Prague Castle Map & Orientation Guide

Prague Castle covers 45 hectares on a hilltop above the Vltava River and is widely described as the largest ancient castle complex in the world. Its buildings span over 1,100 years of construction from nine different architectural periods. For first-time visitors, this scale can make orientation confusing — especially as the complex is entered from different sides depending on how you arrive, and the four courtyards do not run in an obvious line.

This guide explains the castle’s layout clearly, describes what you will find in each area, and gives you a logical route through the complex so you can navigate confidently from the moment you arrive.

How to Get a Physical Map

Maps are provided free at each of the castle’s information centres. The official map shows all buildings, exhibitions, gardens, ticket offices, restrooms, and accessible routes. If you download it in advance, it works offline and is useful on the day.

The Castle’s Overall Layout

Prague Castle runs roughly east to west along the hilltop, with the main axis of buildings arranged around a sequence of three main courtyards (numbered First, Second, Third and Fourth from west to east). The following zones give you the overall picture:

West end — Hradčanské Square and the main entrance The castle’s main ceremonial entrance at the west. The Matthias Gate separates Hradčanské Square from the castle interior. The First Courtyard is directly behind the gate and is where the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place.

Central area — Second, Third, and Fourth Courtyards The Second Courtyard contains the ticket office (information centre), the Prague Castle Picture Gallery, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, and the Baroque fountain. The Third Courtyard is the heart of the complex — St. Vitus Cathedral dominates this space from the north side, the Old Royal Palace is to the south, and the Bull Staircase leading to the South Gardens is here. The Fourth Courtyard connects the central area to the Royal Garden to the north.

East end — St. George’s Basilica, Golden Lane, towers Moving east from the Third Courtyard, St. George’s Basilica faces the cathedral across a small square (St. George’s Square). Beyond it, Golden Lane runs along the northern castle wall east to the Daliborka Tower. Lobkowicz Palace is at the far eastern end, beside the Na Opyši gate.

North — Royal Garden and Deer Moat Accessed via the Fourth Courtyard or the Royal Garden entrance, the northern side of the castle contains the formal Renaissance Royal Garden, the Summer Palace of Queen Anne, and the Deer Moat (Stag Moat) walking path below.

South — South Gardens and panoramic terraces The terraced South Gardens are accessed via the Bull Staircase from the Third Courtyard. They run along the southern wall of the castle with panoramic views over Malá Strana, the Vltava, and the Old Town.

The Four Courtyards in Detail

First Courtyard

The First Courtyard is the most architecturally austere of the four — it functions primarily as a ceremonial space. The Matthias Gate at its western end and the statues of Battling Giants above the entrance pillars are the main features. The hourly guard changes happen here throughout the day; the ceremonial noon change with music and the Standard exchange is the most dramatic.

Second Courtyard

The Second Courtyard is where the visit really begins. The information centre is on the north side and sells tickets for all circuits. The Prague Castle Picture Gallery (Circuit C) is also accessed from here. The Chapel of the Holy Cross on the west side is occasionally open for special exhibitions. The Baroque fountain at the centre of the courtyard is a useful orientation landmark.

Third Courtyard

This is the most important courtyard for most visitors. The full south façade of St. Vitus Cathedral faces you as you enter from the Second Courtyard — the Golden Gate with its 14th-century mosaic of the Last Judgement is on the cathedral’s south side, directly accessible from the courtyard. The obelisk monument commemorating Czech soldiers who died in the First World War stands in the centre.

Fourth Courtyard

The Fourth Courtyard is quieter and more functional than the others — a good shortcut if you are heading to the Royal Garden or approaching from the northern side.

Key Buildings and Where to Find Them

The Suggested Route Through the Complex

For a Main Circuit visit starting from the Second Courtyard (recommended arrival point via tram):

1. Second Courtyard — collect tickets if needed, orient yourself using the free map
2. Third Courtyard — admire the cathedral’s south façade and the mosaic; photograph from the obelisk
3. St. Vitus Cathedral — enter from the Third Courtyard; begin inside and work east to west through the nave
4. Old Royal Palace — exit cathedral southward and enter the palace via the Third Courtyard
5. St. George’s Square — cross to St. George’s Basilica, with a view of the contrasting Romanesque façade
6. St. George’s Basilica — short visit, approximately 15–20 minutes
7. Golden Lane — follow the castle wall east past the basilica; enter at the western end
8. Daliborka Tower — at the eastern end of Golden Lane, included in the Main Circuit
9. South Gardens — return via the Bull Staircase from the Third Courtyard for views over the city (seasonal)

This route takes approximately 2.5–3.5 hours and covers the entire Main Circuit in a logical direction without backtracking. The audio guide covers 96 stops throughout this same route, with commentary available at each site.

Hradčanské Square (Castle Square)

Hradčanské Square (Hradčanské náměstí) is the broad cobblestone square directly in front of the castle’s western entrance. It is not inside the castle complex but forms its immediate setting. From here you get the classic view of the castle’s western façade. Notable buildings on the square include the Archbishop’s Palace (early Baroque, on the north side) and the Schwarzenberg Palace (Renaissance sgraffito façade, on the south side, now part of the National Gallery). The square itself is free public space — no ticket required.

Castle Walls

The castle walls run along the perimeter of the entire complex, with the main defensive wall particularly visible along the southern side above the South Gardens. Parts of the wall are accessible from Golden Lane — some of the tiny houses in Golden Lane were actually built into the castle wall itself. The wall’s towers and bastions are some of the more historically distinctive features of the exterior.