Interesting Facts About Prague Castle
The most notable Prague Castle fun fact is that it is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest castle complex to exist in the world. This monument covers an area of 753,473 square feet and is a well-defined structure. It consists of a large composition of different palaces and religious buildings of various architectural styles from the 10th century. This wondrous castle holds a national, cultural as well as historical significance for the Czechs.
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The first building of Prague Castle was constructed in the year 880, making it over a thousand years old. The castle has been expanded and modified over the centuries, resulting in a unique blend of architectural styles.
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The castle has the Bohemian Crown Jewels securely put away in a chamber inside St. Vitus Cathedral that includes the St. Wenceslas crown, royal scepter, and coronation cloak. The most interesting fact about Prague Castle is that all the jewels are safely kept in an iron safe that has seven locks. Moreover, the keys to these seven locks are with seven different people that includes the President, the Prime Minister and the Archbishop. To open this lock, all the seven key holders must be present with their keys for the unlocking process
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One of the most interesting Prague Castle facts is that it is the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic, currently inhabited by Petr Pavel. The castle was founded in the 9th century by Prince Bořivoj of the Premyslid Dynasty and it has been the residence of the Czech Kings, Roman Emperors and Czech Presidents for over centuries. The tourists are astonished by the royalty they get to see when they visit Prague Castle and it continues to be one of the most popular tourist attractions till date.
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Saint Vitus Cathedral, located within the castle complex, is considered a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The cathedral took over 600 years to complete, with construction beginning in 1344 and finishing in 1929. The cathedral's stained glass windows and ornate interior are a must-see for visitors to Prague Castle.
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Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world that is spread over an impressive area of 753,473 square feet, with 570 meters in length and approximately 130 meters wide. It is also listed as the largest coherent castle complex in the Guinness Book of World Records. This interesting Prague Castle fact makes it one of the most visited tourist attractions receiving approximately 1.8 million tourists annually. Apart from its gigantic structures, this monument is also known for its cultural and historical importance.
Another interesting fact about Prague Castle is that there has been a garden of tropical plants, including citrus trees since the 16th century. Designed by Olga Havlová, President Václav Havel's first wife, the tropical garden is tubular in shape and has a glass-enclosed greenhouse. This beautiful garden has three parts that includes space for budding, growing and maintaining different tropical trees and mediterranean fruits. Visit the well-preserved gardens of the Castle and get a chance to stroll among the lush greenery, and cool breeze during Prague’s pleasant summers.
The Prague castle has been inhabited by the royalties throughout and was a seat of power for the Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors and the Presidents of Czech. The first ever royalty to reside in this beautiful castle during the 9th century was Prince Bořivoj. The castle was not only a home for the Emperors and the Head of the State, but also for the head of the church, the Prague Bishop. Till date, the castle is only inhabited by the Presidents of Prague with President Pavel as the current resident.
The magnificent Prague Castle is also a holy place that holds great significance for the people of Czech. The largest temple in Prague is St Vitus Cathedral where the coronation of the kings and queens took place. It is also a burial place of several patron saints and archbishops. Another most prominent church of Prague Castle is the Basilica of St. George, which is one of the oldest churches of the Czech Republic. The architecture of these churches are a must see and the Czechs hold great pride in them.
The Prague Castle hosts four churches in it, namely, St Vitus Cathedral, the Basilica of St. George, All Saints Church and the Holy Cross Chapel. A Prague Castle fun fact is that it also has four palaces built separately to fit these churches: the Old Royal Palace, Belvedere, Lobkowicz and New Royal Palace. These palaces were built one after the other and each of these has an awe-striking architecture. These churches are a significant part of the country and due to which the Prague Castle is also considered a holy place.
FAQ's
What is a fun fact about Prague Castle?
One of the many Prague Castle fun facts is that this monument is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the largest castle complex in the world. Also, it stores the royal Bohemian Crown Jewels that are kept with extreme safety and security.
Why is Prague Castle so famous?
The Prague Castle is so famous due its religious, cultural and historical significance. It is the official residence of the President of Czech and the royal jewels are also kept here which are displayed every five years to the public. It is the most visited tourist attraction in Prague with approximately 1.8 million annual visitors.
Who lives in Prague Castle?
Petr Pavel, the current President of the Czech Republic lives in Prague Castle with his wife, Eva. Although, a Prague Castle fun fact is that the recent Presidents have made decisions to live in a different place as they did not find the Castle suitable for their needs. President Pavel only lives here during his workdays and moves back to his personal house after his work.
What are the facts about the Old Royal Palace in Prague?
The Old Royal Palace inside Prague Castle was mostly made out of wood that is still well maintained for visitors to fully soak in the glory of the place. The palace was used for royal ceremonies like coronation festivals, knightly tournaments and art markets. A Prague Castle fact is that the process of defenestration- throwing people out of the window was started from this Old Royal Palace.
What is the history behind Prague Castle?
Prague Castle was founded in the 9th century by Prince Bořivoj, making it one of the oldest castles in Europe. Over the centuries, it has been expanded and modified, resulting in a mix of architectural styles. It was the seat of power for the Bohemian princes and later the kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic.
What are the must-see attractions within the Prague Castle complex?
The Prague Castle complex consists of several buildings and courtyards, including St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica, and the Golden Lane. St. Vitus Cathedral is one of the most prominent buildings and features stunning stained-glass windows. The Old Royal Palace is another important building and houses historical artifacts, including the Bohemian and Moravian crown jewels. St. George's Basilica is one of the oldest surviving buildings and houses a collection of Bohemian art and artefacts. The Golden Lane is a small street within the complex that provides a glimpse into life in Prague during the Middle Ages.
How do I get to Prague Castle?
Prague Castle is located on a hill overlooking the city of Prague. Visitors can reach the castle by taking a tram or walking up the hill from the city center. The walk takes approximately 20-30 minutes and provides beautiful views of the city. There is also a shuttle bus that runs from Malostranská metro station to the castle complex.
Is there a fee to enter Prague Castle?
Yes, there is an entrance fee to enter certain areas of Prague Castle, including St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, and St. George's Basilica. The fee varies depending on which areas you want to visit and whether you want to purchase a guided tour. There is also a fee to enter the Golden Lane, which is included in the Prague Castle circuit ticket.
What is the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Prague Castle?
The Changing of the Guard ceremony at Prague Castle is a popular attraction for tourists. It takes place every hour in front of the castle's main entrance and involves the replacement of the castle guards. The guards are dressed in traditional uniforms and carry weapons. The ceremony is accompanied by music and is a great way to experience a bit of Czech culture.
What are the most popular things to see inside Prague Castle?
- Prague Castle Church: A stunning place of worship within the castle complex.
- Orangery in Prague Castle: A charming space filled with citrus trees and flowers.
- Garden of Bastion: A tranquil garden offering panoramic views of Prague.
- St. George's Basilica: A Romanesque church with impressive architectural details.
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