Yes, you heard it right. Prague Castle (Pražský hrad in Czech) is the largest castle in the world. Built in the 9th century, this castle served as the residence for many Holy Roman Emperors, Bohemian kings, Czechoslovak and Czech presidents. The entire castle complex covers an area of nearly 70,000 square meters.
I’ve personally witnessed its grandeur—I’ve visited many times. I’ve wandered through the intricate architecture, taken notes for history exams, and witnessed the changing of the guards behind the castle gates. With over 1.8 million visitors annually, Prague Castle offers a panoramic spectacle that truly leaves an impression.
Moreover, within Prague Castle lies St. Vitus Cathedral, home to the Bohemian Crown Jewels (české korunovační klenoty) with significant historical value for the Czech Republic. These jewels include the crown of St. Wenceslas, St. Wenceslas’ sword, the golden reliquary cross, the royal orb, and the royal scepter. The public gets a chance to view these treasures approximately every eight years due to their immense value and limited display time.
The St. Wenceslas Crown, crafted in 1347 for Charles IV’s coronation, is so ancient that it ranks as the fourth oldest crown in Europe!
Enchantment within St. Vitus Cathedral
Speaking of the Czech Crown Jewels, they are housed in St. Vitus Cathedral, a prominent structure within Prague Castle. The cathedral not only safeguards the valuable Czech Crown Jewels but also serves as the final resting place for numerous Holy Roman Emperors and Bohemian kings.
The Gothic style of the cathedral is unmistakable with its towering windows, buttresses, and various other architectural cues. Gazing upward, attempting to focus on the cathedral’s highest points, can be dizzying given its astonishing height—approximately 103 meters for the main tower! Whenever I find myself standing beside the cathedral, I’m always overwhelmed by the magnificent feats of human construction.
One of the cathedral’s highlights is the St. Wenceslas Chapel, housing a door with seven locks leading to the Czech Crown Jewels. This specific chapel’s significance is no surprise—St. Wenceslas is a crucial figure in Czech history, making it one of the nation’s most revered places.
While not regularly open to the public, you can still catch a glimpse of it from within the cathedral. Inside, you’ll also find relics of St. Wenceslas, adding to the beauty of the experience.
Best Viewing Spot: Petřín Lookout Tower
Petřín Lookout Tower is a perfect destination if you’re up for something slightly beyond your comfort zone and desire breathtaking views. Climbing the stairs and holding onto the railing might be a bit daunting, but the destination is undoubtedly worth the effort. From the top of Petřín Hill, you’ll overlook the beautiful panorama of Prague and inhale the fresh air.
This tower is structurally open, similar to the Eiffel Tower. While it stands at 63.5 meters tall, reaching the top actually provides an even more extreme height perspective of Prague. Why?
Don’t forget that the tower is built atop a hill. The climb up the hill itself takes about half an hour, so if you plan to spend some time enjoying the views from the tower top, ensure you allocate at least two hours for the entire journey.
The lower level of Petřín Lookout Tower features an exhibition area, so you might be lucky enough to stumble upon an interesting exhibit during your visit. Last time I was there, the area transformed into a maze of mirrors!
Selfie at the John Lennon Wall
The John Lennon Wall is a short walk from Charles Bridge. You’ll often find tourists taking selfies in front of the wall, along with Czech locals strolling around and chatting with friends.
Well, there’s me, two years ago, acting like a tourist, taking photos of my mom standing next to John Lennon’s head. The wall is just too captivating, and we had to capture as much of it as possible! Covered in graffiti and images related to John Lennon, along with Beatles lyrics, the entire wall is vibrant and serves as an ideal backdrop for a photo session. It has been my profile picture for years.
Strolling Through the Streets of Lesser Town
Lesser Town (Malá strana in Czech—literally meaning “Little Town”) is one of the most historically significant areas in Prague. Situated right next to Charles Bridge and close to Prague Castle, it becomes an extremely convenient destination.
Lesser Town is worth exploring for its architecture and atmosphere. If you’re seeking an area that exudes the fairy-tale ambiance of medieval Europe, Lesser Town is the place to go. Many respected and well-known Czech figures have resided in this community, including writer Jan Neruda, who frequently wrote about Lesser Town in his works.
Among the structures to explore in this area, we recommend a visit to the Church of Our Lady Victorious. This church is a treasure trove of history, housing a famous and highly precious wooden sculpture called the Infant Jesus of Prague, considered extremely sacred by the European Catholic Church.
If that’s not enough for you, you can also visit St. Nicholas Church in Lesser Town. Both places exude a serene and tranquil atmosphere, and both structures are so exquisite and grandiose that they leave me in awe every time I see them.
As you stroll through the streets of Lesser Town, it’s as if you’re transported back in time. If this isn’t the epitome of the essence of Europe, I don’t know what is.
Indulge in a Medieval Feast with Unlimited Drinks
As everything in Prague is steeped in history, there’s no better way to enrich your experience than by truly transporting yourself to the medieval era.
Through Get Your Guide, you can book a 3-hour experience in a beautiful medieval tavern, immersing yourself in the historic European atmosphere. You can choose a 3 or 5-course dinner and pick your favorites from six different menus.
And you know what’s even better? Unlimited drinks. Whether it’s beer, wine, soft drinks—whatever you desire, it’s all served limitlessly. While enjoying delicious food, you also have the chance to witness a medieval performance, featuring swordsmen, belly dancers, and more. Just like the past!
If you’re drawn to Prague for its historical allure, spending an evening in the city in this manner is unparalleled. Being in a place that makes you feel like you’ve just used a time machine is an amazing experience.
The cost for this experience is approximately 1100 Czech crowns per person (around 43 euros).
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