It is one of the largest castle complexes in Europe, it used to be the seat of rulers and since 1918 it has been the seat of the President of the Czech Republic. Prague Castle is considered a symbol of the city and Czech statehood and it also used to be a separate administrative unit to which Hradčany was subjected as Supreme Prague Burgrave.
Prague Castle is situated on a rocky promontory originally called Pracha. The term “Pracha” was gradually transferred to the newly emerging settlement until the name turned into “Praha” which was used to call cities established under Prague Castle as Cities of Prague. Hence the name Praha.
Prague Castle complex includes many buildings, courtyards, gardens, palaces and basilicas. Among the most important are:
- Castle Square
- Cathedral of St. Vitus, St, Wenceslas and St. Adalbert
- Vladislav Hall
- Old Castle Steps
- Powder Bridge
- Golden Lane
- Mihulka/Powder Tower
- Paradise Garden
- Lobkowicz Palace
- Prague Castle Picture Gallery
- First, Second and Third Courtyard
- Old Royal Palace
- Royal Garden with Belvedere
- Lumbe Garden with Prague Castle Riding School
- and more…