The Old Royal Palace, which was the seat of Bohemian kings until the 16th century, is part of the Prague Castle complex.
In this ultimate guide to the Old Royal Palace, you'll learn all about the sights, history, and helpful information about directions, tickets, and tours.
What Can I Do in the Old Royal Palace?
In the former residence of Bohemian princes and kings, visitors can now see numerous magnificent rooms as well as discover the permanent exhibition about the history of Prague Castle.
The following highlights await you inside...
- Vladislav Hall: The centerpiece and architectural highlight of the Old Royal Palace is the breathtaking, 60-meter-long Vladislav Hall. It was used for representative purposes, such as coronation ceremonies, jousting tournaments, balls, and banquets. The monumental hall with the massive vaulted ceiling is still used today for state ceremonial acts.
- All Saints' Church: The All Saints' Church, designed by the famous builder Peter Parler, replaced the Romanesque palace chapel from 1185. The church is modeled after the Sainte-Chapelle church in Paris. After the fire of 1541, the church was reconstructed in the Renaissance style and extended to Vladislav Hall.
- Landtag Hall: This hall was used as the seat of the Supreme Land Court and the Land Parliament. Admire the portraits of Habsburg rulers that adorn the walls.
- Bohemian Chancery: Visitors should also enter the infamous chamber where the Second Prague Defenestration of 1618 took place. It is the back room of the Bohemian Chancery.
- Theresian Wing: The Theresian Wing was built between 1766 and 1768 under Empress Maria Theresa. The narrow wing served as a connection between the Ludwig Wing and the monastery for noble ladies.
- View from the Balcony: A breathtaking view of Prague and the garden of the redoubt awaits visitors on the viewing balcony on the south side of Vladislav Hall.
- Permanent Exhibition: "The History of Prague Castle" exhibition presents original exhibits from the castle collection and numerous models of Prague Castle. Visitors get deep insight into the development and building history of Prague Castle.
Admission, Tickets, and Guided Tours
- Admission: The Old Royal Palace is located in Prague Castle and can be visited with a regular Prague Castle entrance ticket. Moreover, an additional ticket is required to visit the permanent exhibition "The History of Prague Castle". Please note: At the entrance to the Prague Castle area, there is a security check that all visitors must undergo.
- Tickets: Admission to the Old Royal Palace is included in the Prague Castle admission ticket. The ticket is valid for two consecutive days. Each attraction, can be visited only once. Buy a skip the line ticket for Prague Castle here in advance and avoid standing in line!
- Ticket for "The History of Prague Castle" Permanent Exhibition: Visitors who wish to visit this permanent exhibition must purchase the corresponding individual ticket.
- Guided Tour: Several tour operators offer guided tours of Prague Castle. Book here the most popular guided tour of Prague Castle, including entrance ticket.
- Tip: Since there is always a big crowd in front of the ticket counters on site, it is recommended to buy an online ticket in advance.
How Do I Get to the Old Royal Palace?
The Old Royal Palace is located in Prague Castle, which stands on a hill in the center of Prague.
The easiest way to reach the castle is by public transport, taking streetcar line 22. You can take it from the Old Town to the Pražský hrad (Prague Castle) station.
The Old Royal Palace is located on the east side of the third courtyard of the castle.
History of the Palace
The origins of the Old Royal Palace date back to the 9th century. At that time, for the first time, a princely seat was built inside Prague Castle, which was mainly made of wood.
Today's Royal Palace is located on the site of the Romanesque Prince's Palace, which was built in the 12th century at the behest of Prince Soběslav I. The remains of the Soběslav Palace have been preserved underground to this day.
In the 14th century, the building served as an imperial residence for the first time under Emperor Charles IV. The latter had the palace expanded on a grand scale.
When King Vladislav moved into Prague Castle in 1483, the final phase of the building's reconstruction began. At this time, the impressive Vladislav Hall was also built.
After the devastating fire of 1541, large parts of the palace, such as the All Saints Church and the Vladislav Hall, had to be rebuilt.
With the accession to the throne and the subsequent move of the Habsburgs to the western part of the castle in the middle of the 16th century, the Old Royal Palace lost its former importance.
A far-reaching historical event took place in the Old Royal Palace in 1618, when it became the scene of the Second Defenestration of Prague.
Since 1919, the Old Royal Court has been the seat of the Czech President. Today it is one of the most visited sights in Prague.
Prague Defenestration
On May 23, 1618, a decisive turning point in European history occurred in the Old Royal Palace.
After the influence of the Catholics in the royal court increased and numerous Protestants were dismissed from their service at the court, Protestant aristocrats addressed a letter of protest to the emperor. However, the emperor ignored the letter.
The enraged Czech Protestants then invaded Prague Castle and threw the Habsburg emperor's Catholic governors and the chancery secretary out of the window.
This historical event, also known as the Second Defenestration of Prague, triggered the Thirty Years' War.
Contact
- Address: Old Royal Palace, Pražský hrad, 119 01 Praha 1 - Hradčany
- Website:https://www.hrad.cz/en/prague-castle-for-visitors/objects-for-visitors/old-royal-palace-10332#from-list
- Public transport: Bus Line 22 to the Pražský hrad station.
- Ticket: Your own ticket
- Opening hours: The opening hours of the Old Royal Palace can be found on the website of the Prague