Prague Castle

When you hear the word “castle,” you probably picture a medieval fortress, protected by ramparts, high on a hill. Well, the Czech capital will change your mind ! Prague Castle is truly one-of-a-kind. Covering an immense area of 7.30 hectares, stretching nearly 1 km from east to west and 400 meters from north to south, the site holds the Guinness World Record for the largest ancient castle in the world. Within its walls, you’ll find four churches, ten green spaces and gardens, three courtyards, two towers, and multiple palaces. Basically a city within a city it dates back to the year 870, when Bořivoj, Prince of Bohemia, established a stronghold here around a wooden palace. This was only the beginning. Over the next thousand years, princes, kings, emperors, and now presidents, have governed Prague and the Czech Republic from this castle. The castle became an episcopal seat in the 10th century, gaining religious significance. But it was its pivotal political significance that contributed to the castle’s expansion over the centuries.  Despite enduring multiple fires and historical challenges, the castle has stood as a resilient monument to its rich legacy. Walking through Prague Castle feels like an open-air architecture class, as a mix of styles unfolds before your eyes. Romanesque meets Baroque, flamboyant Gothic blends with Renaissance influences—there’s truly something for everyone. A symbol of the nation and its people’s evolution, Prague Castle has held a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1992. And it’s well deserved!