Municipal House, Prague (must see)
The city's Art Nouveau masterpiece continues to serve its original purpose since its completion in 1911, acting as a hub for concerts, art exhibitions, and social gatherings. Mirroring the Czech middle class's endeavor to emulate Parisian elegance at the turn of the 20th century, its main facade is a striking ceramic half-dome mosaic titled "Homage to Prague", flanked by allegorical sculptural groups representing "The Degradation of the People" and "The Resurrection of the People".
Much of the interior showcases the works of renowned Czech artists such as Mucha and 艩vabinsk媒. The former's magical frescoes, illustrating Czech history, adorn the Lord Mayor's Hall upstairs, though access is typically limited to guided tours. The exquisite Smetana Hall, which hosts performances by the Prague Symphony Orchestra and renowned international musicians, is on the second floor.
While the ground-floor restaurants may be crowded with tourists, they still exude charm with their gleaming chandeliers and intricate woodwork. Additionally, the cellar houses a cozy beer hall featuring decent fare and ceramic murals adorning the walls.
Overall, a visit is highly recommended, even if only for a brief glimpse. Guided tours are typically offered at two-hour intervals in the afternoons; visitors are advised to check the website for details.
Tip:
At the on-site Modernista shop, innovation takes center stage, drawing aficionados of cubist and modernist furnishings and d茅cor. Whether you're seeking originals, reproductions, or creations by emerging Czech designers, the selection is bound to captivate, making it a challenge to depart empty-handed. From sleek steel liquor cabinets to chic cubist vases, each item exudes distinctiveness.
Much of the interior showcases the works of renowned Czech artists such as Mucha and 艩vabinsk媒. The former's magical frescoes, illustrating Czech history, adorn the Lord Mayor's Hall upstairs, though access is typically limited to guided tours. The exquisite Smetana Hall, which hosts performances by the Prague Symphony Orchestra and renowned international musicians, is on the second floor.
While the ground-floor restaurants may be crowded with tourists, they still exude charm with their gleaming chandeliers and intricate woodwork. Additionally, the cellar houses a cozy beer hall featuring decent fare and ceramic murals adorning the walls.
Overall, a visit is highly recommended, even if only for a brief glimpse. Guided tours are typically offered at two-hour intervals in the afternoons; visitors are advised to check the website for details.
Tip:
At the on-site Modernista shop, innovation takes center stage, drawing aficionados of cubist and modernist furnishings and d茅cor. Whether you're seeking originals, reproductions, or creations by emerging Czech designers, the selection is bound to captivate, making it a challenge to depart empty-handed. From sleek steel liquor cabinets to chic cubist vases, each item exudes distinctiveness.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Prague. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Municipal House on Map
Sight Name: Municipal House
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Prague, Czech Republic
Create Your Own Walk in Prague
Creating your own self-guided walk in Prague is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Prague Introduction Walking Tour
Nicknamed 鈥渢he City of a Hundred Spires,鈥� Prague is home to a wealth of attractions, including more than ten major museums, numerous theatres, galleries, and plethora of historic sights.
The Czech name Praha derives from an old Slavic word pr谩h, which means "ford" or "rapid", referring to the city's origin at a crossing point of the Vltava river. The legendary... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The Czech name Praha derives from an old Slavic word pr谩h, which means "ford" or "rapid", referring to the city's origin at a crossing point of the Vltava river. The legendary... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Lesser Town Walking Tour
Mala Strana (or "Lesser Town") is a district in Prague situated on the left bank of the Vltava River. Renowned for its architectural beauty, this is one of the capital's most historically significant neighborhoods. Back in the Middle Ages, it was predominantly populated by ethnic Germans and, in later years, despite the prevalence of Baroque in its architecture, largely retained its... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Old Town Souvenir Shopping
Strolling through the Old Town of Prague, souvenir shopping becomes a delightful adventure. Indeed, it would be a pity to leave Prague without having explored its specialty shops and bringing home something truly original and unique to the city.
One of the prime spots for such endeavors is the Municipal House, a majestic Art Nouveau building that houses various shops and boutiques. Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
One of the prime spots for such endeavors is the Municipal House, a majestic Art Nouveau building that houses various shops and boutiques. Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
New Town Walking Tour
The youngest (founded in 1348) and the largest (three times the size of the Old Town), the New Town (or Nove Mesto) of Prague is one of the five originally independent townships that today form the historic center of the Czech capital. This vibrant district offers a mix of historical charm and modern amenities and is traditionally dense with tourists.
At its heart lies Wenceslas Square, a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
At its heart lies Wenceslas Square, a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Hradcany (Castle District) Walking Tour
Hradcany, or the Castle District, is a historical neighborhood in Prague brimming with cultural landmarks and architectural marvels.
The area is centered around Prague Castle, reportedly the biggest castle complex in the world. Dating back as far as the 9th century, the castle has been the residence of Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors, leaders of socialist Czechoslovakia, and currently the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
The area is centered around Prague Castle, reportedly the biggest castle complex in the world. Dating back as far as the 9th century, the castle has been the residence of Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors, leaders of socialist Czechoslovakia, and currently the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
The Jewish Quarter, also known as Josefov, is a part of the Old Town (Star茅 M臎sto) of Prague.
The area breathes history and is a captivating blend of ancient synagogues and other monuments that collectively reflect centuries of Jewish life in the city. Some synagogues are still acting, and others have been converted into art galleries and museums.
One such is the Spanish Synagogue, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
The area breathes history and is a captivating blend of ancient synagogues and other monuments that collectively reflect centuries of Jewish life in the city. Some synagogues are still acting, and others have been converted into art galleries and museums.
One such is the Spanish Synagogue, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Prague Shopping: 15 Distinctively Czech Products to Bring Home
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Czech Sweets and Pastries
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