Listen to an introductory chapter into the history of Prague Castle, the largest castle complex in the world, and an iconic structure that towers over all of Prague!

Prague Castle, a majestic symbol of Czech history and culture, towers majestically over the whole of Prague. Its history dates back to the 9th century when it was founded by Prince Bořivoj the First, the first subject of the Czech royal family of the Přemyslids. Since then, the castle has undergone many changes, with each era bringing new architectural elements that have shaped the face of this impressive complex.

The first stone building on the castle hill was the Church of the Virgin Mary, which was built at the end of the ninth century and whose remains can be seen in the underpass at the main entrance. Over the centuries, the castle has been extended and modified, often under the influence of different building styles such as Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque.

During the reign of Charles IV in the 14th century, the castle was rebuilt in the form we know today. The castle was rebuilt into a castle-like structure, and his son, Wenceslas IV, added new buildings as or modified them. For example, the famous Vladislav Hall in the Old Royal Palace, which became an important venue for coronations and ceremonial events.

During the Hussite Wars the castle was conquered and destroyed several times, but in the 16th century under Ferdinand I a Renaissance restoration began. This brought the creation of new palaces and gardens, such as the Queen Anne's Summer Palace, which is located a short walk from the Prague Castle tram stop.

In the 18th century, the castle underwent Baroque modifications under the reign of Maria Theresa and her son Joseph II. This era left its mark in the form of new chapels, gardens and decorated interiors.

During the 20th century, the castle witnessed many historical events, including the establishment of the Czechoslovak Republic, during which it was transformed into a splendid residence of the head of state, followed by the communist coup d'état that began 40 years of communist rule in Bohemia. After the fall of communism, the castle became a symbol of freedom and democracy again, and it remains so to this day.

Today, Prague Castle is not only the seat of the head of state but also a tourist attraction that draws millions of visitors from all over the world. Its extensive grounds hide a wealth of history, art and architecture that recall the glorious moments and the bitter moments of Czech history. A walk through its walls is like a journey through time, taking us from medieval wars to the modern era.

Prague Castle, a majestic symbol of Czech history and culture, towers majestically over the whole of Prague. Its history dates back to the 9th century

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History of Prague Castle

This chapter serves as an introduction to the history of the Golden Lane, located at Prague Castle. If you would like a more detailed audio guide to the interiors, please visit our website www.getpragueguide.com where you will find a wide selection of audio guides and tours

Golden Lane is a narrow street located near the castle ramparts. It was originally built in the 16th century to house the castle guards of Emperor Rudolf II Habsburg, a great lover of art, alchemy, astrology, and astronomy.

Although the lane was temporarily called the Street of Alchemists or Alchemist Alley, alchemists, in fact, never worked or lived here. It seems more likely that Golden Lane was named after the goldsmiths who lived here in the 17th century.

These days nine of the 16 houses are part of a permanent exposition. You can also visit the armour exposition upstairs inside the fortification wall.

At the end of the Golden Lane, you will find Daliborka Tower

Sound of violin sadly echoes through Prague Castle. It flows into the surroundings from one of the most famous towers in Prague, from Daliborka. From the beginning of its existence, it served as a dreaded prison. It was named after the first prisoner, the knight Dalibor of Kozojed, who was imprisoned here in 1496 and then eventually sentenced and executed.

"Dalibor was the first convict to cross the threshold so it was named after him," Czech writer Alois Jirásek recalls.

Daliborka, in the beginning of the 16th century, served as a prison for lords and knights, and later, it also hosted burghers, peasant subjects, craftsmen, Jews - in short, anyone. It was famous for its underground dungeon, into which the convicts were lowered and tied to a rope. Check it out... You will immediately feel the urge to run out and look at the sun. Presently, the dungeon is lit with electric light and the bottom glitters with coins thrown in by visitors so they can hear them ring when they hit the bottom of the pit.

In 1781, the whole tower caught fire and was seriously damaged. Daliborka was reduced in size by one floor during the following repairs that took nine years. This could have been a sign the ruler was running out of funds. Daliborka was opened to the public as early as 1883.

Golden Lane is a narrow street located near the castle ramparts. It was originally built in the 16th century to house the castle guards of Emperor Rud

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Golden Lane

This chapter serves as an introduction to the Cathedral of Saint Vitus in Prague Castle. 

The building is marked as number 8 on your ticket, and what a magnificent beginning it is! This is the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Vitus, Wenceslaus, and Adalbert. But don't worry, we'll stick to calling it St. Vitus Cathedral for simplicity.

St. Vitus Cathedral stands as the crown jewel of the Prague Castle complex, and it's often regarded as one of the most beautiful buildings you'll ever lay your eyes on in Prague.

For centuries, it has been the heart and soul of Prague's religious and royal life. Let's take a step back in time. Inside these walls, Czech kings and queens were crowned in grand ceremonies, and the echoes of their vows still resonate in the air. It's also the place, where some of the most important patron saints, monarchs, nobles, and archbishops found their eternal rest.

Now, here's a fascinating tidbit: the St. Vitus Cathedral you see today is actually the third religious building that's stood on this very spot!

The original rotunda was founded around 930 AD by Duke Wenceslas I of Bohemia, chosen in honor of the holy relic they obtained – the arm of Saint Vitus himself!

The second building was a Romanesque basilica, constructed in 1060, and it was built bigger and grander to accommodate the growing number of faithful souls.

Finally, in 1344, during the reign of King and future Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, the foundation stone for the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral was laid. This new cathedral was to be a place for royal coronations, a family crypt, and a treasury for the kingdom's most precious relics.

Charles IV had a vision, and this cathedral was to be his legacy, even though he never lived to see it completed. It took a staggering 600 years, and generations of brilliant architects, including Matthias of Arras, Peter Parler, and Alfons Mucha, to bring this masterpiece to life.

And speaking of legacies, many chapels inside the house are the final resting places of the noble souls who funded them. Bishops, archbishops, kings, and even emperors of the Holy Roman Empire have found their eternal home within these hallowed walls.

Take a moment to gaze upon the mighty towers. The main tower rises to an impressive 96.5 meters, or approximately 317 feet, while the Western front towers stand at 82 meters or about 270 feet. The architecture here is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

But the real magic lies within. Step inside with us and uncover the secrets, the stories, and the breathtaking beauty of St. Vitus Cathedral.

Are you ready to explore the wonder that awaits?

The building is marked as number 8 on your ticket, and what a magnificent beginning it is! This is the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Vitus, Wencesla

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Saint Vitus Cathedral

Introductory chapter to the Old Royal Palace at Prague Castle. 

The Old Royal Palace is the most significant secular construction in the Prague Castle complex. Its foundations date back to the 12th century, the time of the reign of Prince Sobeslav, who had a stone palace built in the Romanesque style here. Some parts of that building are still preserved under the ground. Another floor in the Gothic style was added to this Romanesque structure during the rule of Charles IV in the 14th century and King Vladislav II Jagiello (of Hungary) commissioned an addition of another floor in the late Gothic style which you have access to at the end of the 15th and in the beginning of the 16th-century.

Vladislav Hall

The prince's residence was erected at the site of the Old Royal Palace as early as the 12th century. At the end of the 15th century, however, it was Vladislav Jagiello who commissioned the most extensive renovations of this structure. He also had a monumental hall bearing his name built here. Its vault is 13 meters which is approximately 43 feet high.

Architect Benedikt Ried (1454-1536), a fortification specialist, would also prove his other qualities here in Prague. His Vladislav Hall in Prague Castle is one of Europe's architectural gems. At the beginning of the 16th century, it was the largest hall (62 x 16 x 13 meters) vaulted without internal support. 

Although it could seem it was intended for jousting tournaments, only one of them was held here in 1527 to celebrate the accession to the throne of Ferdinand I Habsburg. 

It would commonly be used for parliamentary sessions.

The original roof was replaced with a saddle roof only after the great fire in 1541.

Nowadays, it is used as a ceremonial hall - the president‘s swearing-in and/or other ceremonies take place here.

The Old Royal Palace is the most significant secular construction in the Prague Castle complex. Its foundations date back to the 12th century, the tim

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Old Royal Palace

This chapter serves as an introduction to St. George's Basilica, located in Prague Castle. 

The Basilica of St. George in St. George‘s Square is not preserved in its original form. Experts say it changed in almost every century since its foundation. 

The founder, Prince Vratislav I, began building it around 920 AD. However, he died before the construction had been completed. 

It was a simple three-nave basilica. In a few decades, the church was transformed into a far more exhibitable building as Mlada, the sister of the ruler, established the first Benedictine convent in Bohemia here in 973 AD, becoming its first abbess. 

Before the foundation, her brother had sent Mlada with a special task and accompanied with a group of diplomats, to Rome: to negotiate with the pope the establishment of a bishopric in Bohemia. 

It is understood that the young, twelve-year-old girl was very wise and beautiful for her age. The new diocese of Prague was established afterwards. 

For the second time, the basilica was completely rebuilt almost two hundred years later. It was after a devastating fire that had raged in Prague Castle in 1142.

 And you see, although St. George's Basilica has been restored more than once over the centuries (Peter Parler’s Mason’s Lodge also contributed to the Gothic period), we will not find a more beautiful, preserved Romanesque building in Prague. 

In the 17th century, it received a Baroque façade and, a century later, the closely adjoining chapel of St. John of Nepomuk.

You may sit down and enjoy your presence in this beautiful building now.

In the 1960‘s and 70’s, the experts who had begun to deal with the statics of St. George's Basilica became aware that the building had very shallow foundations. It was necessary to examine and secure the marlstone blocks of both Romanesque towers of the basilica. 

If we look at these towers from St. George‘s Square, we will notice that they are not of the same thickness. 

The southern, more massive tower, was named Adam. The northern tower is thinner, and is called Eve. 

And it was Eve's existence that was very seriously threatened. 

This is how it was written in the daily press: 

“The statics of this tower was damaged in the distant past, the structure is tilted from the vertical position by 42 centimetres “. An emergency response was necessary. But when they started digging, something unbelievable was found. The tombs of the oldest Czech ruling dynasty - the Premyslids.

The Basilica of St. George in St. George‘s Square is not preserved in its original form. Experts say it changed in almost every century since its foun

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Basilica of Saint George

Discover the charm and history of Prague Castle with our audio guide which will take you through the four main buildings of Prague Castle, namely St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica and Golden Lane! The audio guide will provide you with the basic information you need to fully understand the significance of these historical monuments and enjoy your visit to the fullest.

Don't wait, and lets discover the magic of Prague Castle with us today!

Discover the charm and history of Prague Castle with our audio guide which will take you through the four main buildings of Prague Castle, namely St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica and Golden Lane! The audio guide will provide you with the basic information you need to fully understand the significance of these historical monuments and enjoy your visit to the fullest.

If you want to learn more and explore these sites even further, we also offer more detailed audio guides full of legends and stories available on our website - www.getpragueguide.com

Don't wait, and lets discover the magic of Prague Castle with us today!



Discover the charm and history of Prague Castle with our audio guide which will take you through the four main buildings of Prague Castle, namely St. 