Before embarking on the Royal Route, you should know that it spans just under three kilometers – running from the center of Prague to Prague Castle. This historic route through Prague’s center was used by coronation processions of Czech kings in the past, who received homage from the city's citizens. At that time, the route connected two significant royal residences – the Royal Court in the Old Town and Prague Castle.
If you are in Prague for only a short time and want to see as much as possible in a day, you can extend the Royal Route by about one kilometer at the start and visit the famous Wenceslas Square with the National Museum, where modern Czech history unfolded.
Let's Start at Wenceslas Square
As mentioned earlier, Wenceslas Square is not part of the Royal Route, but if you’re in Prague for a short time, we recommend visiting it along with the route. It’s easily accessible by public transport, such as the metro – head to the Můstek or Muzeum stations. At the upper end stands the National Museum, and just below it, you’ll find the statue of Saint Wenceslas, a popular meeting point for locals, familiarly referred to as “by the horse.”
Wenceslas Square was also the site of significant Czech events, including mass demonstrations leading to the fall of communism in 1989.
On your way down, don’t miss the Lucerna Palace on your left, associated with the family of Václav Havel, the first post-revolution president. In its passage, you’ll find the statue of Saint Wenceslas riding an upside-down horse by David Černý. At the lower end of Wenceslas Square, turn right and walk along the famous Na Příkopě Street, full of shops, to the Powder Tower.
The Powder Tower
The Powder Tower is a true landmark in the city center and a significant example of late Gothic Prague. It also serves as the entrance gate to the Old Town. To its right, you’ll see Prague’s Art Nouveau gem, the Municipal House. This site once hosted the Royal Court, the residence of Czech kings. Coronation processions departed from here, passed through the Powder Tower, and headed to Prague Castle.
Celetná Street
Once you’ve admired the beauty of the Municipal House and the Powder Tower, head through the Powder Tower into Celetná Street. This is arguably the most beautiful street in Prague, where you can admire ornately decorated buildings from various periods, including the Cubist gem – the House of the Black Madonna – and the Baroque Millesim Palace. Keep your eyes open and take in all the splendor around you.
Old Town Square
Celetná Street will lead you to the very heart of historic Prague, Old Town Square. Here you’ll find the twin spires of the Týn Church and the monument of Jan Hus, a medieval thinker burned at the stake in 1415. And, of course, there’s the Old Town Hall with its famous Astronomical Clock, where apostles parade through its two small windows every hour during the day. Enjoy the decorated buildings around or the replica of the Marian Column.
Pařížská Street
Before continuing along the Royal Route, you might want to detour around the Church of Saint Nicholas into Pařížská Street (Paris Street), home to Prague's most luxurious shops. Walking along Pařížská Street for about 200 meters, you’ll reach the area of the old Jewish town, where you can admire landmarks like the Old-New Synagogue or the Old Jewish Cemetery.
Heading to Charles Bridge
From Old Town Square – with or without a detour into Pařížská Street – continue to Little Square and then along Karlova Street through the Old Town to the famous Charles Bridge. Keep your eyes open here, even though the impression may be somewhat marred by the number of tourists likely walking with you.
Charles Bridge
The construction of Charles Bridge was completed in 1402, making it one of Prague's iconic structures. Since the late 17th century, it has been adorned with 30 statues and groups of statues, mostly from the Baroque period. The bridge and its decorations are breathtaking on their own, complemented by views of the Vltava River banks and the panorama of Prague Castle ahead. Just before the end of the bridge, you can descend to the Kampa Island, where you might also take a break and look around.
The Path to Prague Castle
After enjoying Kampa, return to Charles Bridge and cross to its end, where you’ll pass through the Malá Strana Bridge Tower and continue along Mostecká Street to Malostranské Square. From there, follow the famous Nerudova Street, featured in many films and TV series, to reach Hradčanské Square in front of Prague Castle.
Prague Castle
As early as the 9th century, fortifications were located at the site of today’s Prague Castle, but the existence of fortified buildings and a ducal palace is confirmed from the 10th century. The site and its structures evolved over the centuries, with the construction of Saint Vitus Cathedral around the mid-14th century significantly altering its panorama.
At Prague Castle, explore its courtyards, visit the mentioned cathedral, and don’t miss the famous Golden Lane. If you have time, visit the gardens, the Orangery, Queen Anne's Summer Palace (Belvedere), or the Deer Moat. Here, you'll find impressive architecture and stunning views of the surroundings and the castle itself.
The Path from Prague Castle
Completing your visit to Prague Castle marks the end of your exploration of the Royal Route. If you still have time and energy, numerous options await. From Queen Anne's Summer Palace, head to Letná Park with its breathtaking views of Prague, or descend back to Malostranské Square via the Castle Stairs or to Klárov via the Old Castle Stairs. Alternatively, cross Hradčanské Square to Petřín Hill, home to the Petřín Tower and the iconic Spartakiádní Stadium. Endless possibilities await, and you can find more information about Prague’s remarkable sites here on our pages.
MyPrague.eu, December 2024
