Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the most interesting collections of artefacts in the castle. It traces 1000 years of the
castle's history, from the building of the first wooden palisade to the present day, illus-
trated by models of the site at various stages in its development.
The exhibits include the grave of a 9th-century warrior discovered in the castle
grounds, the helmet and chain mail worn by St Wenceslas, and a replica of the gold
crown of St Wenceslas, which was made for Charles IV in 1346. Anyone with a seri-
ous interest in Prague Castle should visit here first as orientation.
St George Square
St George Square (Jiřské náměstí), the plaza to the east of St Vitus Cathedral, lies at
the heart of the castle complex.
Basilica of St George
The striking, brick-red, early baroque facade that dominates the square conceals the
MAP
(Bazilika Sv Jiří; Jiřské náměstí; admission with Prague Castle tour ticket; 9am-6pm
Apr-Oct, to 4pm Nov-Mar)
, established in the 10th century by Vratislav I (the father of St
Wenceslas). What you see today is mostly the result of restorations made between
1887 and 1908.
The austerity of the Romanesque nave is relieved by a baroque double staircase
leading to the apse, where fragments of 12th-century frescoes survive. In front of the
stairs lie the tombs of Prince Boleslav II (d 997; on the left) and Prince Vratislav I (d
921). The arch beneath the stairs allows a glimpse of the 12th-century crypt; Přemysl
kings are buried here and in the nave.
Convent of St George
The very ordinary-looking building to the left of the basilica was Bohemia's first con-
vent, established in 973 by Boleslav II. Closed and converted to an army barracks in
1782, it now houses a branch of the
National Gallery
(Klášter Sv Jiří;
www.ngprague.cz
;
Jiřské náměstí 33; admission with Prague Castle long-tour ticket or
adult/concession 150/80Kč; 10am-6pm Tue-Sun)
, featuring a collection of 19th-cen-
tury Bohemian art. Highlights include the art-nouveau sculpture of Josef Myslbek,
Stanislav Sucharda and Bohumil Kafka; the glowing portraits by Josef Mánes; and the
atmospheric forest landscapes by Július Mařák.
