Things to do in Rakovník District

Prague Castle (Pražský Hrad) is the city’s most iconic attraction. It’s one of the world’s largest castles and a World Heritage Site. The castle has over 1,100 years of history and architecture within its walls and was home to Bohemian kings, Roman emperors and Czechoslovakian presidents. Today the castle is still active as the seat of the Czech President.

Within the grounds of the Prague Castle stands one of Central Europe’s most significant religious sites, the St. Vitus Cathedral (Katedrála Sv. Víta). You can see this huge cathedral from all over Prague; some of its spires are as tall as 316 feet (96.5 meters). Today St. Vitus is an essential part of any trip to Prague. View tombs and religious iconography, and see where the Czech Crown Jewels are kept. Since 1344 the cathedral has been the seat of the archbishop of Prague.

Walk in the footsteps of Czech kings at the fairytale-like Karlštejn Castle (Hrad Karlštejn). Glimpse inside lavishly decorated chapels, rooms and palaces. Admire displays of antique art and views from a 197-foot-tall (60-meter) tower. Karlštejn Castle commands a magnificent setting on a hilltop overlooking the Berounka River and rolling green countryside.

Visit Petřín Lookout Tower (Petřínská rozhledna) to experience one of the best views of Prague’s magnificent cityscape and countryside. This spot is a photographer’s dream, with major city landmarks visible in all directions. Petřín Lookout Tower opened in 1891 as part of the Prague Jubilee Exhibition, a centennial celebration of the city’s first world’s fair.

Loreta Monastery and Treasury is an active convent with a fascinating history. Many visitors to Prague miss this attraction as they hurry past it on their way to Prague Castle. Founded in 1626, the monastery’s main feature is its replica of the Santa Casa, the home of the Virgin Mary. The treasury on the same site houses a vessel decorated with 6,222 diamonds.