The Castle District in Prague is called "Hradcany." The word derives from the Czech word for castle, "hrad." While Prague Castle is the main attraction in the Castle District, Hradcany offers many more sights for visitors to Prague.
Palaces in the Castle District:
Appropriately, a number of palaces can be found in Prague's Castle District. These palaces, with their Baroque and Renaissance facades, were once the residences of important families. The palaces found in the Castle District include the Archbishop's Palace (which still functions at the Bishop's See), the Scwarzenberg Palace (today the Museum of Military History), the Sternberg Palace (housing part of the National Gallery), the Czernin Palace (used by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), the Martinez Palace, and the Tuscan Palace.
The Castle District's Churches:
Sites of religious interest can also be found in the Castle District. Strahov Monastery, with its library, is a popular Prague attraction. The Loreto Sanctuary is also worth visiting - inside the Loreto is a Baroque-style church, a cloister, and a treasury.
Getting to the Castle District:
The Castle District can be easily reached on foot by walking through Prague's Mala Strana. Follow charming Nerudova Street up its slope and orient yourself by identifying Petrin tower in the distance. Strahov Monastery will be a little farther ahead to the left. Prague Castle can be reached by veering right.
