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Matthias Gate: A Baroque Welcome to Prague Castle
Step through Prague Castle's Matthias Gate, a Baroque masterpiece, and journey into centuries of Czech history and imperial grandeur.
The Matthias Gate, or Matyášova brána, stands as the grand entrance to Prague Castle's first courtyard. Erected in 1614 by Matthias, Holy Roman Emperor, it is the oldest Baroque structure within the castle, marking a transition in architectural styles and a monumental statement of power.
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A brief summary to Matthias Gate
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
První nádvoří Pražského hradu, Prague 1-Hradčany, 119 00, CZ
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Getting There
Walking
From Hradčanské náměstí (Prague Castle Square), the Matthias Gate is the main entrance to the First Courtyard of Prague Castle. Enter the square from the street and proceed through the gate guarded by Czech guards. This entrance is free.
Public Transport
Take Tram 22 to the Pražský hrad stop. From the tram stop, it is a short, approximately 5-minute walk to the Second Courtyard entrance. Alternatively, take Metro Line A to Malostranská station. From there, it is about a 10-15 minute walk, including a climb up the Old Castle Stairs, to the Na Opyši Gate. From the Na Opyši Gate, walk through the castle complex to reach the Matthias Gate. A single public transport ticket costs 30 CZK.
Taxi
From Prague city center, a taxi to Prague Castle takes approximately 6 minutes and costs between 240-300 CZK. Request the taxi to drop you off at Hradčanské náměstí, from where you can walk to the Matthias Gate. Taxi/rideshare services like Uber, Bolt and Liftago are readily available.
Local tips
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Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially if you want to witness the changing of the guard ceremony at noon in the first courtyard.
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Take time to examine the detailed sculptures and carvings on the gate, which depict important figures and events from Czech history.
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Be aware that the first and second courtyards may be closed for filming or special events. Check the Prague Castle website for updates.
Discover more about Matthias Gate
Matthias Gate, located in Prague Castle, serves as a striking transition between the castle's first and second courtyards. Built in 1614 by Matthias, Holy Roman Emperor, it represents the earliest example of Baroque architecture in Bohemia. The gate originally stood as a separate, triumphal arch, symbolizing the Habsburg's victory over the Ottoman Turks.
Designed by Giovanni Maria Filippi, the gate features intricate reliefs and sculptures that reflect themes from mythology and history. Statues of battling Titans adorn the gate, further emphasizing themes of victory and strength. The gate also features sculptures of the Wrestling Giants, an imperial eagle with a putti, and a lion with a crown and a putti. The sculptures seen today were recreated at the beginning of the 20th century by Čeněk Vosmík and Antonín Procházka, based on Baroque originals.
Visitors passing through the Matthias Gate enter the Second Courtyard, which originated in the 16th century. A wide gateway in the middle is flanked by narrower passages for pedestrians. The changing of the guard ceremony, which occurs hourly, is particularly impressive at the First Courtyard, especially the noon ceremony that includes a brass band and flag exchange.
A brief summary to Matthias Gate
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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