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City of 100 Spires

Prague architecture

Prague is home to the largest ancient castle complex in the world, which has served as the seat of power for kings and presidents for over 1,000 years. Its historic center survived World War II largely intact, preserving a stunning mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.

  • 5Landmarks
  • 1344Oldest · St. Vitus Cathedral
  • 216 mTallest · Žižkov Television Tower
  • 6Architects

Before you go

  • Fly intoVáclav Havel (PRG)

    The airport is named after Václav Havel, the beloved poet and playwright who led the Velvet Revolution to end communist rule in Czechoslovakia. It serves as a modern, friendly gateway to Central Europe, featuring dedicated relaxation zones and interactive displays about Czech history and culture.

  • CurrencyCzech Koruna (Kč)
  • LanguageCzech

    Czech is a melodic Slavic language that is the pride of the nation's literary history. While English is common in the Old Town, learning a simple 'Děkuji' (thank you) is considered a sign of great respect by the locals.

  • Getting aroundPrague Metro

    The Prague Metro features unique 'A Line' stations decorated with metallic, futuristic bubble-patterned walls. An extensive tram network serves as the primary way to navigate the historic Lesser Town and Castle districts. The Petřín Funicular offers a scenic ascent to the top of Petřín Hill for views of the city.

5 landmarks in Prague

  1. Dancing House
    Photo: Danny Alexander Lettkemann, Architekt, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Dancing House

    Jiráskovo nám. 1981/6, 120 00 Nové Město, Prague, Czechia

    Originally nicknamed 'Fred and Ginger,' this deconstructivist building resembles a pair of dancers caught in a graceful embrace. One tower is made of solid rock to represent the male dancer, while the other is a glass sleeve representing his partner. This striking architectural contrast reflects the transition of Czechoslovakia from a communist regime to a parliamentary democracy. It was built on a vacant riverfront plot where a previous building had been destroyed by a 1945 bombing. Today, it stands as one of the most iconic and photographed modern landmarks in the historic city of Prague.

    Built
    1996
    Architect
    Frank Gehry / Vlado Milunić
    Style
    Deconstructivism
    Height
    35 m (115 ft)
    Stories
    9
    Today
    Office / Hotel / Restaurant
  2. St. Vitus Cathedral
    Photo: MathKnight and Zachi Evenor, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

    St. Vitus Cathedral

    III. nádvoří 48/2, 119 01 Praha 1-Hradčany, Prague, Czechia

    This is the largest and most important church in the Czech Republic, dominating the skyline from its position within Prague Castle. It took nearly six hundred years to fully complete, with construction spanning from the 14th century until its final dedication in 1929. The cathedral contains the beautifully decorated tombs of many Bohemian kings and Holy Roman Emperors. Visitors can marvel at the intricate stained glass windows, including a famous piece designed by the Art Nouveau artist Alfons Mucha. Its Great South Tower offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city for those willing to climb its narrow stone stairs.

    Built
    1344
    Architect
    Matthias of Arras / Peter Parler
    Style
    Gothic
    Height
    102 m (335 ft)
    Stories
    1
    Today
    Cathedral

  3. Charles Bridge

    Karlův most, 110 00 Praha 1, Prague, Czechia

    This is one of the most famous Gothic bridges in the world and serves as a vital pedestrian link between the Old Town and Lesser Town. Built under the auspices of King Charles IV, it is famously lined with thirty Baroque statues depicting various saints and patron figures. Legend has it that egg yolks were mixed into the mortar during construction to provide the stone structure with extra strength and longevity. The bridge is anchored at both ends by stunning medieval towers that once served as part of the city's essential fortification system. Today, it remains a bustling hub for artists, musicians, and tourists seeking the classic 'Old Prague' atmosphere.

    Built
    1357
    Architect
    Peter Parler
    Style
    Gothic / Baroque Statuary
    Height
    13 m (43 ft)
    Stories
    1
    Today
    Pedestrian Landmark
  4. House of the Black Madonna
    Photo: VitVit, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    House of the Black Madonna

    Ovocný trh 569/19, 110 00 Staré Město, Prague, Czechia

    The House of the Black Madonna is celebrated globally as the world's first true example of a Cubist building. It represented a revolutionary experiment in applying the sharp, geometric principles of Cubist painting to three-dimensional architecture. The building is named after the 17th-century Baroque statue of the Black Madonna that sits protected behind a gold grate on its corner. Inside, you can find the Grand Café Orient, which remains the only Cubist-designed café interior in existence today. The building also features a spectacular lightbulb-shaped staircase that perfectly encapsulates the daring and unique aesthetic of the era.

    Built
    1912
    Architect
    Josef Gočár
    Style
    Czech Cubism
    Height
    18 m (59 ft)
    Stories
    5
    Today
    Museum of Czech Cubism
  5. Žižkov Television Tower
    Photo: Bengt Nyman from Vaxholm, Sweden, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Žižkov Television Tower

    Mahlerovy sady 1, 130 00 Praha 3-Žižkov, Prague, Czechia

    This high-tech landmark is often cited as the most unique and recognizable modern structure in the Prague skyline. It gained international fame for the 'Miminka' statues, which are giant bronze babies crawling up its massive steel and concrete columns. Standing at 216 meters, it is the tallest structure in the city and provides an unparalleled 360-degree view of the red-tiled rooftops. The tower's design was highly controversial during the communist era but has since become a beloved piece of contemporary Czech architecture. It now houses a luxury one-room hotel, a high-end restaurant, and several sophisticated observation decks for visitors.

    Built
    1992
    Architect
    Václav Aulický
    Style
    High-Tech / Modernist
    Height
    216 m (709 ft)
    Stories
    10
    Today
    Observatory / Hotel / Restaurant

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