Prague Castle with St. Vitus Cathedral is one of the symbols of Prague, a spiritual centre of whole nation, an architectural work of art of Gothic. A castle was established on this site in the 9th century, and a Romanesque palace was erected in the 12th century. In the 14th century, under the reign of Charles IV, the castle was rebuilt in the Gothic style. The final reconstruction of the Royal palace took place under the Jagellons at the end of the 15th century. At that time the builder Benedikt Rejt added the now-famous Vladislav Hall built in the Gothic style.
The castle was enlarged in the 16th century, especially after a big fire in the year 1541. The Spanish Hall, in a new part of the castle, was added in the reign of Rudolf II, and it took its final form in the time of Empress Maria Theresa, under the direction of the architect M. Pacassi. After World War I. the interior and gardens of the castle were renovated by the architect J. Plecnik. Today the Castle is the seat of the President of the Czech Republic, and it serves as the historical and political centre of both city and state.
Places of the Castle accessible to the public:QUEEN ANNA´S SUMMERHOUSE IN THE ROYAL GARDENBALL GAMES HOUSE – IN THE ROYAL GARDENLOBKOVIC PALACEWALLENSTEIN PALACEDALIBORKA TOWERROYAL GARDENSST. VITUS CATHEDRALCHURCH AND CONVENT OF ST. GEORGE