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Prague Castle, one of the Czech Republic’s most iconic landmarks, will be closed to the public on Tuesday, June 10, from 3 p.m. for a large-scale security exercise simulating a violent attack. The drill, which runs from 6 to 9 p.m., marks the first time such a comprehensive training has been conducted within the castle complex.
Organized by Czech Police in cooperation with the Presidential Office and multiple emergency services, the exercise aims to test the coordination and tactical readiness of units tasked with protecting soft targets—locations with high public foot traffic but limited permanent security.
Large-scale simulation to test emergency response
The exercise will involve approximately 300 civilian actors posing as castle visitors, along with dozens of police officers, bomb disposal teams, firefighters, and medical responders. Additional support will come from the Air and Military Police, the Castle Guard, and members of the president’s personal protection unit.
“The purpose of the planned exercise is to verify the coordination of the Integrated Rescue System and other partners involved in the protection of Prague Castle,” said Police Presidium spokesperson Jozef Bocán. “We will be simulating a violent attack, focusing not only on response tactics but also on the protection of designated areas and individuals.”
The operation will also evaluate the functionality of an assistance center designed to provide psychosocial support to victims and their families in the event of a large-scale emergency.
While officials have declined to disclose specific scenario details, they have warned the public to expect heightened activity in the area, including loud noises and emergency vehicles moving through Hradčanské náměstí.
“This is part of the drill and there’s no cause for alarm,” Bocán added. “We are simply preparing for situations that, while unlikely, must be planned for with the highest level of professionalism.”
Public access restricted, safety emphasized
Visitors are advised to plan their trips to Prague Castle earlier in the day, as the site will be completely closed from 3 p.m. until the conclusion of the drill. Sections of nearby Hradčanské náměstí will also be temporarily restricted.
Authorities stress that public safety remains a priority and all necessary precautions have been taken to avoid confusion or panic. The Presidential Office issued a notice encouraging nearby residents and visitors not to be alarmed by sirens, shouting, or the presence of police and rescue vehicles.
The event is part of a broader national initiative by Czech security forces to rehearse emergency response scenarios at soft targets such as schools, hospitals, shopping centers, and cultural landmarks. While similar drills have occurred elsewhere, this marks the first time Prague Castle has been used as a training site of this scale.
Prague Castle, which draws around two million visitors each year, was last closed to the public on May 4 during the official visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
