Prague Castle dominates the city skyline as a symbol of Czech history. It has served as the seat of power for kings, emperors, and presidents for over a thousand years. Furthermore, this massive complex holds the title of the largest ancient castle in the world. Consequently, it hides countless stories behind its fortified walls. Explore these fascinating details about the Hradčany landmark.
Prague Castle
The Guinness Book of World Records lists Prague Castle as the largest ancient castle. Specifically, the complex covers almost 70,000 square meters. It is larger than seven football fields combined.
The Rolling Stones paid for the castle’s lighting system. After the Velvet Revolution, the band loved the castle but felt it looked too dark at night. Generously, they donated roughly $32,000 to install modern lights.
The Crown Jewels are locked behind a door with seven keys. Crucially, seven different government officials must meet simultaneously to open it. This ensures no single person can access the treasure alone.
A famous legend claims the crown is cursed. Supposedly, any usurper who wears it will die within a year. Nazi protector Reinhard Heydrich wore it secretly and died from an assassination shortly after.
The term “defenestration” originated here in 1618. Angry Protestant nobles threw two Catholic governors out of a castle window. Miraculously, the men survived the 70-foot fall because they landed in a pile of manure.
St. Vitus Cathedral took nearly 600 years to finish. Construction began in 1344 but did not officially end until 1929. Therefore, the building features a unique mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles.
An Oscar-winning costume designer created the guard uniforms. Theodor Pištěk, who won for the movie Amadeus, redesigned the outfits in 1990. He wanted them to look friendlier than the old communist military gear.
Franz Kafka lived on Golden Lane for two years. The famous author rented house number 22 to write in peace. Today, this tiny blue house is one of the most popular photo spots in the complex.
The Nazis used Prague Castle as a headquarters. Adolf Hitler spent one night there in 1939 after invading Czechoslovakia. He famously looked out the window and declared, “Prague is mine.”
A ghost supposedly haunts the Daliborka Tower. Legend says a knight named Dalibor learned to play the violin while awaiting execution. Locals claim they can still hear sad violin music coming from the dungeon.
King Rudolf II kept a lion pit in the courtyards. He loved animals and allowed lions and tigers to roam sections of the castle grounds. Occasionally, the noise of roaring beasts terrified his royal guests.
A massive granite obelisk stands in the Third Courtyard. Architect Jože Plečnik intended it to be much larger. Unfortunately, the transport team broke the original monolith during the journey, so they installed a smaller version.
The “Singing Fountain” actually makes music. Located in the Royal Garden, the falling water creates a rhythmic ringing sound against the bronze bowl. However, you must crouch under the bowl to hear it clearly.
Prague Castle is the only castle in the world still used by a head of state. While other castles are museums, the Czech President actually works here. Thus, you might see visiting world leaders walking through the courtyards.
Finally, the Deer Moat hides a modern pedestrian tunnel. Plečnik designed this brick tunnel to connect the gardens. It provides a quiet escape from the busy tourist crowds above.
