Prague Castle

On the hill above the Vltava River in Prague, the castle complex spreads across rooftops and spires visible from everywhere in the old town. Founded around 870, it has been the seat of Czech rulers for more than eleven centuries, growing in every era from medieval to modern, which makes it the largest ancient castle complex in the world. Inside the walls stand St. Vitus Cathedral, old royal palaces, and the Golden Lane of tiny colorful houses. Climb the cathedral's Great South Tower, 287 steps past the country's largest bell, for the best panorama in Prague. The changing of the guard at noon draws the daily crowd, and summer brings an international organ festival inside the cathedral. Spring and early fall are ideal, with long light and manageable crowds.