History of Prague Castle
The Prague Castle’s (Hradčany) construction began around the year 885. It was originally designed as a Slavic fortress with wood and earthen walls and mostly wooden buildings, it became the center of the Bohemian state and ducal/royal seat.
The earliest stone structures were the church of the Virgin Mary (before 885); a basilican church of St George (around 920, later rebuilt after 1142) near the Benedictine convent; and a circular church of St Vitus (before 930), followed by in 1060–96 by a double-choir Romanesque basilica.
In 1135–85, the Prague Castle was rebuilt in stone in Romanesque style (three-gated fortification, princely palace with chapel of All Saints, church of St Bartholomew, and episcopal palace with chapel of St Maurice).
Gothic reconstruction began after 1333 under Charles IV. After Prague became an archbishopric, he began building the Gothic cathedral of St Vitus. Its first architect was Matthias of Arrasin 1344–1352, followed in 1356–1397 by Peter Parler. In 1419, the Hussite Wars interrupted the construction.
Late Gothic rebuilding of the castle began after 1483 under King Władysław Jagiełło. It included renovation of the royal palace (for example, the Vladislav Hall, 1490–1502, by architect Benedikt Ried) and an attempt to continue the cathedral.
In the royal garden, Queen Anna’s summer palace was built by Giovanni Spatio, Paolo della Stella, and Bonifacius Wohlmut in the Renaissance style, as was the organ loft in St Vitus’ and the chapel of St Adalbert.
The present fabric of Prague Castle comes from 18th and 19th-century restorations.
Prague Castle Location
To get to Prague Castle follow this address: Prague Castle, 119 08 Prague 1 Czech Republic 168 m NW. Get help with directions using the map provided below.