Explore These Must-Visit Architectural Marvels of the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic with its seat in the very core of Central Europe is a country in which each street corner and every skyline narrates a tale of artistic genius and historical richness. It is an open-air museum of architecture: this gorgeous land is a land of Gothic cathedrals and Baroque palaces, a land of Renaissance courtyards and Cubist ones, of modern masterpieces and old edifices seamlessly combining with each other. Its architecture is not only the buildings but the identity, evolution and survival. The Czech Republic presents a visual chronicle of European civilization, starting with medieval streets of Prague, moving on to the fable towns of Cesky Krumlov and Kutna Hora.

In each of these monuments we have an age of artistic activity, the devotion of the Gothic cathedrals, the boldness of modernism of the 20th century. Be it a history buff, a design enthusiast or just a person who admires the beauty of the ancient times, a walk through Czech architecture allows a tour of the culture, craft and fantasy.

Read this list of the most iconic architectural marvels in the Czech Republic that you simply cannot afford to leave without seeing the artistic marvel of the country.

1. Dancing House

One of the boldest and creative modern buildings of Prague is the Dancing House (Tancici dum). Designed by Croatian-Czech architect Vlado Milunic in cooperation with an international Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, it was made in 1996 and immediately became one of the symbols of postmodern architecture. The wavy, curvy lines of the building appear to be under a dancing couple, or that is why this building is called by the parents Fred and Ginger after the renowned dance couple Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

The architecture of the building compares dramatically to the rest of the Baroque and Gothic buildings in Prague, which represents the dynamic mixture of the past and the present in the city. Internally, the building accommodates art galleries, offices and a rooftop restaurant where one can enjoy stunning views of the Vltava river and the Prague castle, which proves that art and functionality can go hand in hand.

2. St. Vitus Cathedral

The great St. Vitus Cathedral is in the center of Prague castle which is one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. It started being constructed in 1344 and was almost six centuries before it was finished. The towering involved towers, the detailed stained-glass windows, and the ribbed vault ceiling ceilings, also make the cathedral to be one of the most beautiful and historical places in the country.

The tombs of Bohemian kings, emperors, and saints are located in the cathedral, which is why the building is not only a religious monument but also a national Czech pride. The interior consists of the St. Wenceslas Chapel, decorated with precious stones and gold ornaments, and the famous Rose Window, reeking with the colorful light in the daytime and making every person who comes there amazed with its splendor.

3. Old Town Hall

The Old Town Hall is one of the most popular places of the city; it is proudly located in the centre of the Old Town Square in Prague. It became the seat of municipal power in 1338, and held the position for centuries. But the true goal of this is the Astronomical Clock (Orloj), which was installed in 1410 – one of the oldest and most complex clocks that is still in action in the world today.

The procession of the Twelve Apostles and other animated figures coming out of the clock tower are a spectacle that is attended by tourists every hour. The mechanism is not only time-telling, but also able to keep meeting astronomical cycles and zodiac signs, which is the ingenuity of medieval engineering. Reach the summit of the tower and have a view of the red top roofs and Gothic spires of the Old Town that will not be forgotten.

4. Prague Castle 

Prague Castle is a complex of ancient castles recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site and is one of the largest castle complexes in the world consisting of more than 70,000 square meters. It was constructed in the 9th century and has been the seat of rulers of Czechs, Holy Roman Emperors and present-day presidents.

The castle complex is an architectural marvel with the development of Romanesque chapels to Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque palaces. The castle grounds are home to the Old Royal Palace, the Basilica of St. George, and the awesome Golden Lane, a small street that had colorful houses that housed guards and goldsmiths of the castle.

All parts of Prague Castle are full of living history as it gives the viewer a clear picture of the Czech royal and political history.

5. Charles Bridge 

Charles Bridge is a legendary place of walk which we cannot visit in the Czech Republic without it. This iconic Gothic bridge was built in 1402 and it links the Old Town and the Lesser Town on the other side of the river, the Vltava. Emperor Charles IV commissioned it and it was constructed under the direction of architect Peter Parler.

Both of the bridges are decorated with 30 different statues of saints, the majority of which belong to the 17 th and 18 th centuries, and each one narrates a Christian tradition. The bridge is put in a magical mood especially at sunset or sunrise when the water and the cobblestones are reflected in soft light. The bridge is not only a monument but also a life-giving element as street artists, musicians, vendors make it a solid part of the city that would always be timeless Prague.

6. St. Nicholas Church 

The St. Nicholas Church in the Lesser Town (Mala Strana) of Prague is the best example of the Baroque architecture in Europe. It was built in 1704 1755 (designed by Christoph Dientzenhofer and finished by his son Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer).

The beautiful frescoes and magnificent dome of the church make the visitors marvel at the magnificence of the scene, and the inside is adorned with gilded elements, elaborated sculptures, and decorated chandeliers. Among the attractions is the huge pipe organ, which Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart used to play.

The light and space play within the church gives a spiritual effect, reminding people about the beauty, emotion and grandeur worshipping of the Baroque era.

Czech Architecture: The Living Legacy

The architectural environment of the Czech Republic is not only a row of old architectural buildings but also a living testimony of human creativeness. From Gothic cathedrals, which cut through the sky, to postmodern masterpieces, which break through tradition, every building tells an element of the changing history of the nation.

It seems to be that when walking in the streets of Prague, Brno or Cesky Krumlov, it may be like browsing the pages of a history book, except that it is stone and glass illustrated. All the arches, domes, and facades contain echoes of the past and sounds of the future.

The Czech Republic is a centuries-old literary trip, one structure after another, to any lover of art, architecture, or culture.