Architecture

Located close to Prague Castle, the Loreta (also called Loretto in English) is religiously and historically significant, and is also an excellent example of Baroque architecture. However, to understand the religious and historical significance of the Loreta, it is necessary to know the legend of the Santa Casa. Supposedly, the house in Nazareth where the angel Gabriel told Mary that she was pregnant with Jesus Christ was transplanted to Loreto, Italy by angels in 1278 AD, where it became a holy place.

On the Old Town bank of the Vltava, close to the Jewish Quarter, and just a stone’s throw from the Staromestska metro station stands the Rudolfinum, a fine example of Czech Neo-Renaissance architecture. Josef Zitek and Josef Schulz designed this building during as part of the Czech National Revival of the late 19th/ early 20th centuries. During this time, the Czechs were slowly gaining more autonomy from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, a period marked by cultural growth for the Czechs, which explains the decadent interior of the Rudolfinum.

One of the many interesting sights in the Prague Castle/ Hradcany area is the Strahov Monastery, which has existed in some form since its founding in 1140 by the Premonstratensian order of the Catholic Church. However, in 1258 the original building was destroyed by fire, but within approximately ten years it had been rebuilt, this time in Gothic style. Over time, Strahov Monastery received more Baroque additions. The Church of Our Lady, for example, is built in a highly decorative Baroque style, though it retains its 12th century basilica ground plan.

The Old-New Synagogue, built circa 1270, is the oldest synagogue still in use in all of Europe. It is positioned next to the Jewish Town Hall, and is recognizable by its early Gothic brick exterior. This synagogue earned its curious name because it was originally named the New Synagogue. When another synagogue was built nearby, it was given its current title. The building itself has been kept in excellent condition throughout its turbulent history in Prague’s Jewish quarter.

Situated on the east bank of the Vltava and just north of Old Town, Prague’s Jewish Quarter is a striking tribute to the solidarity and perseverance of the Jewish people. Although Judaism was established in Central Europe as early as the 10th century, its followers were discriminated throughout most of Prague’s history. Until the late 1700s, the Jews were confined to a cramped, walled ghetto which occupied most of today’s Jewish Quarter. During this time, the Jews suffered through many pogroms and a great fire in 1689.

In the midst of the historical buildings lining the banks of the Vltava, the glimmering and audacious design of the Dancing House, or Tancici Dum, stands out as the most modern-looking building in the Golden City. Also often called the “Fred and Ginger” (after the famous American dancers Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers), the structure is reminiscent of a man and woman dancing. The side closest to the river represents the man, and in its “arms” is the shimmering glass woman.

The most famous square in the old Prague originated in the 11th century when the very first inhabitants of the right shore of the Vltava river came to settle this land. The square went through many changes during the ages, which has actually reflected even on its names. At the beginning it was called Market or Old Market because of the fact that there were regular markets organized there. Then, since the 14th century, it was changed to Market Place or Old Town Market Place.

Tyn Church, or “The Church of Our Lady Before Tyn”, towers over the Old Town Square, reaching a height of around 80 metres.

The Tyn was built in the 15th century, by the followers of the “heretic” Jan Hus (also spelled John Huss in English), who was burnt at the stake in Constance.

Prague is often called “The city of a hundred spires” and actually, this is very underestimated. Hundreds of spires are to be found in Prague along with other great pieces of architecture, ranging from Roman style to Postmodernism. Come to Prague and discover one of the world's most charming cities!