Old Royal Palace

The Old Royal Palace sits within Prague Castle, at Třetí nádvoří in Hradčany. Its centrepiece is Vladislav Hall, a vast, light-filled space with Gothic rib vaulting and a history of royal ceremonies, assemblies and indoor tournaments. The palace also connects to the Second Defenestration of Prague in 1618: you can see the window linked to the event. Expect historic rooms and a quieter, more austere interior than an ornate palace, with details such as tiled stoves and coats of arms to look for.

Vladislav Hall and its uses

Vladislav Hall is the palace’s principal space. Its elaborate Late Gothic rib vaulting dates to around 1500, when the hall was designed by Benedikt Ried. The room’s size and bright, restrained interior give it a different character from highly decorated palace rooms.

The hall hosted royal ceremonies, assemblies and banquets. It was also used for indoor knightly tournaments. On the south side, a viewing balcony looks over the castle garden and Prague. The Equestrian Staircase, originally used by knights entering on horseback for tournaments, leads out of the hall.

The palace and the 1618 defenestration

The Old Royal Palace developed from a Romanesque palace and was expanded in Gothic and Renaissance styles. It was a residence of Bohemian princes and kings and a place for royal ceremonies and important meetings.

In 1618, the Second Defenestration of Prague took place here. The event helped set off the Bohemian Revolt and the Thirty Years’ War. The window associated with it is at the end of a corridor to the right of Vladislav Hall. Other details to look for in the rooms include coats of arms, tiled stoves and replicas of royal insignia.