Prague castles
by admin on November 29th, 2011
filed under Guest articles
The Czech capital, Prague, is a city famous for its many castles, which are among the reasons why the city is so popular with the tourists from all countries in the world. The city of Prague however, has one big castle and many smaller ones very close to your apartments in Prague. The Prague Castle is a major landmark of the city and home to the Kings of Bohemia, the Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire and office of the Czechoslovakia presidents and later the presidents of the Czech Republic. In the Prague Castle are being kept the Crown Jewels of the country.
The Royal Palace
It is an interesting fact that the Prague Castle is the biggest ancient castle in the world, according to information given by the Guinness Book of Records. The castle is approximately 130 meters wide and 570 in length. It was constructed in the 9th century, in year 870. The first building that was surrounded with a wall was the church of Our Lady. Later, in the 10th century were constructed the Basilica of Saint George and the Basilica of Saint Vitus. Many first things are connected with the Prague Castle. For example, here was founded the first convent in Bohemia, set next to the church of Saint George.
St. George Basilica
In the 12th century, here was constructed a Romanesque palace, that was later rebuilt in a Gothic style during the reign of Charles IV and the fortifications of the castle were strengthened. The basilica of Saint Vitus made place for a large Gothic church that was fully completed after six centuries. The huge Vladislav Hall was later added to the Royal Palace during the rule of King Ladislaus II Jagello. At that time were also added the defense towers on the northern end of the castle. The last big renovation of the castle was made by Queen Maria Theresa during the second half of the 18th century. In year 1848 the Prague Castle became home of Ferdinand V, after his abdication from the throne. In more recent history, the Prague Castle became a seat of the Head of the State of the new Czech Republic, after the split of Czechoslovakia.
Prague Castle
Today, the Prague Castle is among the main landmarks of the city and it attracts the tourists with its churches and basilica, its palaces and special halls, as well as its other buildings such as the Dalibor Tower, the Powder Tower, the Golden Lane, the Ball Game Hall, etc. Quite impressive are the Royal Garden, the Riding School Terrace Garden, the Paradise Garden, etc.
Besides Prague Castle, the city has many other castles as well, among which being the Biskupsky dvur castle, the chateaus Chvaly, Ctenice, Cakovice, Dablice Chateau, and also Devin Castle, the Chateau Dolni Pocernice, the Hloubetin Castle, the Castle Hradek na Zderaze, the Jinonice Chateau, the Kolodeje Chateau, and the chateaus Krc, Kuglvajt, Kunratice. Other chateaus that deserve to be mentioned are Lethohradek Hvezda and Lethohradek Kinskych, Liben, Lochkov and Malesice, Motol, Petrovice and Suchol, as well the Troja Castle.
Another European destination famous with its castles are Krakow and Warsaw, where you can find accommodation in Krakow apartments and apartment in Warsaw.
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