Prague Part 2: Prague Castle (Pražský Hrad) and Malá Strana District

In the second part of our Prague trip, we continue with Prague Castle and the Malá Strana district. I recommend setting aside at least 3-4 hours or even a full day to explore this area.

Constructed starting in 870 AD, the castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additionally, it holds the Guinness World Record as the "Oldest Castle." Prague Castle is not only the heart of the city but also the heart of the Czech Republic’s history. This massive complex, where kings, emperors, and presidents have lived for centuries, is known as the largest castle complex in Europe.

It’s more accurate to refer to this section as the Castle District, as it is not just a single castle. The castle district and the surrounding Malá Strana (Little Quarter) will enchant you with their Baroque architecture, bohemian atmosphere, and cobblestone streets.

Prague Castle View

Wondering what to visit in Prague Castle and Malá Strana? Let’s dive into the details.

1. St. Vitus Cathedral (Katedrála sv. Víta)

Located at the heart of the castle complex, this magnificent Gothic cathedral is a masterpiece that took 600 years to complete. The cathedral hosted the coronation ceremonies of the Czech royal family and features the St. Wenceslas Chapel and stunning stained glass windows inside. One of the main stained glass windows, designed by the famous Czech artist Alfons Mucha, creates a mesmerizing play of colors as light streams through it.

You can also climb the cathedral’s tower for a panoramic view of Prague. Be prepared for a climb of 287 steps!

St. Vitus Cathedral (Katedrála sv. Víta)

2. The Old Royal Palace (Starý královský palác)

Built in the 9th century, this palace was expanded and renovated over time, blending various architectural styles. The palace, which features Gothic and Renaissance elements, is most notable for the Vladislav Hall, constructed in the 15th century. Vladislav Hall is one of the largest Gothic halls in Europe and once hosted royal ceremonies, knightly tournaments, and coronation balls.

Inside the palace, you can visit historic courtrooms and old administrative chambers, offering insights into the lifestyle of Bohemian kings. Like other structures in Prague Castle, the palace overlooks the Vltava River and offers a breathtaking panorama of the city.

The Old Royal Palace (Starý královský palác)

3. Golden Lane (Zlatá ulička)

One of the most intriguing streets in Prague Castle is Golden Lane, famous for its tiny, colorful houses. Built in the 16th century for palace guards and craftsmen, this street later became associated with alchemists.

Franz Kafka once lived in house number 22 on this street and wrote some of his works there. The houses now serve as small museums displaying artifacts from old crafts, and some even sell souvenirs.

However, be aware that the narrow street gets quite crowded. If you visit after 5:00 PM, you can enter the street for free.

Golden Lane, Franz Kafka House

4. St. George’s Basilica (Bazilika sv. Jiří)

Though not as grand as St. Vitus Cathedral, this Romanesque basilica is one of Prague’s oldest churches. It offers a simple and peaceful atmosphere. Inside, you can admire frescoes and visit the tomb of St. Ludmila. Next to the basilica, there is also a small art gallery worth exploring.

St. George’s Basilica (Bazilika sv. Jiří)

5. Malá Strana: The Charm of Lesser Town

St. Nicholas Church (Kostel sv. Mikuláše)

This Baroque-style church is one of Prague’s most magnificent places of worship. The church is famous for its green dome and stunning frescoes. Organ concerts featuring works by Johann Sebastian Bach provide an unforgettable experience thanks to the church’s enchanting acoustics.

Franz-Kafka-Museum

Franz-Kafka-Museum

Opened in 2005, this museum provides insight into both Kafka's life and works, as well as the Prague of his era. Born in 1883, Kafka spent most of his life in Prague. The city, with its labyrinth-like streets, oppressive atmosphere, and eerie charm, served as an inspiration in many of his works.

Outside the museum, there’s a fascinating rotating fountain created by renowned Czech sculptor David Černý. The sculpture features two male figures writing on the water, a playful nod to the ironic and critical nature of Kafka’s works.

The Franz Kafka Museum is one of the most intriguing stops in Prague for both literature and culture enthusiasts. It offers a unique opportunity to step into the profound narrative world shaped by Kafka’s inner struggles. However, if you haven’t read Kafka’s works before, understanding the museum’s details might be challenging. I recommend planning accordingly.

David Černý, who portrays two male figures

Prague’s Narrowest Street: Vinárna Čertovka

Vinárna Čertovka is less of a street and more of a passageway left between old buildings. Narrow pathways like this are common in Prague’s complex medieval structure. However, what makes Vinárna Čertovka unique is its official recognition as a street despite its narrowness.

It’s impossible for two people to walk side by side here. Due to the width, a special traffic light is installed to regulate pedestrian flow. For those curious, it’s worth visiting this quirky spot at least once.

Prague’s Narrowest Street: Vinárna Čertovka

Kampa Island and Kampa Park

Located alongside the Vltava River, this peaceful island is ideal for relaxation and strolling. With water mills, bridges, and canal views, it looks like a scene straight out of a painting. You can also encounter modern art installations at the Kampa Museum, which is situated here.

View of Kampa Island

The Lennon Wall

The Lennon Wall has become a symbol of peace and freedom. After John Lennon’s death in the 1980s, young people and protesters started creating graffiti, writings, and paintings on the wall to honor him. Over time, it became a symbol of free expression and resistance against the communist regime in Czechoslovakia.

Today, the wall is covered in constantly evolving art. It’s a dynamic and colorful expression of creativity and inspiration.

The Lennon Wall

Petrin Hill and Petrin Tower

Rising behind Malá Strana, Petrin Hill is an ideal spot to view Prague from above. The small Eiffel Tower-like Petrin Tower located on the hill is a perfect place for photography enthusiasts. While the climb may be challenging, you can take the funicular to reach the top.

There’s also a mirror maze on the hill, which we chose not to visit, but I mention it here for those who may be interested.

 

As we near the end of this part of the Prague trip, let’s talk about how to reach this area. You can use the tram or metro to get to Prague Castle. However, walking from Malá Strana to the castle allows you to enjoy the scenery and explore the area more thoroughly. Entrance tickets to the castle complex are available in different categories depending on what you want to see, so it’s worth researching in advance.

Stairs to Prague Castle

Prague Castle and Malá Strana are not only about their historic structures but also their unique atmosphere, which made this part of our trip unforgettable. Walking through the cobblestone streets feels like embarking on a journey through history, providing a sense of tranquility.

See you in the third part of the Prague trip…

Yolda Bir Kalem, leaving a mark on every journey with you...