Prague Castle: Old Royal Palace

The Old Royal Palace is the oldest part of Prague Castle. It was initially used as residence for the princesses but later took over by the king himself as his own palace.

The grandest part of the palace is no other than the Vladislav Hall with beautiful vaulted ceiling containing interwoven lines that flow swiftly, forming flower patterns.

At the southwestern corner of the hall is the former offices of the Bohemian Chancellery. Some of the antique furniture are still intake and on display.

On the upper floor of the hall is the Diet or Assembly Hall where you can see the throne of the Bohemian king. There are also replicas of the crown and orb on display. Note that the vaulted ceiling has the same interwoven lines like the grander Vladislav Hall.

Another floor up is the New Land Rolls Room which is the old repository of land titles. The walls and ceilings are full of the coats of arms of the clerks.

If you can find your ancestor's name in the old archive of land titles, you will be rich!

The exit hallway of the palace has vaults with interwoven lines similar to the Vladislav Hall and Diet, albeit at a smaller scale.

Prague Castle: Basilica of St. George

The Basilica of St. George is the oldest surviving church building inside Prague Castle since year 920. Right in the heart of the castle complex, it is also the best-preserved Romanesque church in Czech Republic.

With its striking brick-red colour baroque facade, it is hard to miss when you arrive at the St. George Square. The Short Visit ticket includes admission to the basilica, so I didn't miss visiting inside.

The interior was restored to the oldish look since the 12^th century after the major fire in year 1142.

Some of the 12^th-century frescoes do survive until today and they were restored as much as possible.

Under these frescoes; beneath the double staircases of the nave, is the 12^th-century crypt.