Prague Castle

Europe · Czechia · Bohemia

Prague Castle

from 870Medieval

The story

History of Prague Castle

Prague Castle, Czechia
Prague Castle · from 870

Recorded as the largest ancient castle complex in the world, the seat of Czech rulers and guardian of the Bohemian crown jewels.

Czechia · Bohemia · Romanesque to Baroque

Built
from 870
Era
Medieval
Style
Romanesque to Baroque
Country
Czechia
Region
Bohemia
UNESCO
—
Coordinates
50.090, 14.400

In depth

The fuller history

King Ottokar II of Bohemia improved fortifications and rebuilt the royal palace for the purposes of representation and housing. In the 14th century, under the reign of Charles IV the royal palace was rebuilt in Gothic style and the castle fortifications were strengthened. In place of the rotunda and basilica of St. Vitus, building began of a vast Gothic church, that were completed almost six centuries later. During the Hussite Wars and the following decades, the castle was not inhabited. In 1485, King Vladislaus II Jagiellon began to rebuild the castle.

Zlatá ulička (Golden Lane) Staré purkrabství (Old Supreme Burgrave's House ) Míčovna (Ball Game Hall) Jízdárna Pražského hradu (Riding School) Staré proboštství (Old Provost Residence ) Nové proboštství (New Provost Residence) Obrazárna Pražského hradu (Picture Gallery of the Prague Castle) Konírna Pražského hradu (stable) Prašný most (Powder Bridge)

Key dates

  1. 870The history of the castle began in 870 when its first walled building, the Church of the Virgin Mary, was built.
  2. 1485In 1485, King Vladislaus II Jagiellon began to rebuild the castle.
  3. 1541A large fire in 1541 destroyed large parts of the castle.
  4. 1929Vitus Cathedral was finished on 28 September 1929.
  5. 1942Less than a year after assuming power, on 27 May 1942, Heydrich was ambushed during Operation Anthropoid, by British-trained Slovak and Czech resistance soldiers while on his way to the Castle, and died of his wounds, which…
  6. 1993After Czechoslovakia split in 1993 into the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the castle became the seat of the Head of State of the new Czech Republic.

Historical summary drawn from Wikipedia. Read the full article.

Read more on Wikipedia

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