Prague Castle

Prague Castle has been the seat of Czech rulers for more than a thousand years and is today the office of the Czech president. It is often described as the largest ancient castle complex in the world: a collection of palaces, churches, gardens and courtyards spread along a ridge above the Vltava.

The highlights are St. Vitus Cathedral, with its stained glass and the tomb of St. John of Nepomuk, the Old Royal Palace, the Romanesque St. George’s Basilica, and Golden Lane, a row of tiny painted houses built into the castle walls. The changing of the guard takes place at the main gate.

Visit early in the morning, then walk down through the Lesser Town to Charles Bridge. Wear comfortable shoes: the approach is steep and cobbled.