PRAGUE CASTLE: 6 MOST INTERESTING PLACES, ROUTE, PHOTOS, MAP

Send

Guess where the largest presidential residence in the world is located? Tourists who are lucky enough to see Prague Castle will confidently give first place in this rating to a complex of buildings and structures located in the very heart of Prague. Its area exceeds 70 thousand square meters, and located on the territory of the Cathedral of St. Vitus, which was built in the 14th century, makes this complex the oldest in the entire territory of Europe.

It will take several days to get around the entire palace. If you decide on such a trip, you will find an unforgettable combination of sights from different eras, acquaintance with which will remain in your heart for many years.

Hradčanskaya square

First of all, we go to Hrachanskaya Square, which has long been set aside for the needs of the poorest inhabitants of these lands. Despite this, several centuries later, the first palaces appeared here, and the area itself became one of the most significant historical corners of Prague. Each of the palaces erected here stands out among others with an unusual appearance, rich and original decoration. This is due to the fact that the buildings were erected in different historical epochs, each of which was characterized by its own unique architectural style.

By the way, the modern residence of the head of state is also located here. The changing of the guard of honor, which takes place exactly at noon, has become the hallmark of the square by good tradition. Hundreds of guests of the city gather to watch this solemn event, which is accompanied by musical accompaniment.

We also recommend:

Prague Self-Guided Tour: Mala Strana and Hradcany
How to get to Prague, Czech Republic
Dancing House in Prague
Public House in Prague
What to see in Prague on your own
Independently in Prague: Nove Mesto

But Hradčanskaya Square is not only famous for its palaces. An equally popular attraction is the Mariana Column, which is better known as the "Plague Column". It is not hard to guess what event the installation of this memorial is connected with. As soon as medieval society succeeded in defeating the plague epidemic, which claimed thousands of lives, this event was immortalized in the form of a pillar. The place was not chosen by chance, because it was here that mass prayers took place, addressed to the Holy Virgin Mary.

Also, it was on this square that a monument was erected to the first president of the independent Czech Republic T. Masaryk, who was added to the list of attractions only in 2000.

Matiashev's gate

A fine example of the Baroque architectural trend is the stone arch that adorns the entrance to the First Palace. Initially, the gate, named after the emperor who ruled at the time, was a common decorative element. Only after some time the gates were attached to the completed wing, becoming part of the famous palace.

The decoration of the gate is also symbolic. The sculptures depicting the confrontation were erected to commemorate the end of hostilities in the 18th century. By the way, here you can also see the images of the titles and coats of arms of the territories that were under his influence belonging to the ruler Matthias.

Chapel of the Holy Cross

We continue to get acquainted with Prague at the Chapel of the Holy Cross, which in the middle of the 18th century was created by the famous architect A. Lurago according to the project of Nikola Pacassi. It took five years to build the chapel, resulting in a classic-style building. But the modern look of the chapel has undergone changes. Today this structure is presented in the form of a rectangle with rounded walls at the corners and a sharp roof.

The appearance and decoration of the chapel also deserves your attention. The façade has two niches that house the imposing statues of Saints Peter and Paul, while the interior walls are lavishly decorated with paintings and frescoes from biblical scenes. In the center there is an altar surrounded by angels, and above it there is an icon "Crucifixion" by FK Balki. But this is far from the only creation of the brilliant icon painter. The walls are also decorated with his other works with the faces of the patron saints of the Czech Republic and all mankind.

By the way, in the 60-90s of the last century, the chapel played the role of a kind of storage, containing more than 400 unique jewels under its arches, many of which were created in single copies. In addition to ornaments, the relics of saints, armor and rare church artifacts were kept here.

St. Vitus Cathedral

As part of a one-day tour of Prague, you should definitely visit St. Vitus Cathedral. This temple occupies a worthy place in the list of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world, on the creation of which several generations of famous architects (Czechs, French and Germans) worked. Work on the religious building lasted 6 centuries, starting from the 14th century. The result is an amazingly beautiful structure of the wall and the facade of which is ideally decorated with a combination of several historical eras.

Each individual element emphasizes the rich decoration of the temple and the scrupulous attitude to even the smallest details of its creators. For example, the famous stained-glass windows that were created by the hands of the artist Alphonse Mucha, regardless of the weather outside the window, fill the premises of the temple with cheerful colors.

The architects put a lot of work into creating a marvelous facade, which is lavishly decorated with bas-reliefs and stucco moldings. And the interior of the temple is represented by a rich combination of decorative carvings and unique statues. A special place is given to the organ, which can confidently be called one of the best instruments in all of Europe. A special success is the opportunity to attend a concert evening, during which you can personally enjoy the soulful sounds of a huge musical instrument.

Museum of Alchemists and Magicians of Old Prague

Do you want to be transported for a few moments into the atmosphere of the mystical Middle Ages, which is surrounded by the mysterious atmosphere of alchemy, science and religion? Then you should definitely visit the Alchemy Museum, which is located in one of the oldest buildings in Prague.

Within its walls, guests will be offered to witness medieval experiments and the aspirations of distraught scientists to invent an elixir of eternal youth, turn metal into gold and gain wisdom in the form of a philosopher's stone. If you want, you can even buy vials of magic tincture, the recipes for which were discovered in the walls of an old laboratory!

In the last century, a complex of tunnels and an underground laboratory were discovered under the building, inspection of which is included in the excursion program. It is not surprising that many intriguing legends are associated with such a mystical place, which experienced guides will certainly introduce you to.

Zlata street

Fans of mysticism will find the famous Zlata street, where many unusual places are located. Each house is unique in its own way, and there are even legends about some of them. For example, house number 13 is famous for the fact that it supposedly contains a window that connects the real world with the other world. Most likely, this is the usual interpretation of the well-known novel "Golem", in the center of the plot of which is just a house located at the end of Zlata Street.

The street owes its name to the king, by whose order all jewelers and alchemists were obliged to settle here. This allowed the ruler to be the first to know about the achievements of his subordinates. Today, almost all buildings are reserved for souvenir shops, although there are those that have been assigned the status of small museums. Tourists will be offered to buy souvenirs, rare coins and dishes, as well as to become the owner of any painting by local artists.And who knows, maybe in a few years such a piece will bring you a huge fortune.