Matthias Gate

Matthias Gate forms the grand western entrance to Prague Castle and connects the Court of Honor with the Second Courtyard. As the oldest secular Baroque structure in the city, it is attributed to the architect Giovanni Maria Philippi. The gate bears a Latin inscription dated 1614, from the reign of Emperor Matthias, but stylistic analysis suggests the structure was already planned under Emperor Rudolf II and that only the inscription plaque was added later. Originally freestanding and surrounded by a moat, the gate was incorporated into the New Royal Palace in the 18th century. Its architecture recalls an ancient triumphal arch, with an richly decorated pediment flanked by slender obelisks. The frieze displays the coats of arms of the Habsburg hereditary lands. Visitors pass through the gate and can head left through the columned hall or right up a historic staircase to the palace's state rooms, though these are open only on certain national holidays.