Prague Castle has undergone hundreds of changes in the last three years. The President's Office has invested hundreds of millions of crowns in restoring historical buildings, modernizing its operations, strengthening cybersecurity, and making previously closed areas accessible to the public. As a result, among other things, visitor numbers have reached record levels, exceeding nine million people in 2025.
Modernization of the Presidential Office, the largest reconstruction in the recent history of the Castle, ongoing restoration of St. Vitus Cathedral, opening of new areas of the complex, or changes in the management of the Lány forests. These are some of the steps that, according to the President's Office, have been achieved since President Petr Pavel took office.
The Office has now published a book titled "Castle 2023–2026," which summarizes these changes and describes further planned development of one of the most important historical sites in the Czech Republic.
Investment in the restoration of Prague Castle has increased fourfold
Over the past three years, investment in the restoration of Prague Castle has more than quadrupled. It has increased from an initial 82 million crowns to 344 million crowns per year.
After thirty years, a major cleaning was carried out in St. Vitus Cathedral, from floor to ceiling. Open architectural competitions have also returned to Prague Castle. The administration of Prague Castle has begun the restoration of the Institute for Noble Ladies, which it describes as the largest reconstruction in the recent history of the entire complex.
At the same time, systematic repairs to St. Vitus Cathedral and other historically significant buildings are continuing.
Military hedgehogs have disappeared from the Castle, benches and drinking fountains have been added
The publicly accessible area of Prague Castle has also undergone a significant transformation. Blanket security checks have been replaced by random checks, and the prominent yellow military "hedgehogs" have disappeared from the entrances.
Visitors can now use free toilets, drinking fountains, misting stations, and other rest areas. The Fig House, the Hartig Garden, or access to the Deer Moat from Opyše have also been opened.
According to the Presidential Office, changes in visitor processing and the introduction of online ticket sales have helped shorten queues without compromising security levels.
The Presidential Office has strengthened digitalization and cybersecurity
In addition to the visible changes for visitors, the operations of the President's Office itself have also changed. The institution underwent extensive digitization, strengthened cybersecurity and data protection, and established new public procurement processes.
The changes focused on greater transparency, more professional management, and systematic care for employees.
"When we came to Prague Castle, we promised greater openness, conceptualization, professionalism, and transparency. We didn't want to change just individual projects, but the way the entire institution operates. That is why we decided to openly show the public what has been achieved and where we want to move forward," says Milan Vašina, Head of the President's Office, regarding the publication "Castle 2023–2026."
Over nine million people visited Prague Castle
The transformation of Prague Castle has also reflected in increased public interest. In 2025, the complex recorded a record number of visitors, with more than nine million people passing through it.
The range of cultural and educational programs has also been expanded. Regular open days, free lecture series, and annual exhibitions of Czech coronation regalia are held.
```"Our goal is to create an environment where people feel good, a place they want to return to, and which represents the Czech Republic with dignity. Therefore, in addition to major renovations, we are also improving services for visitors and enhancing public spaces. For example, we have significantly reduced visual pollution, are restoring the orientation system, and have installed one hundred and twenty new benches in the area," says Pavel Vyhnánek, Director of the Prague Castle Administration.
Lány Estate Also Opens to the Public
After years of closure, the Lány estate and game reserve have also reopened to the public. The management of the surrounding forests is also undergoing changes, which were significantly impacted by bark beetle infestations in recent years.
Employees of the Lány Forestry Administration have planted approximately 1.8 million seedlings, which are gradually helping to reduce the extent of clear-cuts. A long-term strategy for the restoration of the Lány forests has also been prepared, with the aim of creating healthier and more resilient stands.
gnews.cz - GH