12 Must-See Landmarks in the ‘City of a Hundred Spires’, Prague

① Powder Tower

The Powder Tower, originally an entrance gate to the 13th-century castle, was initially built in Gothic architecture. Soaring to a majestic height of 213 feet, it was erected in 1475. Christened initially the New Tower, it underwent a name change in the 17th century, becoming known as the Powder Tower due to its later function as a storage facility for gunpowder.

② Dancing House

The Dancing House is one of Prague’s most renowned modern architectural marvels. The collaborative genius of Croatian-Czech architect Vlado Milunić and Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry envisioned this extraordinary edifice. Construction of this iconic structure commenced in 1992 and reached its grand culmination in 1996. What truly sets the Dancing House apart is its sinuous and captivating exterior, and topping it all off is a splendid restaurant, making it a must-visit destination for all.

③ St Nicholas Church

St. Nicholas Church is Prague’s preeminent example of a Baroque-style church. Inaugurated in 1755, it occupies the historic site of a 13th-century Gothic church. The church boasts a striking blue dome measuring 65 feet in diameter. Furthermore, its interior houses an 18th-century pipe organ.

④ Kinsky Palace

Situated in Prague’s Old Town, the Kinsky Palace commands attention with its captivating pink and white façade. Erected in the Rococo style, this splendid palace took shape between 1755 and 1765. Recognized as a national cultural monument in 1992, the Kinsky Palace currently serves as an esteemed art gallery.

⑤ Czech National Museum

The Czech National Museum, located just past Wenceslas Square, is an architectural masterpiece constructed in the Neo-Renaissance style. Designed by Josef Schulz, the building’s construction commenced in 1885 and reached completion in 1891. Unfortunately, during World War II in 1945, the structure suffered damage but was meticulously restored and reopened in 1947. Inside, the ceiling frescoes and the grand interior staircase leave a lasting impression with their grandeur.

⑥ Municipal House

The Municipal House, now home to the famous Smetana Hall, was built in 1911 on the site of the former royal palace. In 1918, the Declaration of Independence of Czechoslovakia took place within the walls of this very Municipal House. The historic establishment’s interior features distinctive Art Nouveau decor, with stained glass windows, mosaics, and lavish gilded embellishments. Its treasures include a concert hall under a glass dome, a time-honored café, and a restaurant.

⑦ St George’s Basilica ​​

Founded in 920, St George’s Basilica stands as one of the oldest church buildings in Prague Castle. Contrasting its striking red exterior, limestone bricks decorate the interior, creating a calm atmosphere. Authorities designated it as a national cultural monument in 1962. From 1969 to 1975, it served as an exhibition space. Now, it houses the Prague National Museum’s 19th-century Bohemian art collection.

⑧ Villa Müller

Czech engineer František Müller commissioned architect Adolf Loos to design his house, which was completed in 1930. The Müller couple resided there until 1948. Subsequently, the building was a museum, warehouse, library, and research institute. The city government took over management after the Müller descendants sold it to Prague in 1995. Following restoration work completed in 1998, it reopened as a museum in 2000. Today, it stands as a highly regarded example of early modernist architecture.

⑨ House of the Black Madonna

Built in 1912 as a department store, the House of the Black Madonna, a prime example of Prague’s Cubist architecture, is the work of Czech architect Josef Gočár. The building underwent reconstruction in 1994 and restoration in 2003. It now functions as a decorative arts museum and café, hosting a permanent exhibition on Czech Cubism.

⑩ St Wenceslas Church

Designed by Josef Gočár, St Wenceslas Church is a Roman Catholic church. It opened its doors in 1930 to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of St Wenceslas’s death. The church, built in the Constructivist style, is notable for its stepped roof and bell tower. At the top of the 50m high bell tower, there is a 7m high cross.

⑪ Zizkov TV Tower

Construction started in 1985 and was completed in 1992. The Zizkov TV Tower is one of the tallest architectural landmarks in Prague. It serves as an observation deck, hotel, restaurant, meteorological observatory, and data center. The tower is famous for the sculpture Babies on its exterior. The sculpture, created by Czech artist David Černý, depicts babies crawling up the tower.

⑫ The Masaryčka Building ​​

The Masaryčka Building is currently the most attention-grabbing architecture in Prague. The building is part of the Masaryčka train station modernization project, the work of the late architect Zaha Hadid, who passed away in 2016. Iraqi-born architect Zaha Hadid was the first woman to win the highest honor in architecture, the ‘Pritzker Prize,’ in 2004. The project team expects to complete the entire project by 2026. However, with the building’s finished exterior, it’s attracting many visitors to take pictures.

By. Ji Yeon Hong