Hradčany Square

Hradčany Square is the principal public square in the Hradčany (Castle District) of Prague, immediately below Prague Castle. It functions as the main ceremonial approach to the castle and is surrounded by historic palaces and official buildings.

The paved square serves as a pedestrian forecourt to the castle complex and is lined with trees, cafés and stately facades. Prominent visible features include the castle entrance and nearby Baroque palaces such as the Schwarzenberg Palace and the ornate stone gate that provides direct access into the castle grounds. The square is used as a gathering and circulation space for visitors moving between the castle, adjacent streets and viewpoints over the city.

The urban space developed from the medieval approach to Prague Castle; many of the surrounding palaces and townhouses were built or remodelled in the Renaissance and Baroque periods and later adapted for administrative and cultural use. Over time the square became the formal forecourt to the castle rather than a market or residential plaza.

The square sits in Prague 1 within the Hradčany district, immediately northwest of Prague’s old town and directly below the Prague Castle complex. It forms part of the castle precinct and is reached on foot from other historic quarters of central Prague.

• Access: A short walk from the main castle courtyards, the square is a primary viewing and arrival point for visitors to Prague Castle.
• Visiting tip: Best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak tour-group traffic and to enjoy the cafés lining the square.

What to See #

• Matthias Gate: Located at the approach to Prague Castle, this ornate gate dates from the early 16th century and forms the principal ceremonial entrance from Hradčany Square into the castle complex.
• Schwarzenberg Palace: Large Baroque palace on the square with a richly decorated facade; today it houses cultural institutions and fronts the northern side of the square.