Prague Castle Architecture

The Rotunda of the Holy Cross and the Chapel of St. Wenceslas are the two surviving examples of Romanesque architecture at Prague Castle. The Rotunda of the Holy Cross was built in the 10th century and is the oldest surviving building in the castle complex. It features a round-shaped interior and a simple exterior with blind arcading and a flat roof. The Chapel of St. Wenceslas was built in the 11th century and is located in the southern part of the castle complex. It features a rectangular nave, a semi-circular apse, and a barrel-vaulted ceiling.

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St. Vitus Cathedral, the Golden Lane, and the Charles Bridge are some of the most significant examples of Gothic architecture at Prague Castle. St. Vitus Cathedral is the largest and most important church in the Czech Republic and was built in the 14th century on the site of an earlier Romanesque church. It features a grand facade with pointed arches, flying buttresses, and elaborate decoration. The Golden Gate is the main entrance to the castle complex and was built in the late 14th century by King Charles IV. It features a pointed arch, a statue of St. Vitus, and a fresco of the Last Judgment. The Charles Bridge, which connects the castle complex to the Old Town, was built in the 14th century and features a series of Gothic statues.

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The Vladislav Hall and the Powder Tower are two examples of late Gothic architecture at Prague Castle. The Vladislav Hall is a large hall located in the Old Royal Palace and was built in the late 15th century by King Vladislav II Jagiello. It features a vaulted ceiling, Gothic windows, and elaborate decoration. The Powder Tower is a gate located in the northern part of the castle complex and was built in the late 15th century. It was used as a gunpowder store in the 17th century and features a high roof and a stone portal.

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The Spanish Hall and the Belvedere Pavilion are two examples of Renaissance architecture at Prague Castle. The Spanish Hall is a large hall located in the New Royal Palace and was built in the 16th century by Emperor Rudolf II. It features a coffered ceiling, stucco decoration, and frescoes depicting scenes from Greek mythology. The Belvedere Pavilion is a small building located in the Prague Castle Gardens and was built in the 16th century. It features a central dome, arched windows, and a decorative facade.

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St. Nicholas Church, the Matthias Gate, and the Summer Palace are some of the most significant examples of Baroque architecture at Prague Castle. St. Nicholas Church is a large church located in the Lesser Town and was built in the 18th century. It features a grand facade with Corinthian columns, a dome, and elaborate decoration. The Matthias Gate is a gate located in the northern part of the castle complex and was built in the 18th century. It features a Baroque portal, a statue of St. Matthias, and a fresco of St. George. The Summer Palace is a small palace located in the Royal Gardens and was built in the 18th century. It features a grand facade with a central dome, Baroque decoration, and frescoes.

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The interiors of the Archbishop's Palace and the Office of the President of the Czech Republic are examples of Rococo architecture at Prague Castle. The Archbishop's Palace is located in the southern part of the castle complex and features Rococo interiors with elaborate decoration, stucco work, and frescoes. The Office of the President of the Czech Republic is located in the New Royal Palace and features Rococo interiors with rich decoration, stucco work, and paintings.

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In the 19th century, extensive restoration work was carried out at Prague Castle, particularly on the St. Vitus Cathedral and other buildings. The restoration work aimed to preserve the historic architecture of the castle and maintain its cultural significance.

The New Royal Palace is an example of modern architecture at Prague Castle. It was built in the early 20th century and features a functionalist design with a plain facade and simple lines. The building was originally used as the seat of the Czechoslovak government and now serves as the Office of the President of the Czech Republic.

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Prague Castle is a unique blend of architectural styles from different periods. The castle complex has been continuously developed and expanded over the centuries, resulting in a diverse range of architectural styles. Visitors can explore Prague Castle's history and cultural significance by experiencing its various architectural styles and features.