Monuments to visit Prague

The Carolinum is located on Ovocny Trh (Fruit Market Square), which runs from the end of Celetná Street, at the level of the Black Madonna's House, to this prestigious institution. The Carolinum was and still is the seat of Charles University, the oldest still functioning university in Central Europe. Founded by Charles IV on April 7, 1348, it was his son, Wenceslas IV, who, in 1383, was finally able to acquire one of the city's palaces, which he renamed after his father, to build the university. It had four faculties: theology, law, medicine and art. At first, the university was reserved for men, and the first girl was admitted only in 1897. Today, it is the administrative headquarters of the university and some of the lecture halls are still filled with students, although the magnificent halls are used more for honorary ceremonies. The building was completely rebuilt in the Baroque style in the 18th century, but the vaulted ceiling of the corridor, which can be seen through the windows from the outside, and the remains of the chapel on the corner, bear witness to the original Gothic architecture. Graduations are held regularly in the ceremonial hall; if you see a lot of well-dressed people coming in, don't hesitate to follow them: you'll witness an event during which old costumes, speeches, and seriousness fill the old Gothic hall. It doesn't last long and you'll have unforgettable memories. The cloister occasionally hosts exhibitions.

This beautiful baroque palace, dating from the late 18th century, belonged to Charles of Liechtenstein, notorious for persecuting the opponents of the Habsburgs. The building houses the European Centre for Music Culture, including a music conservatory and a library. You will admire the sublime scenery if you have the chance to attend one of the concerts given there. The Liechtenstein family owned a second palace in Prague, which is located on the island of Kampa.

It is a primitive Baroque style building, built from 1689 to 1691 according to the plans of the French architect Jean-Baptiste Mathey. Above the portal you will notice the coat of arms of the Dukes of Tuscany to whom the palace belonged. The five statues in the attic representing the gods of antiquity are the work of Brokof. The adjoining house, at No. 8, was the residence of W. -A. Mozart during the shooting of Milos Forman's film, Amadeus, in 1984

The Rotunda Rotunda svatého (Kříže, 12th century) is one of the jewels of Romanesque architecture in Bohemia. There are only three of these left in Prague and this is the oldest. It is representative of the time of the Přemyslides dynasty. The grid surrounding it is by Joseph Mánes (19th century). Its location, caught between colourful and more recent buildings, is a real curiosity. Offices are regularly held there.

František Bílek is one of the most famous Czech graphic designers, sculptors and artists. His religious approach to art gradually led him to the need to create complex environments. His villa is a modern residence built in 1911, which he designed himself. It shows not only the living quarters of the Bílek family, but also their studio. It is a very good visit. The monument is managed by the Municipal Gallery of Prague.

The original fountain dates back to the 1891 World's Fair, but a new, more efficient one was built a hundred years later. With fifty pumps and three thousand nozzles, it's virtually unique in the world. The water is colored by numerous reflectors (more than 1,200) and enchants spectators, who come to watch light and music shows with the impressive fountains in operation! A unique experience.

It is one of the Art Nouveau symbols of Prague. It dominates Stromovka Park thanks to its tower with a glass and steel structure and surprises with its small spiral staircase. Towers, decorated and ornamented beams, glass dome, this central building long served as the Communist Party Congress Centre. The identical reconstruction following the 2008 fire allows us to admire once again the splendid glass roof, which alone weighs nearly 500 tonnes!

This tall black tower dominates the district dates from the 15th century. It was successively watchtower, then bell tower of the church of Saint-Henri. Today it houses a luxury restaurant and an exhibition on the different towers of Prague. Architectural enthusiasts will be able to browse through the cross-sectional plans and perspective views, while fans of old postcards will take a look at Prague's old face before and during the communist period.

Located on Mariánské Square, this early 20th century building is a fine example of Art Nouveau architecture in Prague. A competition was launched to find the perfect architect for the creation of this new city hall: Osvald Polívka was the lucky one. The main rule to follow is the homogeneity with the neighboring buildings, the Clementinum and the Clam-Gallas Palace. The Secession style is very well respected. Construction began in 1909 and was completed two years later.

It is impossible to miss the beautiful entrance to this building from Marianké Square. It is one of the most beautiful creations of the Viennese architect J. B. Fischer von Erlach (1713-1719). Two pairs of atlatls, sculpted by M.-B. Braun in 1714, support the balcony of the second floor. If by chance the door was open, take the grand staircase, considered one of the jewels of Baroque civil architecture in Prague. It will lead you to the capital's archives.

The Lobkowicz Palace houses the National Museum's historical exhibition. It is located in the grounds of Prague Castle, in an alleyway that connects the third courtyard of the castle with Golden Lane. It's a large palace built in Renaissance style in the second half of the ^16th century and remodeled in Baroque style by Carlo Lurago a century later. Today, you can learn about Czech history here, as the palace houses the largest exhibition of its kind.

The monumental Wallenstein Palace, built between 1623 and 1629, dominates the right part of the square and Valdštejnská Street. You can see his portrait inside, in the knights' room. Italian artists were mainly involved in the construction of the palace. It is a late Renaissance building where the first manifestations of the Baroque period can be felt, particularly in the sala terrena of the garden. The palace houses the Senate and is not open to the public.