The most frequently used entrance to the premises of one of the Czech statehood symbols is from the west across the Hradčany Square. On pylons of the entrance gate to the First or the Honorary Court of the Prague Castle, there are standing two gladiators in fighting poses. Such a name of a monumental sculpture may be the best, as the author himself, Prague sculptor Ignác František Platzer (1717-1787), founder of a famous family, called his work Gladiators’ Fight.

Sculptures of the gladiators were made in the years 1770-1780 as parts of the central rococo gate in the fencing, which was created during reconstruction and extension of the Prague Castle during the reign of Empress Maria Theresa. The gratings allows free view into the court and there is also an interesting, artificially incorporated initial, which has the Imperial crown in its top, the Latin abbreviation MTI (Maria Terezia Imperatrix – Empress).

By the pylons, where there are the fighting gladiators, there are standing members of the Castle Guards without any motion. They alter in periodic cycle, however the gladiators were replaced only once during their existence. The Platzer’s originals were replaced in 1902 with copies by sculptors Čeněk Vosmík and Antonín Procházka.

The Honorary Court and the northern and southern projections of the so-called New Palace and its western wing, arose in the place of the filled castle moat during baroque completion under the command of imperial architect Nicola Pacassi. There was also incorporated the originally free-standing Matyáš’s Gate, which was established during short reign of Emperor Matyáš. As it was the first baroque construction in Prague, it is said that baroque had entered Prague right there. There are also standing tall flagpoles.

Right in this courtyard, in front of the honorary unit fallen in, there are accepted prominent foreign representatives by the president of the Republic.