Prague should be in your bucket list if you love to know more about architecture. The city practically offers a glimpse of different architectural styles ranging from Baroque, Gothic, Art Noveau, Functionalism, Cubism, and the list goes on. Some even joke that you can get a PhD on architecture when you go on a Prague holiday.

We cannot cover all of the important landmarks for the architecture tour of Prague but we pick some of the best examples.

Charles Bridge (Gothic)


The building of the bridge commenced in 1337 commission by Charles IV and was completed during the 15th century.  The bridge was a vital link between the Prague Castle, the Old Town, and the nearby areas. The Charles Bridge is among the most photographed and visited destinations in this part of the Czech Republic.

Among the most fascinating elements of this Gothic styled bridge are its Baroque statues and sculptures that were installed during the 1700’s. What you can actually see on the bridge today are not the original sculptures but replicas. The original statues are conserved at the National Museum. There are three towers leading to the entrance of Charles Bridge: 1 on the way to Old Town and the other 2 leading to Mala Strana.

The best time to visit the Charles Bridge are the early hours of the morning and late at night to avoid all the crowds and for you to perfectly frame this wonder. If you are looking for other Gothic examples, check-out St. Vitus Cathedral, House of the Stone Bell, and the St. Agnes Convent.

Ball Game Hall (Renaissance)


The Ball Game Hall in the gardens of the Prague Castle served several functions. Built during the 16th century, noble men and women enjoyed sports similar to what we know today as tennis and badminton. The structure later served as a stable and a military barracks.

The Ball Game Hall was bombed during the Second World War and was restored in 1952. The sgraffito adorned walls of the building is a good representative of Renaissance architecture. Sgraffito is a wall décor technique which makes use of plaster applied on ceramics or moist surface. The symbolism of the wall decors points us to four elements, virtues, and sciences.

Today the Ball Game Hall hosts art exhibits, concerts, social gatherings, and conferences.

Other Renaissance examples are The House at the Minute, Star Summer Palace, and the Royal Summer Palace.

Strahov Monastery (Baroque)


The Strahov Monastery was built in 1140 and is considered as among the oldest monasteries in Prague. Architecture buffs must not miss the Philosophical Hall and the Theological Hall when visiting the buildings of the monastery. The location of the monastery atop a hill also gives you access to the most stunning views of the city.

Drop by the Troja Chateau, Cathedral of St. Nicholas, and the Sternberg Palace to see more of Baroque style structures.

Municipal House (Art Noveau)


The sheer size and details of the Municipal House in Prague makes it a good example of Art Noveau style architecture. We are talking about gilded decors, stained glass for the windows, murals, and ceramic works.

The structure is still a masterpiece even when constructed on an even piece of land. As you enter the main façade, notice the Homage to Prague half dome ceramic mosaic by Spillar and sculptures on the side to represent the struggles of the people. Inside murals by Max Svabinsky, Jan Preisler, and Alfons Mucha.

House of the Black Madonna (Cubism)


When you get to the Old Town side of Prague, make sure you visit the House of the Black Madonna conceptualized by Josef Gocar. The building is currently being used as a museum of Cubism. This is the first Cubist structure in Prague and might be considered as the most famous icon.

Also don’t forget the only cubist lamp post in the world.

Muller Villa (Functionalism)


This structure was designed by the famous architect Adolf Loos. He was considered as among the most influential architects of modern European architecture. The cube shaped house was designed for the Muller family using the Raumplan interiors which primarily treats the interior as spaces instead of floor plans or rooms. The design of the spaces flow to according to their functions.