Prague would never have become the fascinating city that it is without the Prague Castle. The 9th century landmark looms over Prague today and visitors to the castle can experience the history of the region through art and architecture.

Visitors to the castle should start at the Matthias Gate and enter the first of several courtyards in the complex. There is a picture gallery housed here in the old stables of the castle containing a collection of over 4000 pieces of art with a fair representation of Renaissance and Baroque paintings.

It is in the second courtyard that the splendor of the Prague Castle really comes out. Here you will find the amazing St. Vitus’s Cathedral. This landmark cathedral is where many of the Bohemian royals are buried as well as the home of the Bohemian crown jewels. There is plenty to see in and around St. Vitus’s and the cathedral is the real highlight of a trip to the castle. The cathedral is gothic but there are plenty of more modern touches added to the building all the way up into the 20th century. Alfons Mucha’s stain-glass windows manage to look modern and yet fit in with the general aesthetic of the building.

The Prague Castle is also home to the Royal Palace, the beautiful vaulted chapel of St George’s Basilica, and several more museums. Make sure to stroll down Golden Lane, a picturesque row of homes near the White Tower along the north wall. If you are still looking for sights to see around the castle, you can enjoy the nearby, well-kept Royal Gardens. The complex is open at 6:00 am in winter (5:00 am in summer) and remains open until 11:00 pm (midnight during summer) making for a wonderful stroll any time of day.