Prague Landmarks and Monuments

(Prague, Czech Republic)

The numerous landmarks within Prague come in all shapes and sizes, many of which are notable for their age and historical significance, being tucked away in the Stare Mesto district, while other monuments and palaces are simply hard to miss. One of the most outstanding Romanesque-style landmarks in Prague is St. George's Basilica, which was founded in 920 by the Czech prince, Vratislav I.

A simply spectacular Renaissance landmark that is guaranteed to quite literally take your breath away is the Prague Royal Summer Palace, which also goes by the name of the Belvedere. Within the New Town quarter (Nove Mesto), the New Town Hall presides over Charles Square, and is far from new, having its origins firmly in the 14th century.

St. George's Basilica

Address: Ke Hradu, Jirske Namesti 33, Prague, CZ-11800, Czech Republic, CZ
After considerable damage by fire in 1142, St. George's Basilica required considerable reconstruction work. Many of the original frescoes remain within the chancel area. The ceiling of the vaulted chapel of the Martyr St. Ludmilla is covered in elaborate 16th-century paintings, so don't forget to look up.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge

Belvedere / Royal Summer Palace (Letohrádek Královny Anny)

Address: Jirské Namesti 33, Royal Garden, Prague Castle, Prague, CZ-11000, Czech Republic, CZ
Tel: +420 02 2437 3368
The Royal Summer Palace dates from the 16th century and is an ornate, arcaded summerhouse with a roof shaped rather like an upside-down hull of a ship. A notable centrepiece of the geometrical gardens is the Singing Fountain, which dates from 1568 and creates musical notes as the water cascades into the bronze bowls.
Open hours: open for exhibitions, therefore hours vary
Admission: charge

Cernin Palace

Address: Lorentanske Namesti, Prague, CZ-11908, Czech Republic, CZ
Amongst the biggest of all the city's many palaces, Cernin Palace dominates Loreta Square and is particularly close to Prague Castle itself. The palace itself can only be appreciated from the outside and is not open to the public, although at more than 130 metres / 425 feet in length and boasting no less than 30 enormous stone columns, what an exterior it is.
Open hours: daily, exterior only
Admission: free

Bezdez Castle

Address: Státni Hrad Bezdiz, Okna, CZ-47162, Czech Republic, CZ
Tel: +420 0487 873 131
An important building dating back as far as the 13th century, the ancient Bezdez Castle is located just outside of Prague and is of great European significance. Apart from its many well-preserved medieval features, the castle also boasts some superb views of the surrounding area, which appears almost never ending.
Open hours: April and October, Saturday and Sunday - 09:00 to 16:00; May to September, Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children and families

Lobkowicz Palace (Lobkovicky Palác)

Address: Jirská 3, Prague Castle, Prague, CZ-11908, Czech Republic, CZ
Tel: +420 02 5753 4578
One of numerous landmarks that was built shortly after Prague's infamous fire of 1541, Lobkowicz Palace surrounds a central courtyard and dates back to the 1570s. The sumptuous 17th-century banqueting hall is the main highlight and is decorated with mythological Czech characters and elaborate frescoes.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available

New Town Hall (Novomestská Radnice)

Address: Karlovo Namesti 23, Prague, CZ-12000, Czech Republic, CZ
Tel: +420 02 2494 8229
The New Town Hall already existed in the 14th century and was extended during both the 15th and 16th century, when a Gothic tower and an arcaded courtyard were added. Following the merging of the four towns of Prague in the late 18th century, the New Town hall was no longer used as a seat of administration and today functions as simply a grand Gothic hall, being used for many social events.
Open hours: May to September, Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

Prague Castle

Address: Ke Hradu, Prague, CZ-11800, Czech Republic, CZ
The very history of the city started with this castle, which was established during the 9th century by the Prince Borivoj. Prague Castle enjoys an elevated position and dominates the surrounding Hradcany district, overlooking the city below, the River Vltava and the Malá Strana. Many buildings are entirely enclosed by the castle walls and these include the St. Vitus Cathedral, a monastery and a palace.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 12:15 and 13:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge, discounts available

Old Royal Palace (Stary Královsky Palác)

Address: Ke Hradu, Prague, CZ-11800, Czech Republic, CZ
Tel: +420 02 2437 1111
Once home to the Bohemian monarchy who resided here between the 11th and 16th centuries, the Old Royal Palace contains many spectacular rooms and is actually part of the spreading Prague Castle complex. The building itself comprises three different layers of architecture, with a Romanesque palace forming the cellars of the current building. Notable parts of the Royal Palace complex include Vladislav Hall, the Riders' Staircase, All Saints' Chapel, the Theresian Way and the Bohemian Chancellery.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available

Old Town Hall (Staromestska Radnice)

Address: Staromestské Namesti, Prague, CZ-11000, Czech Republic, CZ
Tel: +420 02 2448 2751
The Old Town Hall is without doubt one of the most eye-catching landmarks within the city of Prague and was created in the 1330s. Over the years to follow, many of the adjacent town houses were demolished, since the Old Town Hall required more room for expansion, and now comprises a series of both Renaissance and Gothic buildings, which most notably include the Old Council Hall and the Old Town Hall Tower. The Astronomical Clock is of particular interest and features moving mechanical figures of the Twelve Apostles, along with ornate zodiac decorations.
Open hours: Monday - 11:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

Old Town Square (Staromestské Námesti)

Address: Staromestské Námesti, Prague, CZ-11000, Czech Republic, CZ
The Old Town Square, known locally in Prague as the Staromestské Námesti, originated in the 11th century and is surrounded by some of the city's most colourful history, which comes in the form or magnificent palatial buildings. Old Town Square is sandwiched between the Charles Bridge and also Wenceslas Square, and is dominated on its northerly side by the glorious Baroque-style Church of St. Nicholas. Also equally imposing and standing on the eastern side is both the House at the Stone Bell, and the Rococo-style Golz Kinsky Palace. Many further pastel-coloured buildings add yet more character to the square, while restaurants regularly offer al fresco dining on the pavements of the Old Town Square itself.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Vysehrad Castle

Address: V Pevnosti 159, Prague, CZ-12800, Czech Republic, CZ
Tel: +420 02 4141 0348
A truly ancient fortress with origins firmly in the 10th century, Vysehrad Castle is today open to visitors, who are able to freely explore the castle and its ramparts. The castle is also home to the Church of St. Peter and Paul, the Vysehrad Cemetery and a small museum area. Good views across the River Vltava and beyond can also be expected.
Open hours: daily, April to October - 09:30 to 18:00; November to March - 09:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge