Old Royal Palace, Prague
Palace in Prague
The Old Royal Palace, one of the most historically significant buildings within Prague Castle, traces its origins back to the 12th century and served as the seat of Bohemian kings for centuries. Initially built in Romanesque style and later expanded in Gothic and Renaissance phases, the palace was a royal residence, an administrative hub, and the backdrop for some of the Czech Republic’s most defining historical moments. Chief among these is the infamous Second Defenestration of Prague in 1618, when angry Protestant nobles hurled two Imperial Catholic Governors and their secretary from a Chancellery Room window. Miraculously, they survived the fall thanks to a soft landing in a pile of waste from the Royal Stables—a dramatic event that helped trigger the Thirty Years’ War.
The centerpiece of the palace is the magnificent Vladislav Hall, constructed in the late 15th century under Vladislav II. Spanning 60 meters in length, the hall features an awe-inspiring vaulted ceiling with star-shaped ribs, blending late Gothic design with Renaissance aesthetics. This architectural marvel served multiple purposes: royal banquets, coronation ceremonies, law courts, and even indoor jousting tournaments. Knights on horseback would ascend a specially designed spiral “Rider’s Staircase” to enter the hall—an innovation unique in its time. Today, Vladislav Hall holds immense symbolic importance, serving as the ceremonial venue for presidential elections and inaugurations, including that of Václav Havel in 1990 following the Velvet Revolution.
To the east of the hall, a small gallery overlooks All Saints Church, originally founded in the 14th century and later rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1541. Only its exterior walls survived the blaze, leading to a Renaissance-style interior redesign that still holds regular religious services and occasional classical music concerts. While access to the church is limited, it adds a spiritual layer to the palace complex and serves as a quiet architectural companion to the hall’s grandeur.
Why You Should Visit: The Old Royal Palace is an essential stop for anyone eager to immerse themselves in Czech history, politics, and royal tradition. With its sweeping halls, political legacy, and rare architectural elements like the Rider’s Staircase, the palace provides a richly layered experience. Don’t miss the stunning painted coats of arms and the clever tiled heating towers—reminders of both style and ingenuity in medieval court life.
Tips: Make time to admire the ceilings—some of the most remarkable artistry is overhead. Be sure to step onto the southern gallery of Vladislav Hall for panoramic views of the castle grounds and Prague below. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a moment when the hall is being set up for a major state event.
The Old Royal Palace, Prague appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Prague!
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Visiting Old Royal Palace, Prague
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