 years, the political centre of Czech state. The president of the Republic resides here today. But the oldest part of the castle mainly hosts tourists. The true heart of the Czech state and the most sacred place in all of the Czech lands lies in the middle of the third courtyard. This is St. Vitus' Cathedral, which incorporates St. Wenceslas' Chapel. Here rests the body of the eternal ruler and protector of Czech land. Above his grave the Crown Jewels have been placed in the crown chambers. The most valuable of which, St. Wenceslas' Crown, comes from the time of Charles IV.

To the Prague Castle through the Golden Gate

Between the large southern tower and St. Wenceslas' Chapel you can find the monumental entrance to the cathedral, called the Golden Gate. It is decorated with a mosaic from the time of Charles IV. on which he is portrayed with his fourth wife, Elizabeth of Pommern. This mosaic on the Prague Castle is considered until today to be the largest and oldest outdoor mosaic north of the Alps.

Prague Castle and its beautiful neighbourhood

There are various gardens in the nearby surroundings of Prague castle, which have been growing here since the time of Ferdinand I. (since 1534). They harbour a number of Renaissance and Baroque statues from the premier artists of their time (including M.B. Braun) and no less noteworthy structures, such as for example the Renaissance Ball Game Court by Bonifac Wohlmut. This is the oldest walled sports building of this type in Europe (finished in 1569).