Hradcany Castle, Prague

One of the attractions of Prague is considered to be Hradcany Castle. This creation is impressive with its 570 m length and 128 m width. The castle grounds are guarded by a guard of honour at the gates, which changes every hour. Churches, government buildings and gardens are within the precincts of Hradcany. These vast territories have been home to many rulers who have left their mark on the reign by changing its appearance all the time. Today, a creation with a classical look and delicate gothic touches towers before the eyes of the people, serving as an official residence.

Hradcany Castle is surrounded by a quarter, which is situated on the hill above Mala Strana and from the beginning served as a residential quarter for the palace staff. Six palaces, a cathedral, three basilicas, four monasteries, five picture galleries, and steep streets along which every building is some landmark, form the magnificent palace complex of Hradcany, which served as the residence of princes and kings.

Among the historical heritage are the jagged silhouette of the Renaissance Schwarzenberg Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, the Renaissance Martinitz Palace again, and the Czerninska Palace built by Francesco Caratti. One day is not enough to enjoy and take a complete walk through it all - the new palace with the three giants on the front door, the work of Nicolo Pocassi, the Singing Fountain in the courtyard of the Summer Royal Palace with the melody of the drops, falling in a bronze cup, the masterpieces of Rodin, Picasso, Titian, Tintoretto and many other masters in the gallery of the Sternberg Palace, the dizzying treasures in the Basilica of St. George and in the old palace with the Vladislav Hall - the largest in the whole complex.

Today Hradcany is a state residence. From here and from the Black Tower, the gateway to Hradčany, Prague is visible as if in the palm of your hand. The exquisite Cathedral of St. Vitus, depicting the Last Judgement, with its tall stained glass windows, the work of the renowned Secession master Alfons Mucha, was begun in the time of Charles IV and built in six centuries. In its crypt are the tombs of the Czech kings, and its magnificent gardens are a pleasant place to stroll at any time of the year.

Kilian Ignaz Dintzenhofer is the man whose work is the outstanding pilgrimage complex commissioned by Katarzyna Lobkowicz - the Church of St. Mary of Loreto, and the Church of St. Jan Nvpomucky, located on the most picturesque street in Hradcany - Nový Svět.