Prague Castle

Set atop the highest hill around, at the entrance to the world’s largest castle complex, Prague Castle sprawls out across more than 750,000 square feet. In order to enter the grounds, one must first pass through the main gate which is actively guarded by military servicemen.

If you happen to visit at high noon, you will be treated to a synchronized royal ceremony that has been unchanged for hundreds of years. Through the archway of the first courtyard, comes the procession: fresh guards with polished rifles and expressionless precision, crossing into a centuries-old ritual that still insists on being taken seriously.

Once through, visitors come upon the massive St. Vitus Cathedral, often considered to be the jewel in the crown of the complex. You can read this quite literally as the Czech crown jewels are hidden within its walls, locked behind seven keys held by seven people who must all show up if you ever want to see them. The guards are not all for show after all.

And you thought that getting together with a couple of your friends to plan an adventure was tricky…