Prague Castle will get new security checkpoints in 2025

Temporary wooden stands installed eight years ago are set to be replaced by less invasive and more sturdy checkpoints in the coming months.

Expats.cz Staff

Written by Expats.cz Staff Published on 18.12.2024 10:22:00 (updated on 18.12.2024) Reading time: 2 minutes

Prague Castle is set to introduce new checkpoints at its entrance in the coming months: in partnership with the Institute of Planning and Development, it has launched an architectural competition to replace the current temporary wooden shelters that lie around the castle grounds.

The current checkpoints were first installed in 2016 during Miloš Zeman's presidency, marking a shift toward stricter security. Before that, under former presidents Václav Havel and Václav Klaus, the castle had an open-access policy. The existing wooden structures, hastily built eight years ago, have faced criticism for being fragile and short-lived.

“The wood deteriorates quickly, and the castle deserves better,” Pavel Vyhnánek, director of the Prague Castle Administration, said recently.

The new design will focus on durability and creating a welcoming experience for visitors, while respecting the castle’s historical importance, authorities say. “The goal is to minimize disruption to the historical context. Visitors shouldn’t feel like they’re navigating a complicated system,” explained Kateřina Špičáková, development coordinator for Prague Castle.

Opinions on the current security measures vary. Simon Clayton, a tourist from the UK, told Czech Television: “They’re quite fragile; they should be stronger. And more security is always better.” Czech visitor Jaroslava Kalčevová said, “I don’t mind them at all. Compared to what used to be here, it’s a big improvement.”

In addition to redesigning the checkpoints, vehicle security will also be upgraded. Yellow steel hedgehogs will replace the current retractable bollards around the castle. These changes will begin in the spring at Prašný most and Na Opyši Street.

Last year saw the end of the classic checkpoints that were installed under Zeman—afterwards, the police implemented complete checks of all cars entering the castle area, conducted random checks of visitors, and made more effective use of CCTV. Preventive patrols were also carried out in all castle courtyards.

The Giant’s Gate, once a primary entrance to the Castle, will remain an exit-only route to maintain the area’s dignity. Visitors will continue to enter through smaller gates, with checkpoints located at three other entrances.

The architectural competition is set to conclude by early summer, with a jury selecting the winning design. Officials aim for the new checkpoints to improve security and enhance the visitor experience.

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