Jul 16 2008
Prague Castle
Prague Castle history
The history of Prague Castle goes back to late history. The castle has been rebuilt many times through the centuries, therefore it is a impressive mix of architectural styles.
Prague Castle is one of the major and biggest medieval castle complex in Europe.
It was an ancient seat of Czech kings throughout many ages. The Castle had been a seat of Czech rulers, kings, Holy Roman Emperors and later presidents since the 9th century. Three courtyards and a number of magnificent buildings cover more than 7 hectares (18 acres). So curious tourist should be ready do some walking! There are many interesting historical buildings in the area of the Prague Castle – such as the monumental St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace and Romanesque St. George´s Basilica, noble residences and many others. The Prague Castle was rebuilt many times through centuries and got a splendid mix of different architectural styles. The castle is situated on a hill on the left bank of river Vltava with beautiful Prague hotels located around. These make typical beautiful Prague panorama.
The story of the Prague Castle identifies itself with the story of Prague and Christianity back to 860s and times of Chyril and Methodius. In 870s Prince Borivoj, one of the first Czech rulers from the Royal Dynasty of Premyslids, ordered to build the Castle. Originally it was made out of timber and had soil rampart fortifications. Grounds of the castle were as large as they are today and consisted of many small timber houses.
In 1300’s it was replaced by a Romanesque palace. The oldest church, the Basilica of St. George, is one of the few Roman churches that still remains of the previous stone building inside.
In the 14th century, during the times of Charles IV, it was rebuilt in the Gothic style. The period of the rule of King and later Emperor Charles IV , mid 14th century, was a time of prosperity for Prague Castle. At only those times it became an imperial residence, the seat of the ruler of the Holy Roman Empire. The royal palace was significantly rebuilt and the fortifications had been strengthened. Gothic church of St. Vitus was built by the on the model of French cathedrals.
The Castle continued to expand during the reign of Charles’ son Wenceslas IV, but the Hussite wars (1419 - 1437) and subsequent decades, when Castle was abandoned, lead to its deterioration.
The next favorable time for the Castle came after 1483’s when a king of new dynasty of Jagellons again made the Castle his seat. New fortifications were built again. Additionally defense towers - Powder Tower, New White Tower and Daliborka were built on the northern side. The architect of the fortifications, Benedikt Ried, also rebuilt and enlarged the royal palace: splendid Vladislav Hall was the biggest secular vaulted hall in the Europe of those days. The big windows of the Vladislav Halls are considered to be one of the first examples of the renaissance style in Bohemia.
Even the terrible fire in 1541 didn’t finish the history of the castle. On the contrary, Renaissance style was brought to the Prague Castle by the Emperor Rudolph II in late 16th century and the castle was turned into a centre for art and science and a gallery for exquisite collections.
The last major reconstruction of the Castle took place in the second half of the 18th century when it took on a style of a chateau. After the collapse of Austro-Hungarian empire in 1918, the Prague Castle welcomed the first president of independent Czechoslovakia, Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk. The building of St. Vitus Cathedral was accomplished in 1929.
Today, Prague Castle is the residence for the President of the Czech Republic and serves as the historical and political centre for both city and state. Many tourists visit it every year and the number is still growing. Most of them prefer to stay in Prague hotels near Castles and to have wonderful panorama of Prague and Castles. The Changing of the Guard in Prague Castles at the front gates takes place every hour. At midday the ceremony includes a fanfare.