The area known as Hradčany is actually all the buildings on the top of the hill. The first buildings date from around the year 880, but the castle's golden age came in the middle of the 14th century when it was imperial residence to Emperor Charles IV. He rebuilt the royal palace and had all the fortifications strengthened. More recently former president Havel took a personal interest in restoration work at the castle. He is also responsible for designing the lighting, which makes the castle look so beautiful at night. What else could you expect from a man of the theatre?