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Explore Prague Castle's Old Royal Palace, where centuries of Czech history unfold. Discover the stunning Vladislav Hall, view Bohemian Crown Jewel replicas, and soak in panoramic city views.
Welcome back, fellow travelers! If you followed my previous review of Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, you'll know I promised to delve into the Old Royal Palace, included in the Main Circuit ticket. Today, I'm excited to share my experience exploring the interiors of the Old Royal Palace, including the magnificent Vladislav Hall and the replicas of the Bohemian Crown Jewels.
While it may not boast the same dazzling grandeur as St. Vitus Cathedral, walking through these ancient halls truly immerses you in the unique atmosphere of a palace that once hosted royal ceremonies and critical political events. It's a journey back in time, offering a more intimate glimpse into Czech history.
The Old Royal Palace (Starý královský palác) is conveniently located in the Third Courtyard of Prague Castle, right next to St. Vitus Cathedral. It's a perfect next stop after exploring the cathedral, and it's included in the Prague Castle Main Circuit ticket alongside St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George's Basilica, and Golden Lane.
📍 Old Royal Palace
2, Třetí nádvoří Pražského hradu 48, 119 00 Praha 1-Hradčany, Czech Republic
As of August 2026, the official website states that the Main Circuit adult ticket costs 450 CZK and is valid for two days. However, keep in mind that each paid exhibition space allows only one entry, so plan your route accordingly.
Historically, the palace buildings are open from April to October, 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM, and from November to March, 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM. These hours can change due to state events or operational circumstances, so always check the official Prague Castle website before your visit.
The history of the Old Royal Palace traces back to the 12th century, when Soběslav I built a Romanesque stone palace. Traces of this original structure can still be found underground today. Over the centuries, it underwent significant transformations, including Gothic expansions during the reigns of Charles IV and Wenceslas IV, and a major reconstruction during the Jagiellonian dynasty, resulting in the complex structure we see today.
After the dazzling stained glass of the cathedral, the palace's interior felt comparatively calm and understated. When I visited, the line was much shorter than for the cathedral, allowing me to enter immediately after ticket check. The lower density of visitors also made it ideal for a leisurely exploration.
Without a doubt, the most impressive space within the Old Royal Palace was Vladislav Hall. Designed by architect Benedikt Rejt, this hall is a breathtaking blend of intricate Late Gothic ribbed vaulting and early Renaissance elements. Looking up, the ribs intertwine and spread out like delicate petals, forming a complex canopy of curves that spans the entire vast hall – it's truly mesmerizing. The sheer scale is remarkable; from one end, visitors on the opposite side appear tiny.
More than a coronation site itself, this grand space served as a venue for coronation celebrations, banquets, knightly jousting tournaments, and even markets for precious goods. It continues to be a significant site, still used today for important state ceremonies in the Czech Republic.
On one side of the hall, you'll find the impressive Riders' Staircase, specifically designed for knights on horseback to enter the jousting tournaments. Today, it serves as an exit for visitors, and it's worth taking a moment to admire the Late Gothic ribbed vaulting that extends all the way up the staircase.
Within the Old Royal Palace, a glass display case showcases replicas of St. Wenceslas' Crown, the Royal Scepter, and the Orb. While these are reproductions of the Bohemian Crown Jewels, their elaborate golden detailing and gemstone artistry are so striking that I found myself captivated, gazing through the glass for quite some time.
The authentic Crown Jewels are securely stored in the Crown Chamber, located behind St. Wenceslas Chapel in St. Vitus Cathedral. The chamber's door and vault are famously secured by seven locks, requiring all seven key holders to be present to open it. These precious artifacts are rarely displayed to the public, typically only brought out for special exhibitions.
**Travel Tip:** For 2026, the genuine Bohemian Crown Jewels are scheduled to be on free public display in Vladislav Hall within the Old Royal Palace from 09/19 to 09/28. If your Prague visit aligns with these dates, be sure to check the official Prague Castle website for any operational changes and entry procedures – it’s a truly rare opportunity!
After admiring the crown jewel replicas, you'll move into the Assembly Hall, where the Bohemian Parliament once convened. This space was reconstructed after the devastating Prague Castle fire of 1541, and its current furniture arrangement vividly illustrates how parliamentary sessions were conducted after 1627.
The crimson seating, elevated dais, and portraits of Habsburg monarchs adorning the walls all combine to create a powerful sense of both royal grandeur and the tangible reality of political power. Don't just focus on the portraits; I recommend trying to capture the ribbed vaulting of the ceiling and the dais together in one frame for a complete perspective.
Beyond the Assembly Hall, windows offer captivating views of the inner courtyard, the Great South Tower of St. Vitus Cathedral, and the cathedral's exterior walls. It was fascinating to see the very same structures I had looked up at from inside the cathedral, now framed from a completely different angle through the deep palace windows.
At the end of the visitor route, you'll find a small gift shop. It's a nice spot to browse postcards, magnets, and guidebooks featuring Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral – perfect for picking up a souvenir or two.
Inside the Old Royal Palace, I also discovered a three-dimensional model showcasing the entire layout of Prague Castle. It was fascinating to see the arrangement of buildings and fortifications from a bird's-eye view, something you don't fully appreciate when walking through the grounds. It offered a great chance to trace my steps and understand the complex structure of the castle complex.
From the observation deck south of Vladislav Hall, the gardens below the castle walls and the entire city of Prague unfold before you in a breathtaking panorama. With its iconic red rooftops and the Vltava River winding through the cityscape, it's a view you absolutely shouldn't miss. Don't just rush through the interior of the Old Royal Palace; make sure to seek out these windows and viewpoints!
While I loved the overwhelming grandeur of St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, with its intimate connection to royal ceremonies and political history, truly left a lasting impression. If you've purchased a Prague Castle Main Circuit ticket, I highly recommend not just visiting the cathedral, but also taking the time to explore Vladislav Hall, the Assembly Hall, and the crown jewel replicas.
In my next post, I'll continue our journey through Prague Castle, sharing my experiences at St. George's Basilica and Golden Lane, both included with the same ticket.
So, tell me, which appeals more to your travel style: the opulent grandeur of a cathedral or the weighty historical atmosphere of an ancient palace?
The Old Royal Palace is included in the Prague Castle Main Circuit ticket, allowing you to visit it along with St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George's Basilica, and Golden Lane. The adult admission for the Main Circuit is 450 Koruna (as of August 2026). The ticket is valid for two days, but each paid exhibition space can only be entered once.
Normally, replicas of the Bohemian Crown Jewels are displayed at the Old Royal Palace. The genuine jewels are kept in the Crown Chamber within St. Vitus Cathedral and are only exhibited during periods of special display. The genuine jewels are scheduled to be publicly displayed for free in Vladislav Hall of the Old Royal Palace from September 19 to 28, 2026. It is advisable to check the official Prague Castle website before your visit.
Vladislav Hall is a space designed by architect Benedikt Rejt, characterized by its elaborate ribbed vaulting in the Late Gothic style and early Renaissance elements. It was used as a venue for state ceremonies such as coronation celebrations, banquets, knightly jousting tournaments, and markets for precious goods. Currently, it continues to host important commemorative events for the Czech Republic.
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