Thrown out of the window
In 1618 Protestant nobles threw two royal governors and their secretary out of a window of the Old Royal Palace. All three survived the fall, and the event set off the Thirty Years' War.
Urban Tales › Prague › Prague Castle
Prague Castle: the history, and the window people were thrown from
Guinness lists it as the largest ancient castle complex in the world. Kings, emperors and presidents have ruled from here for over 1,100 years. Here's what you're looking at, and what to listen for as you walk through it.
Founded≈ 880
Area≈ 70,000 m²
Cathedral1344–1929
Stillthe president's seat
Hear the Prague Castle story, in the app's voice
A short preview. The full story plays on its own when you walk up to it with Urban Tales.
Three stories most visitors miss
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2
A hall built for horses
The Vladislav Hall was big enough for indoor jousting. Knights rode in on horseback up the Riders' Staircase, with steps low and wide enough for horses.
3
600 years to finish a cathedral
St Vitus Cathedral was begun in 1344 and only completed in 1929. Look closely at the west front: the newer half is 19th and 20th-century Gothic, and it's hard to tell.
TipCome at noon on the hour to see the changing of the guard at the main gate, then walk in through the courtyards to the cathedral. With Urban Tales running, the castle's story plays as you reach the gate.
Nearby landmarks
Prague Castle: common questions
How big is Prague Castle?
About 70,000 square meters; Guinness recognizes it as the largest ancient castle complex in the world.
What was the Defenestration of Prague?
In 1618 Protestant nobles threw two royal officials and a secretary from a palace window; it helped start the Thirty Years' War.
Who lives in Prague Castle?
It's the official seat of the President of the Czech Republic.