Prague Castle History Facts
Introduction
If you are here, you must be likely to gain knowledge concerning the historical background of Prague Castle. If you are thinking about a vacation in Prague or just interested in historic wonders of Europe, this article will give you interesting and exciting information about one of the most visited castles in the Old World.
The Origins of Prague Castle
The Castle is situated in the middle of the capital of the Czech Republic and it has been there for more than thousand years. The historical period of the castle dates back to the 9th Century, when it was constructed by Prince Bořivoj, of Premyslid Dynasty. In its early stage, it was built as a fortified living area only, then, with the passing of time, it started to grow into a large area of 70000sqm of this architectural productivity.
Significant Events and Transformations
The Reign of Charles IV
In 14th century, the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV decided to make Praha Castle his main residence. During his reign the building of the castle was expanded and a major elements were reconstructed. An important facility of the castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, commenced the process of construction in this period. He also established the Charles University, the oldest university in Central Europe is located within the compound of the castle.
The Defenestration of Prague
The most famous event in Prague’s history was the Defenestration of Prague which occurred at Prague Castle in 1618. The Protestants unhappy with the Catholics’ domination of the state threw two royal governors and a scribe off a window. This event was chiefly responsible for sparking the Thirty Years’ War, an extensive war that took place in Europe.
National Revival and Independence
During the period, the Bohemian nationalism characterized by the Czech National Revival gave the compound a new significance as the architectural representation of Czech people’s nationhood. Some were done with an aim of bringing back its glamour so as to ensure it fully represents the cultural importance it holds .
Key Architectural Features
Prague Castle showcases a fusion of architectural styles due to its long history of construction and renovation.
St. Vitus Cathedral
The well known Catholic cathedral of St. Vitus or the Church of Saint Vitus is one of the most wonderful pieces of gothic architecture. The length of construction was virtually six centuries. The cathedral is famed for its rather beautiful stained glass windows and its high towers together with the Chapel of Saint Wenceslas that houses the Czech Crown Jewels.
Old Royal Palace
Another one of the important sites of Prague Castle, the Old Royal Palace was the home of kings of Bohemia and emperors. Among them, the most significant one is the Vladislav Hall, a huge ceremonious chamber which was used for important ceremonies including coronation feasts.
Golden Lane
Golden Lane is situated inside the territory of the castle and it is a line of small brightly paintedstones that have previously been the residence of the castle guards. Today they present themselves as cute craft stores where tourists may get an idea about medieval people’s life.
Visiting Prague Castle Today
There are few tips regarding Prague Castle that you surely want to follow:
- This is because getting there in the early morning will help one avoid the crowd that follows when most people are out of their houses after the break of dawn.
- It is advisable to buy the ticket in advance to avoid waiting long in the queue which is time-consuming.
- Carry comfortable shoes as there are many instances where one might be required to take a stroll.
- Do a self tour in order to get more information about the castle.
Conclusion
I have chosen Prague Castle to be illustrated because it is an important landmark that has connections with the history of the city and a symbol of its culture. These are aspects related to its architecture, history, and scenery to show that it is a famous sightseeing spot for those visiting Prague. We believe that you have found this history of Prague Castle informative and would now like to offer you more information that would make your visit to Prague a rich and delightful experience.
Table of Contents
