The monumental entrance of the Castle is known as “Matthias Gate”, after the emperor who had it built at the beginning of the seventeenth century, featuring architectural elements inspired by the Italian Renaissance. Like the other two entrances to the Castle, the gate is protected by armed guards: you must remember that the parts of the castle closed to the public house the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic, as well as hosting State ceremonies that can sometimes interfere with visitor routes. The changing of the guard takes place every hour; it is a rather solemn, martial affair, and attracts little groups of tourists and locals.
