Castles & Palaces in Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has one of the highest densities of castles and chateaux in Europe — over 2,000 across the country — reflecting its position as the Kingdom of Bohemia, one of the most powerful states in medieval Central Europe and, later, the cultural heart of the Habsburg Empire. The defining structure is Prague Castle (Pražský hrad), which holds the Guinness World Record as the world's largest ancient castle complex at approximately 70,000 square metres. Founded around 870 CE by the Přemyslid dynasty, it has served as the seat of Bohemian kings, Holy Roman Emperors, and Czech presidents without interruption for over 1,100 years. The castle complex is essentially a walled city: it contains St. Vitus Cathedral (the largest church in the Czech Republic, whose Gothic nave took 600 years to complete), the Old Royal Palace with its 15th-century Vladislav Hall, St. George's Basilica (920 CE), Golden Lane (a row of small 16th-century houses where Franz Kafka briefly lived), and Lobkowicz Palace housing original Beethoven and Mozart manuscripts. Entry to the castle grounds is free; individual attractions charge separately. The best views of the castle are from Charles Bridge (Karlův most) or the Old Town Square at dusk, when its lit silhouette dominates the city horizon.