Art & Architecture

A trip along Prague’s tram system offers travelers great opportunities to lose themselves in a collage of architectural splendor. Everyone will find somewhere appealing to focus their eyes in Prague. Architectural styles in and around Prague include, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Classicism and Empire Style, Historicism, Moorish Revival, Art Nouveau, Cubism and Rondocubism, Functionalism, Joze Plecnik, Communist Era, High Tech, and Post 1989.

Architectural History of Prague

It’s worth starting your architectural journey through Prague well before you arrive. The evolution in Czech architecture parallels the city’s cultural and political evolution, which saw the rise and fall of empires, societal upheaval, the clamp down of communism, and the eventual rebirth of this vibrant country. A study of Prague’s architecture will allow you to better appreciate and understand this complex culture. We encourage travelers to pick up a copy of Architecture of New Prague 1895-1945 to gain an in-depth understanding of Prague. You will read about Prague’s modern, ornamental, and geometrical styles found everyday on the streets, Cubism, and the effect the Great Depression had on architecture in the city of a hundred spires. This superb work will add a layer of context to your journey that will bring each building to life.

Post 1989 – The Dancing House

One controversial design featured in the Post 1989 style is the Dancing House. Completed in 1996 and known as Fred and Ginger—referring to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, the Dancing House quickly became a landmark tourist attraction along the banks of the Vltava river. Boasting a top notch French restaurant on the top two floors, tourists can take in an exquisite fare while enjoying breathtaking views of the city. The Dancing House is one of the many tourist attractions featured in The God Complex.

No trip to Prague is complete without packing a copy of The God Complex.

Set in Prague and inspired by actual events, The God Complex takes readers on a thrill ride through Chinese medicine. As you solve this gripping mystery, discover the secrets of Eastern medicine and its hidden connection to martial arts. Turn your trip into an adventure—download the free self-guided tour of Prague. It offers a nice blend of the main tourist attractions, as well as places frequented by characters in the book. While everyone else is meandering aimlessly clutching their Fodors or Lonely Planet guides, you will be living in “the city of a hundred spires.”

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Gothic – The Powder Tower

The Powder Tower is one of the thirteen entrance gates to Old Town. The tower’s name stems from its use as a gunpowder storage facility during the 17th century; prior to the 17th century it was named the Mountain Tower due to its impressive stature. The structure stands 65 meter tall and served as the beginning of the Royal coronation route. Built during the reign of Vladislav II Jagiello, the Powder Tower’s construction was put on hold from 1477 to 1485 because the King was forced to flee due to religious riots that broke out across the city. During the Prussian occupation of 1757, the Powder Tower was badly damaged. Roughly one hundred years passed before the tower was rebuilt, adding a steeple and ornate decorations. Be sure to visit the exhibition about the history of the tower and take in the views of Old Town. The original manuscript for The God Complex featured this tower in its story line. While it has been removed, The God Complex Self-Guided Tour of Prague still shows the Powder Tower on the map with a thumbnail photo.