St. Vitus. ⛪
It took nearly 600 years to finish. Construction began in 1344 and ended in 1929. The result is a perfect fusion of medieval Gothic and modern Art Nouveau.
Mucha's Window
Look to the left (north nave). This stained glass window was designed by Alfons Mucha. It is not traditional mosaic; the glass is painted, creating vibrant, swirling colors.
The Gargoyles
Walk around the exterior. The gargoyles are terrifyingly creative—demons, dragons, and twisted faces designed to scare away evil (and drain rain water).
Royal Palace. 🪟
Home to the Vladislav Hall, a massive space used for indoor jousting knights. But the real history happened at the window.
The Event
In 1618, Protestant nobles threw two Catholic governors out of this window. It started the Thirty Years' War, which devastated Europe.
The Survival
They fell 70 feet and survived. Catholics said angels caught them. Protestants said they landed in a pile of manure. Both might be true.
Vladislav Hall
Look at the vaulted ceiling. The intricate stone ribs look like dried flowers. The floor is wood to allow horses to gallop inside.
Zlatá ulička
Tiny Houses
Golden Lane. 🗝️
A row of microscopic colorful houses built into the castle fortifications. Originally for archers, later for goldsmiths, and legend says, alchemists trying to make gold for Emperor Rudolf II.
Franz Kafka:
Look for House No. 22 (the blue one). Franz Kafka lived here with his sister in 1916. He wrote stories here, finding peace in the tiny rooms.
The South Gardens. 🍷
After the dark history of the castle interiors, escape to the gardens. They run along the southern wall, offering the best view of the city's red roofs.
Paradise Garden
The view from here explains why Prague is the "City of a Hundred Spires." You can see the domes of St. Nicholas and the curve of the Vltava river.
Deer Moat
Below the castle walls lies the "Jelení příkop" (Deer Moat). It's a surprisingly wild ravine in the middle of the city, now a peaceful walking path.