Matthias Gate, Prague Travel Guide

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.