Prague Hotels, Apartments and Pensions database

HISTORY

According to archaeological research and the oldest written sources, Prague Castle was established around the year 880 by prince Borivoj. From the beginning Prague Castle was not only the seat of the Czech kings but also a seat of the highest representatives of the Church – the Prague Bishop, and later the Prague Archbishop. Also the first convent in Bohemia was established there for the order of Benedictine nuns.
On the site of the original rotunda, the basilica of St.Vitus was built. This basilica became the main church in the 11th century and the relics of the patrons of the Czech lands were stored there – Saint Vitus, Wenceslas and Adalbert. From the 10th century the convent of Prague Castle became a really important educational and cultural institution.

The time of prosperity for Prague Castle was undoubtedly during the reign of Charles IV (in the mid 14th century). Prague Castle became the seat of the ruler of the Holy Roman Empire. Almost the whole Castle was rebuilt, but it wasn´t to be its last reconstruction.

The Hapsburgs - the royal dynasty – started rebuilding the Castle in a renaissance style. A pioneering development in the contemporary style was the Royal Garden and during the 16th century some places of entertainment. For example, a summer palace, a ball games hall, a shooting range and a lion´s court. Also the cathedral of St. Vitus was altered.

During the reign of Rudolph II, Prague Castle was the permanent seat of the king and also a court of the empire. He founded the northern wing of the palace, including today´s Spanish Hall. The Prague defenestration started a period of wars during which the Castle was damaged and looted. The next reconstruction was held in the second half of the 18th century. But during this time Prague wasn´t the centre of the Empire but only a provincial capital.

When the independent Czechoslovak Republic was founded, Prague Castle was once again the seat of the Head of State and has remained so to this day.

Prague-Castle Today the reconstruction of the Castle is on going. Since 1989 many previously closed areas have been open to the public. For example, the Royal Garden with its Ball Game Hall, the southern gardens, the Imperial Stables, and the Theresian Wing of the Old Royal Palace.

Nowadays the Castle is not only the seat of the Head of State but also an important cultural and historical monument. The State Crown Jewels are kept there and it is also the place which most accurately links the present with the past.