Description from Prague TV
Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) -- one of the largest in the world -- is visible from almost anywhere in the city and remains the postcard image of Prague.

Despite the name, the "castle" is essentially a complex of buildings, including the Czech Republic's most important cathedral, a church, a monastery, a grand palace, and several other halls and galleries.

On the hour, large crowds gather in the courtyards that serve as entrances to the castle, for the changing of the guard.

While there is no charge to enter the grounds and view the courtyards, the main attractions within the castle require a ticket.

The structure of the building features almost every architectural style of the past thousand years. Originally built by Přemyslid princes, the early stages of the castle follow Romanesque style.

Between the 12th and 14th century, the castle housed the nobility and, in the 14th century, King Karel IV had the palace reconstructed in the Gothic style.

Vladislav Hall (Vladislavský sál), one of the largest halls accessible by tourists was added in the late 15th century. When a fire destroyed most of the castle in 1541, the Habsburgs added new Renaissance-style buildings.

By the 18th century, the castle was a representation of Czech history through architecture. The latest reconstruction occurred later in the18th century during the reign of Maria Theresa. This classical facelift remains the dominant theme today.

Currently, the castle contains the office of the Czech president. In the late 20th century, then President Václav Havel, looking to break with the Communist past, renovated many sections of the castle and opened several previously restricted areas to the public.

Whether for its toy museum, the beautiful gardens, the churches, the concert hall, the views or simply the architecture, the castle seems to attract every visitor to the city.

Despite a daily blanket of tourists, a trip to Prague wouldn't be complete without a trip to the castle.

Ashley N. Knierim