Prague Castle: 6 most interesting places, route, photo, map
Guess where is the largest presidential residence in the world? Tourists who were lucky enough to see the Prague Castle will surely give the first place in this rating to the complex of buildings and structures located in the very heart of Prague. Its area exceeds 70 thousand square meters, and the St. Vitus Cathedral located on the territory, which was built in the 14th century, makes this complex the oldest in Europe.
Gradchanskaya Square
First of all, we go to Grachanskaya Square, which has long been reserved for the needs of the poorest inhabitants of these lands. Despite this, after a few centuries, the first palaces appeared here, and the area itself became one of the most significant historical corners of Prague. Each of the palaces erected here stands out among others with its unusual appearance, rich and original decoration. This is due to the fact that the buildings were erected in different historical eras, each of which was characterized by its own unique architectural style.
By the way, the modern residence of the head of state is also located here. The changing of the guard of honor, which takes place exactly at noon, has already, by good tradition, become the hallmark of the square. Hundreds of city guests gather to watch this solemn event, which is accompanied by musical accompaniment.
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But Hradchanskaya Square is not only famous for its palaces. An equally popular attraction is the Marian Column, which is better known as the Plague Column. It is not difficult to guess what event the installation of this memorial is connected with. As soon as the medieval society managed to defeat the plague epidemic, which claimed thousands of lives, this event was immortalized in the form of a pillar. The place was not chosen by chance, because it was here that mass prayers addressed to the Holy Virgin Mary took place.
Also, it was on this square that a monument was erected to the first president of the independent Czech Republic, T. Masaryk, who added to the list of attractions only in 2000.
Matthias Gate
An excellent example of the architectural direction of the Baroque is the stone arch that adorns the entrance to the First Palace. Initially, the gate, named after the emperor who ruled at that time, was a common decorative element. Only after some time the gate was attached to the completed outbuilding, becoming part of the famous palace.
The decoration of the gate is also symbolic. Sculptures depicting the confrontation were erected to commemorate the end of hostilities in the 18th century. By the way, here you can also see the images of the titles and coats of arms of those territories that belonged to the ruler Matthias, which were under his influence.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
We continue to get acquainted with Prague at the chapel of the Holy Cross, which in the middle of the 18th century was created by the famous architect A. Lurago according to the project of Nicola Pacassi. The construction of the chapel took a long five years, resulting in a building designed in the classical style. But the modern look of the chapel has changed. Today this building is presented in the form of a rectangle with rounded walls at the corners and a sharp roof.
The appearance and decoration of the chapel also deserves your attention. The façade has two niches containing imposing statues of Saints Peter and Paul, while the interior walls are lavishly decorated with murals and frescoes from biblical scenes. In the center is an altar surrounded by angels, and above it is the icon “Crucifixion” by F.K.Balka. But this is far from the only creation of the brilliant icon painter. The walls are decorated with other of his works with the faces of the patron saints of the Czech Republic and all mankind.
By the way, in the 60-90s of the last century, the chapel played the role of a kind of repository, containing more than 400 unique jewels under its vaults, many of which were created in single copies. In addition to jewelry, the relics of saints, armor and rare church artifacts were kept here.
St. Vitus Cathedral
As part of a one-day tour of Prague, you should definitely visit St. Vitus Cathedral. This temple occupies a worthy place in the list of the most beautiful cathedrals on the planet, which was created by several generations of famous architects (Czechs, French and Germans). Work on the religious building lasted 6 centuries, starting from the 14th century. The result is an amazingly beautiful wall construction and the facade of which is ideally decorated with a combination of several historical eras at once.
Each individual element emphasizes the rich decoration of the temple and the scrupulous attitude to even the smallest details of its creators. For example, the famous stained-glass windows that were created by the hands of the artist Alphonse Mucha, regardless of the weather outside the window, fill the premises of the temple with cheerful colors.
The architects have invested a lot of work in creating a marvelous facade, which is generously decorated with bas-reliefs and stucco. And the interior of the temple is represented by a rich combination of decorative carvings and unique statues. A special place is given to the organ, which can certainly be called one of the best instruments in all of Europe. The opportunity to attend a concert evening, during which you can personally enjoy the soulful sounds of a huge musical instrument, should be considered a special success.
Museum of Alchemists and Magicians of Old Prague
Do you want to be transported for a few moments into the atmosphere of the mystical Middle Ages, which is surrounded by the mysterious atmosphere of alchemy, science and religion? Then you should definitely visit the Museum of Alchemy, which is located in one of the oldest buildings in Prague.
Within its walls, guests will be offered to witness medieval experiments and the aspirations of crazed scientists to invent an elixir of eternal youth, turn metal into gold and gain wisdom in the form of a philosopher's stone. If you want, you can even buy a vial of magical tincture, the recipes for which were discovered within the walls of an ancient laboratory!
In the last century, a complex of tunnels and an underground laboratory were discovered under the building, the inspection of which is included in the excursion program. It is not surprising that many intriguing legends are associated with such a mystical place, which experienced guides will certainly introduce you to.
The evil alley
Lovers of mysticism are waiting for the famous Golden Street, on which there are many unusual places. Each house is unique in its own way, and there are even legends about some. For example, the house at number 13 is famous for the fact that it allegedly has a window connecting the real world with the other world. Most likely, this is the usual interpretation of the notorious novel “The Golem”, in the center of the plot of which is the house located at the end of Zlata Street.
The street owes its name to the king, by whose order all jewelers and alchemists were obliged to settle here. This allowed the ruler to be the first to know about the achievements of his subordinates. Today, almost all buildings are reserved for souvenir shops, although there are those that have been given the status of small museums. Tourists will be offered to buy memorable souvenirs, rare coins and dishes, as well as become the owner of any painting by local artists they like. And who knows, maybe in a few years such a work will bring you a huge fortune.