The history of Prague Castle begins around the year 880, when it was founded by Prince Bořivoj of the Přemyslid dynasty, the first historically documented Bohemian prince. Initially a simple wooden fortress fortified with a moat and clay ramparts, it grew over the centuries into the vast complex of palaces, churches, and fortifications that stands today, serving as a symbol of the Czech state for over a millennium.
The Early Years: Romanesque and Gothic Eras
The first walled building on the site was the Church of the Virgin Mary, established by Prince Bořivoj. In the 10th century, two more significant religious buildings were founded: the Basilica of St. George and the St. Vitus Rotunda, the predecessor to today's cathedral. By the 12th century, a Romanesque palace had been erected. The castle's importance soared in the 14th century during the reign of Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor. He initiated the magnificent Gothic reconstruction of the Royal Palace and began the construction of the St. Vitus Cathedral in 1344, envisioning it as a grand coronation church.
Key Dates from the Early History
- c. 880: Prince Bořivoj founds the first fortified settlement.
- 10th Century: The Basilica of St. George and the St. Vitus Rotunda are founded.
- 1344: Charles IV lays the foundation stone for the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral.
- 1419: The Hussite Wars begin, during which the castle is not inhabited and falls into disrepair.
- 1485: King Vladislaus II Jagiellon begins a major late-Gothic reconstruction, including the magnificent Vladislav Hall.
Habsburg Rule: Renaissance and Baroque Transformations
After the Jagiellonian dynasty, the Habsburgs ascended to the Bohemian throne in 1526. A devastating fire in 1541 destroyed large parts of the castle, which prompted a large-scale renovation in the Renaissance style. Emperor Ferdinand I built the elegant Royal Summer Palace (the Belvedere) for his wife, Anne. The castle's golden age came under Emperor Rudolf II, who made Prague his main residence in the late 16th century. He established the grand Spanish Hall to house his extensive art and scientific collections.
The castle's fortunes turned with the Second Defenestration of Prague in 1618, when Protestant nobles threw two Catholic imperial governors from a palace window, an event that triggered the Thirty Years' War. During the war, the castle was damaged and looted, most notably by Swedish forces in 1648. In the second half of the 18th century, Empress Maria Theresa ordered the last major rebuilding of the castle, giving its palaces a more unified, prestigious appearance.
The Modern Era: From Empire to Republic
After the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918, Prague Castle became the seat of the president of the new Czechoslovak Republic. The first president, Tomáš G. Masaryk, enlisted Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik to renovate the palace and gardens for their new role. It was during this period that St. Vitus Cathedral was finally completed and consecrated in 1929, nearly six centuries after its foundation.
The castle endured dark times during World War II when it became the headquarters of Reinhard Heydrich, the Nazi Reich Protector of Bohemia and Moravia. Following the war, it was used by the communist government. The castle played a symbolic role during the 1989 Velvet Revolution, which peacefully ended communist rule. Today, it continues its long tradition as the heart of the Czech state, serving as the official office of the President of the Czech Republic. To walk through its courtyards is to walk through history itself, a journey best experienced with one of our guided tours or by securing your book tickets ahead of time.
Frequently asked questions
When was Prague Castle built?
The first fortified settlement of Prague Castle was founded around the year 880 by Prince Bořivoj. The complex was then built and rebuilt over many centuries, with major construction phases in the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods.
What major events happened at Prague Castle?
Prague Castle was the site of the Second Defenestration of Prague in 1618, which started the Thirty Years' War. It has been the site of royal coronations for centuries and became the seat of the Czechoslovak presidency in 1918, playing a key role in the Velvet Revolution of 1989.
Was Prague Castle ever destroyed?
While never completely destroyed, Prague Castle has been significantly damaged several times. A major fire in 1541 ravaged large parts of the complex, leading to extensive rebuilding in the Renaissance style. It was also damaged and looted during conflicts like the Hussite Wars and the Thirty Years' War.
Immerse yourself in over a thousand years of compelling history. Plan your visit and book your tickets to Prague Castle today.