Prague Sights / Attractions

You are in: Main Page » Sightseeing » Page 1 » P2 » P3

Malé náměsti (Little Square)

Praha 1, Staré Město, Metro: Staroměstská/Náměstí Republiky
Just south-west of Staroměstské náměsti is the Malé náměsti or 'Little square'. As well as a centrepiece Renaissance fountain, several fine Baroque style buildings are situated here - the most impressive being the VJ Rott House at No 3, which boasts a stunning period façade of red and gold. The house is now an upmarket glass shop selling popular Bohemian crystal, while the upper floors form part of a recently opened hotel.

Müller Villa (Müllerova Vila)

Nad Hradním vodojemem 14, Praha 6, Střešovice, Tel: +420 224 312 012, Website: www.mullerovavila.cz, E-mail: vila.muller@muzeumprahy.cz, Metro: Hradčanská, then Tram 1, 18 to Ořechovka, Opening hours vary, while guided tours must be arranged in advance. Contact is via e-mail
This villa, which was built for the wealthy industrialist Františka Müllera between 1928-1930 is the work of the famous Czech architect Adolfa Loose (more commonly referred to as Adolf Loos). Loose espoused an architectural style that was pure and economical with little decoration or ornamentation. Examples of his work are particularly numerous in Vienna (the Looshaus opposite the Hoffburg and the Kartner Bar - a.k.a. the American Bar - being the most well-known), although many consider this surprisingly spacious building to be the finest example of his architectural style.

Municipal House (Obecní Dům)

Náměstí Republiky 5, Praha 1, Staré Město, Tel: +420 222 002 101, Fax: +420 222 002 100, Website: www.obecni-dum.cz, E-mail: info@obecni-dum.cz, Metro: Náměstí Republiky
Considered by many to be the finest example of Art Nouveau architecture in Prague, the Obecní Dům is also a triumph of artistic collaboration. Constructed between 1905 and 1911 the house, which has been painstakingly restored to its former glory, was built to the designs of Osvald Polívka and Antonín Balšánek (with the input of more than 30 other leading artists) and raised on what was once the court of the Bohemian Royal family.

The interior, which includes a number of impressive works by the world famous Czech artist Alfons Mucha, is surpassed only by the building's lavish entrance and exterior façade. Here, the central wrought iron gate and stained glass canopy are complimented by a truly delightful mosaic entitled 'Homage to Prague' which, in turn, is flanked on either side by sculptures depicting 'Humiliation and Rebirth of the Czech Nation'.

To our mind there's no better way of rounding off a visit here than by enjoying a coffee in the grand Kavárna Obecní dům (Obecní dům café) or a meal in either the Francouzská or Plzeňská restaurants. In addition, the Obecní Dům is built around Prague's biggest concert venue - Smetana Hall, thus providing a wonderful setting for the Prague Spring Festival as well as art exhibitions throughout the year.

The National Theatre (Národni divadlo)

Národní 2, Praha 1, Nové Město, Website: www.nationaltheatre.cz, Metro: Národní třída/Tram 6, 9, 17, 18, 22
The upsurge of Czech nationalism in the 19th century was due, in no small part, to a highly influential literary, music and arts scene, with composers such as Bedřich Smetana being instrumental in creating new cultural institutions such as Josef Zitek's National Theatre.

Standing as fitting testament to the wave of patriotism that united all levels of Bohemian society, it was founded after a group of influential Czech nationalists had successfully petitioned Emperor Ferdinand V for permission to build a dedicated Czech language theatre. Funded entirely from public donations, work began in 1868, with Zitek overseeing the final touches to his grand structure in 1881.

Then, with only weeks to go before its official opening, tragedy struck as fire engulfed the auditorium and adjoining halls, completely devastating the building's ornate decoration. However, almost immediately, a public appeal was launched to rebuild the theatre, with locals raising enough money for the works within just 6 weeks. Taking some two years to repair, this symbol of Czech national identity finally opened its doors on 18 November 1883 to a production of Smetana's Libuše.

The interior, which was created by some of the finest painters and sculptors of the time, boasts a hugely impressive foyer - complete with ceiling paintings by Ženíšek and a gallery of bronze busts covering revered figures of Czech opera and theatre.

Na Přikopě

Praha 1, Staré Město, Metro: Náměstí Republiky/Můstek
Meaning 'on the moat', Na Přikopě marks the moat that once followed Staré Město's old town walls. Now filled in, it serves today as one of Prague's most upmarket shopping districts, chock full of department stores, boutiques, restaurants, cafés and bars. Of architectural interest is the Art Nouveau interior of the Živnostenská Bank building (No. 20) and the neo-Renaissance House of the Black Rose (U černé růže).

Old Custom House at Podskalí

Rašínovo nábř. 412, Podskalí, Praha 2, Tel: +420 224 223 696, Tram 3, 7, 17 to Výtoň, Visit by appointment (please telephone to arrange suitable time), Free with Matilda card
The Old Custom House dates back to the 16th century when officials stationed here used to collect duty on wood that traders floated down the Vltava River from nearby forests. The building today houses a small exhibition on the now subsumed village of Podskalí as well as a display on steam navigation. Free with Matilda card

Old Royal Palace (Starý královský palác)

Pražský Hrad, Praha 1, Hradčany, Tel: +420 224 371 111, Website: www.hrad.cz, Metro: Hradčanská/Tram 8, 18, 25, 26, Open: 1 Apr-31 Oct 9am-5pm, Mon-Sun, 1 Nov-31 Mar 9am-4pm, Free with Matilda card
Although a Royal Palace has stood on this site since the 9th century, most of what can be seen today was constructed during the 15th century at the bidding of Vladislav Jagello. The most impressive part of the Old Royal Palace (the residence of Czech kings until the end of the 16th-century) is Benedict Ried's Vladislav Hall, completed in 1502 after some nine years of construction. Featuring an elegant vaulted ceiling and rectangular Renaissance windows, it was used for feasts, coronations, markets and councils, along with the occasional (indoor) jousting tournament! It's easy to imagine how impressive the hall's Gothic splendour - and size - would have seemed to visiting dignitaries. Indeed, one was moved to observe that 'no other building exists like it in Europe, none that was longer, broader and higher without pillars'. Adjoining the Vladislav Hall is the Diet, where important affairs of state were conducted, while at the far end, is the All Saints Chapel, which was rebuilt on the site of the original Romanesque building.