Prague Castle and Hradcany

Hradcany lies on the left bank of the Vltava river and is dominated by the 16th-century Prague Castle, including St. Vitus Cathedral. When entering Prague Castle through the ornate Matthias Gate, be prepared for an onslaught of historical facts and legends, not to mention a staggering variety of architectural styles. St. Vitus Cathedral is a breathtaking example of ecclesiastical architecture. The oldest surviving church in the castle complex is the Basilica of St. George (Bazilika sv. Jiri). Golden Lane (Zlata Ulicka) was a double row of decrepit wooden shacks until the reign of the Hapsburg Empress Maria Theresa, who modernized much of the castle in the neo-classical style. Several imposing palaces dominate Hradcany Square: Schwarzenberg Palace, Archbishop’s Palace and Sternberg Palace. Nearby Loreto is one of the most beautiful pilgrimage sites in the Czech Republic.

Churches and Monasteries:

• St Vitus’s Cathedral

• St George’s Basilica

• Strahov Monastery

• Capuchin Monastery
• The Loreto

Palaces:

• Lobkowicz Palace

• Archbishop’s Palace

• Martinic Palace

• Cernin Palace
• Belvedere

Historic Buildings:

• Prague Castle

• Mihulka Powder Tower
• Dalibor Tower

Museums and Galleries:

• Picture Gallery of Prague Castle

• St George’s Convent

• Sternberg Palace
• Schwarzenberg Palace

Historic Places:

• Golden Lane

• New World (Novy Svet)
• Pohořelec

Parks:

• Royal Palace Gardens