A city in stone and lines

Prague architecture as a chronicle of time

Prague is a city that tells its story through the lines of its facades, the rhythm of its streets, and the silence of its courtyards. Every stone is an imprint of the era that shaped it — from Romanesque foundations to functionalist lines and contemporary renovations that respect the original character. Urban architecture is not just a backdrop, but a living organism that reflects the changes in society, lifestyle, and needs of its inhabitants.

In this section, we will introduce you to exceptional buildings, streets, and urban complexes that show how Prague is able to preserve its heritage while seeking new expressions. From the elegance of Art Nouveau apartment buildings to the experiments of Brutalism, here you will find architecture that will allow you to look beneath the surface of the city and perhaps even into your own relationship with the space in which you live.

1.Romanesque – St. Martin’s Rotunda (Vyšehrad)

St. Martin’s Rotunda is one of the oldest buildings in Prague, built in the second half of the 11th century as part of Vyšehrad, the seat of the early Přemyslid princes. Thick stone walls, a small semicircular window, and a circular floor plan offer a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city. Throughout history, it served as a shooting range and gunpowder store – a cannonball from 1757 in the wall still reminds us of the Prussian siege. For visitors, it is a place of silence and reflection, where history can be felt firsthand.

Address: V Pevnosti, 128 00 Prague 2 – Vyšehrad

2.Romanesque – Rotunda of the Finding of the Holy Cross

Hidden in a quiet courtyard in the Old Town, this 12th-century rotunda preserves the authenticity of early Romanesque architecture. The building is made of stone and mortar with a simple floor plan and a distinctive apse. Although not normally accessible, the interior offers a unique sense of historical continuity. It is a place that demonstrates how thoughtfully builders combined spiritual meaning with architectural minimalism, and reminds us that even a small building can tell a big story.

Address: Konviktská / Karolíny Světlé, Prague 1

3.Functionalism – Radost House (Žižkov)

Completed in 1932–34, Dům Radost was the first high-rise building in Czechoslovakia. It has 13 floors and a cross-shaped floor plan, which ensures daylight in all parts of the building. The ceramic façade and simple geometric shapes typical of functionalism make it an iconic example of this architectural style. After revitalization, it now offers apartments, offices, a cinema, and a rooftop with views of Prague. The building shows that the rationality of contemporary principles can also make sense in a modern context.

Address: nám. Winstona Churchilla 2, 130 00 Prague 3 – Žižkov

4.Constructivism – Husův sbor (Vršovice)

Designed by Karel Truksa and Pavel Janák and completed in 1930, Husův sbor is one of the most striking examples of constructivism in the Czech Republic. The 33-meter-high concrete tower with a brass chalice symbolizes the connection between spiritual and modern thinking. The building includes a nave, a conference hall, and community spaces. It is minimalist, yet imbued with humanistic philosophy — and today it is used for worship services, concerts, and educational programs.

Address: Dykova 51/1, 100 00 Prague 10 – Vršovice

5.Deconstructivism – Dancing House (Rašínovo nábřeží)

The Dancing House by Vlado Milunić and Frank Gehry (1992–96) is a tribute to film dancers Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The structure of two interconnected towers made of metal and glass is a bold gesture of freedom and exaggeration. The interiors, designed by Eva Jiřičná, combine offices, a gallery, and a restaurant with views of the Vltava River. The building was named “Design of the Year” by Time magazine in 1997 and has become a symbol of Prague’s transformation after 1989.

Address: Rašínovo nábřeží 80, 120 00 Prague 2