Event: Czech Republic - Prague

Prague Castle & Gardens

When:	Daily
Where:	Prague Castle & Gardens
Costs:	Kc140-350 depending on length of tour; concessions Kc70-175; courtyards & gardens free
Opening Hours:	Apr-Oct daily 9am-6pm; courtyards 5am-12am; Nov-Mar daily 9am-4pm; courtyards 6am-11pm; gardens closed in winter

The heart of the city, Prague Castle is currently the seat of government but has housed kings and emperors. Don't miss St Vitus Cathedral, picturesque Golden Lane and the labyrinthine gardens full of hidden statues and tunnels spread atop Hradcany.

Perched on top of a hill, Prague Castle occupies an ideal strategic position. A spectacular spot, it's little surprise that there has been a castle of some sort on the site since the 9th century. This was expanded into what is known today as the Royal Palace, home to Bohemian royalty for more than 700 years.

The other major edifice within the complex is Saint Vitus' Cathedral, honoured by the Pope on the occasion of the 1000th anniversary of its patron saint. Within the portals are a number of beautiful small chapels and impressive stained-glass work.

A visit to the castle also includes the Romanesque St George's Basilica (where many of Bohemia's royal family are buried), the Prague Castle Gallery and the Powder Tower, used as an alchemists' laboratory in the 17th century.

Highlights of the Prague Castle Gallery include Titian's Young Woman at Her Toilet, Tintoretto's Flagellation of Christ and Rubens' The Assembly of the Olympic Gods.