Prague Castle is set on a hill across the river from the Old Town. We caught a tram to the top of the hill. Yes, Prague, like Berlin has trams- very modern ones in fact - that criss-cross the city.
The Castle is the largest of its kind in the world. Its entrance is protected by guards - not unlike Buckingham Palace - who change on the hour with much ceremony. Inside the castle grounds are various offices, the residence of he President, the old Palace and a Cathedral as well as 3 other smaller churches. The Cathedral began as a church, dedicated to St Vitus, built by (Good King) Wenceslaus in 930. St Vitus was chosen because Wenceslaus had apparently acquired a holy relic - the arm of St Vitus; but also because there was a Slavic sun God Svantevit and Wenceslaus thought it might help him convert his people to Christianity if the saint had a similar name to their pagan god.
Inside the Cathedral is a series of spectacular stained glass windows; perhaps not surprising given this is the home of Bohemian Crystal and various other coloured glasses. The cathedral is a typical medieval church with a central nave surrounded by side chapels, built at the expense of rich people so prayers could be made for their loved ones who had died.One of teh side chapels is dedicated to St Wenceslas.
The Sanctuary is separated from the nave by an area holding sarcophagi which largely block the view of the congregation.
The much smaller and even older St George Basilica built in the 9th century, is similar with a bridge-like structure leading up to the sanctuary.

Prague Castle - Changing of the Guards

Old Palace Ballroom

St George Basilica

 

St George Basilica Sanctuary

Prague Castle Cathedral of St Vitus

Cathedral stained glass window

Prague Castle Cathedral stained glass window

St Wenceslas Chapel