Architecture of Prague Castle

Prague Castle's architecture is a unique blend of styles from different periods, reflecting its long and complex history. The castle was founded in the 9th century, and over the centuries, it was expanded, rebuilt, and modified by various rulers, resulting in a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo styles. One of the most prominent buildings within the complex is St. Vitus Cathedral. It is a Gothic-style cathedral that took over 500 years to build, from the 14th to the 20th centuries. The cathedral features pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, which are characteristic features of Gothic architecture. Its stained-glass windows, particularly the rose window, are considered some of the most beautiful in the world. The cathedral's tower is also a prominent feature and can be climbed for panoramic views of Prague.


Another important building within the complex is the Old Royal Palace. It was the residence of Bohemian kings until the 16th century and later served as the seat of power for the president of Czechoslovakia. The palace is a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles, with the Vladislav Hall being one of the largest secular Gothic halls in Europe. The hall was used for coronations and other important events. The palace also houses a collection of historical artefacts, including the Bohemian and Moravian crown jewels.

Romanesque Architecture at Prague Castle
Romanesque 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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Gothic Architecture at Prague Castle
Gothic Architecture

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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Late Gothic Architecture at Prague Castle
Late Gothic Architecture

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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Prague Castle Architecture
Renaissance Architecture

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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Prague Castle Baroque Architecture
Baroque Architecture

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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Prague Castle Architecture
Rococo Architecture

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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Prague Castle
19th-Century Restoration

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.


Prague Castle Architecture
Modern Architecture

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
Mixed Architecture Styles

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.

History of Prague Castle

History of Prague Castle
  • Prague Castle was founded in the 9th century by Prince Bořivoj as a small fortress made of wood and earthen ramparts.
  • In the 10th century, the castle was reconstructed in stone by Prince Boleslav II, who also founded the nearby St. George's Basilica, which became the first permanent church in Bohemia.
  • The Romanesque style was dominant in the 11th and 12th centuries, as evidenced by the remains of the Rotunda of the Holy Cross and the Chapel of St. Wenceslas.
  • In the 13th century, King Ottokar II of Bohemia began the construction of the St. Vitus Cathedral in Gothic style, which was completed in the 14th century by Charles IV, who also added the Golden Gate and the Charles Bridge to the castle complex.
  • During the Hussite Wars in the 15th century, the castle was damaged and looted, and reconstruction works began under King Vladislav II Jagiello, who added the Vladislav Hall and the Powder Tower to the castle complex in late Gothic style.
  • The Renaissance style was introduced in the 16th century by Emperor Rudolf II, who made Prague the capital of the Holy Roman Empire and transformed the castle into a center of art and science, adding the Spanish Hall and the Belvedere Pavilion to the castle complex.
  • In the 17th century, the castle was remodelled in Baroque style by architects Giovanni Domenico Orsi and Francesco Caratti, who added the St. Nicholas Church, the Matthias Gate, and the Summer Palace to the castle complex.
  • The castle's architecture was influenced by the Rococo style in the 18th century, as seen in the decoration of the interiors of the Archbishop's Palace and the Office of the President of the Czech Republic.
  • During the 19th century, the castle underwent extensive restoration works under the Czech National Revival movement, which aimed to restore the castle to its former glory as a symbol of Czech national identity.
  • In the 20th century, the castle was used as the seat of power for the presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic, and underwent modernization works that included the construction of the New Royal Palace and the renovation of the St. George’s Basilica and other buildings.
  • Today, the castle complex consists of a mix of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and Modern, making it a unique example of the evolution of European architecture over the centuries. The complex is open to visitors, who can explore its many buildings, courtyards, and gardens, and witness the changing of the guard ceremony.

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FAQ’s

What are the main architectural styles represented in Prague Castle?

    Prague Castle is a unique blend of various architectural styles that reflect the cultural and historical influences on the castle over the centuries. The castle complex includes examples of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and modernist architecture. The oldest buildings in the castle complex, such as the Basilica of St. George and the Old Royal Palace, are primarily Romanesque in style, while the St. Vitus Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The Renaissance and Baroque periods are represented in buildings such as the Lobkowicz Palace and the Spanish Hall. The New Royal Palace, built in the early 20th century, showcases functionalist architecture.

What is the significance of the St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague Castle's architecture?

What is the role of the Old Royal Palace in Prague Castle's architecture?

How did the 19th-century restoration of Prague Castle impact its architecture?

How does Prague Castle's architecture reflect the city's history and culture?

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