Matthias Gate is a pompously decorated stone arch built into the wing of the First Palace. It was erected under Emperor Matthias, becoming the third entrance to Prague Castle. By the way, this is the first large-scale building in Prague executed in the Baroque style.
Originally, Matthias Gate stood between bridges and moats, being more of an independent decorative element than part of the palace. The building around it was constructed later, and the gate was attached to the wing.
The attic of the wing is decorated with sculptures symbolizing war and peace; they were installed at the end of the 18th century in honor of the end of the war. Looking at the gate, you can see the many titles and the coat of arms of Emperor Matthias, and a little lower down the coats of arms of the lands that belonged to him.
To pass through Matthias Gate, you first need to enter through the Central Gate of the palace. It is guarded by an honor guard - tall, stately men with sabers and rifles. Every day at 12 o'clock you can watch the changing of this guard. Soldiers in ceremonial uniform march through the Central Gate, relieve one another, and then proceed across Hradcany Square. All of this takes place to the sound of fanfares and under the delighted gazes of tourists.
