Old Royal Palace

Starý královský palác (Old Royal Palace), once the seat of Bohemian kings, is one of the most historically charged sites in Prague Castle. From medieval court life to dramatic political events, its grand halls and hidden chambers offer a journey through the heart of Czech history.

The oldest parts of the palace date back to the 12th century, when it served as the residence of Duke Soběslav I. Over the centuries, it was repeatedly rebuilt and expanded, especially during the reign of Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor. Charles IV—who turned Prague into the capital of the empire—was instrumental in shaping the palace as a political and ceremonial hub of his realm.

Its crown jewel is the Vladislav Hall, a magnificent late-Gothic space completed in the early 16th century under King Vladislav Jagiello. At the time, it was the largest vaulted secular hall in Europe, designed to host royal banquets, coronation festivities, and even knightly tournaments during poor weather. Today, it continues to serve an important role—it is here that Czech presidents are inaugurated, preserving its centuries-old ceremonial significance.

Walk through the Riders' Staircase, built wide enough to allow knights on horseback to enter the hall, and explore the Land Rolls Room, where important legal documents were once archived. You'll also see the chamber from which the famous Defenestration of Prague took place in 1618, a dramatic act of rebellion that changed European history. Protestant nobles, outraged by the Catholic Habsburg rulers' attempts to suppress their religious rights, threw two imperial governors and their secretary out of a window of the Old Royal Palace. Miraculously, the men survived—but the incident ignited the Thirty Years’ War, one of the most devastating conflicts in European history.

From its windows, the palace opens up to sweeping views of St. George’s Basilica and the rooftops of Lesser Town, anchoring you in the geography of royal power that shaped the Czech lands for generations.

💡 Top Tip 💡

Spot the window of the Defenestration—As you explore, locate the very window from which the imperial officials were thrown during the 1618 Defenestration of Prague. It’s a simple but powerful symbol of Czech resistance.

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📅 Plan your visit  

🏰 Prague Castle Main Circuit Ticket (incl. Old Royal Palace, St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George’s Basilica & Golden Lane)
🕒 Opening Hours:
      Apr–Oct: 9:00–17:00
      Nov–Mar: 9:00–16:00
🌐 Buy Tickets Online to avoid queues Tickets MUST be PRINTED!!!!
🎟 On-site: Tickets available at Prague Castle Information Centre ticket office (across the Cathedral)

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🍴Where to eat : 

(Here are some suggestions. All are within 7 min walking from your current location).

 

[$]

- U Dvou Slunců (Historic Czech restaurant with literary heritage) 4.5 ⭐ 

- U Labutí (Traditional Czech restaurant near Prague Castle) 4.3 ⭐ 

[$]

- Lobkowicz Palace Café (Elegant café with homemade food and castle views) 4.4 ⭐ 

- Snack Café U Raka (Charming café with homemade treats in a fairytale setting) 4.7 ⭐ 

- U Zavěšenýho kafe (Legendary pub with “hanging coffee” tradition and Prague views) 4.1 ⭐ 

 

[$$]

- Vikárka Restaurant (Historic Czech dining right at Prague Castle) 4.2 ⭐ 

- Kuchyň (Traditional Czech cuisine with stunning castle views) 4.6 ⭐

- Lví Dvůr (Elegant Czech restaurant with castle views and garden terrace) 4.1 ⭐

 

[$$]

- TAST Restaurant (Modern European cuisine with a creative twist) 4.9 ⭐

- Terasa U Zlaté studně (Fine dining with panoramic castle views) 4.7 ⭐