Prague is a city full of hidden corners and unique architectural features\u2014among them are its historic passages. These covered walkways, connecting main streets and squares, serve not only a practical purpose but also showcase the architectural styles of the last century. In this article, we\u2019ll guide you through the most fascinating passages you shouldn\u2019t miss when visiting Prague.<\/p>\n
The word passage<\/em> comes from the French le passage<\/em> and in architecture refers to a walkway through a building or connected structures, allowing people to pass between two streets or public areas. These spaces are often lined with shops, caf\u00e9s, and restaurants, and in many cases also house cinemas, theaters, cabarets, and other entertainment venues.<\/p>\n Most historic passages in Prague were built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, during a period of rapid urban development, influenced by the architecture of cities like Paris and Vienna.<\/p>\n Today, these passages are not only practical shortcuts but also cultural gems and important parts of Prague\u2019s urban heritage. Many retain original architectural elements such as glass roofs, mosaic floors, and ornate ceilings, giving them a unique historic charm.<\/p>\n Passages are typically covered\u2014often with glass roofs that let in natural light and create a pleasant atmosphere. Larger passages, sometimes with multiple floors, feature galleries and balconies that overlook the commercial spaces on the ground floor.<\/p>\n Thanks to a combination of historic charm and modern use, Prague\u2019s passages have become popular spots not only for shopping but also for relaxing and entertainment, significantly enriching city life.<\/p>\n One of the most famous passages in Prague, Lucerna Passage connects Wenceslas Square with Vodi\u010dkova Street. It was built between 1907 and 1921, designed by builder Ing. V\u00e1cslav Havel, the grandfather of former president V\u00e1clav Havel. The passage is renowned for its Art Nouveau design, glass ceiling, and especially David \u010cern\u00fd\u2019s iconic sculpture of a hanging upside-down horse. Inside, you\u2019ll find the legendary Lucerna Music Bar, caf\u00e9s, and Lucerna Cinema\u2014one of the oldest in Prague.<\/p>\n This elegant passage is located on the corner of Wenceslas Square and Na P\u0159\u00edkop\u011b Street, forming part of the Koruna Palace, built between 1911 and 1912. The passage features beautiful Art Nouveau decorations and a majestic dome. Once home to luxury shops, it has retained its refined atmosphere. The palace has 3 underground and 7 above-ground floors. Besides shops, you\u2019ll also find interesting culinary spots.<\/p>\n The \u010cern\u00e1 R\u016f\u017ee (Black Rose) Passage connects Na P\u0159\u00edkop\u011b and Pansk\u00e1 Streets. The original Classicist building \u201cAt the Black Rose\u201d was constructed in 1846\u20131847, designed by architect Johann Heinrich Frenzel. Between 1929 and 1933, the building was gradually reconstructed in a Functionalist style by architect Old\u0159ich Tyl, who designed the passage connecting the two streets. The passage is known for its blend of historic and modern architecture, offering boutiques, brand stores, caf\u00e9s, and a pleasant atmosphere.<\/p>\n Sv\u011btozor Passage connects Vodi\u010dkova Street with the Franciscan Garden and is a well-known spot in central Prague. It was built in 1947 and became famous mainly for Sv\u011btozor Cinema and the popular Ovocn\u00fd Sv\u011btozor ice cream shop. A glass roof brings in light and airiness, and the space still features original architectural elements like the Tesla mosaic logo by Franti\u0161ek Hude\u010dek. Today it\u2019s home to shops and caf\u00e9s, contributing to its unique charm.<\/p>\n Plat\u00fdz Passage, one of the oldest in Prague, connects N\u00e1rodn\u00ed Street with Uheln\u00fd trh. The original Gothic palace from 1347 was converted into a Renaissance residence in 1586 by Jan Platejs, after whom the passage is named. Today it hosts caf\u00e9s, restaurants, and boutiques, including the Zlat\u00e1 lo\u010f stationery shop. A sculpture of an owl on the fa\u00e7ade is considered the oldest traffic sign in Prague.<\/p>\n Also known as Alfa Palace, this passage is located on Wenceslas Square and was built in 1928\u20131929 by architects Ludv\u00edk Kysela and Jan Jarol\u00edm in a Functionalist style. It originally housed the Boulevard Caf\u00e9, later renamed Alfa, and the Alfa Cinema. Today, the passage offers shops and eateries, including the CVRK V\u00e1clav\u00e1k shop, which features designer fashion, jewelry, and accessories.<\/p>\n Myslbek Passage connects Na P\u0159\u00edkop\u011b Street with Ovocn\u00fd trh in the city center. It was built in 1996 on the site of a construction gap left after the demolition of the Myslbek art pavilion in the 1930s. Its architecture is inspired by historical passages, giving it a distinctive appearance. A large glass roof allows natural light to flood the space, and the elegant interior features original design elements. Today it offers a wide variety of shops, boutiques, caf\u00e9s, and restaurants.<\/p>\n Kotva Passage is part of the Kotva department store, built in the 1970s and one of the largest and most modern stores in then-Czechoslovakia. The passage connects Republic Square with nearby streets and is known for its Functionalist design and wide range of shops and restaurants. In 2019, the Kotva department store was declared a cultural monument.<\/p>\n Located at the corner of N\u00e1rodn\u00ed and Jungmannova Streets in the center of Prague, the Adria Palace was built between 1922 and 1925 in the Rondocubist style, designed by architects Josef Zasche and Pavel Jan\u00e1k. The fa\u00e7ade is decorated with sculptures by Otto Gutfreund, Jan \u0160tursa, and other prominent artists.<\/p>\n The passage is characterized by a circular gallery overlooking the central space, providing views into the lower floors. A grand glass ceiling brings in daylight, adding airiness and elegance to the space. The interior is luxuriously designed with marble cladding and brass elements. Today, Adria Palace is home to the \u201cDivadlo Bez z\u00e1bradl\u00ed\u201d theater.<\/p>\n Jalta Passage is a historic passage located at the corner of N\u00e1rodn\u00ed Street and Karoliny Sv\u011btl\u00e9 Street in central Prague. It was built between 1928 and 1929, designed by architect Jaroslav Pol\u00edvka. Originally part of a luxury department store that also included a hotel, the passage now offers various shops, restaurants, and caf\u00e9s while retaining the atmosphere of old Prague. Its glass ceiling lets in plenty of natural light, creating a welcoming space for visitors.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Prague is a city full of hidden corners and unique architectural features\u2014among them are its historic passages. These covered walkways, connecting main streets and squares, serve not only a practical purpose but also showcase the architectural styles of the last century. In this article, we\u2019ll guide you through the most fascinating passages you shouldn\u2019t miss […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":236,"featured_media":1931,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1937","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nLucerna Passage<\/h2>\n
Koruna Passage<\/h2>\n
\u010cern\u00e1 R\u016f\u017ee Passage<\/h2>\n
Sv\u011btozor Passage<\/h2>\n
Plat\u00fdz Passage<\/h2>\n
U St\u00fdbl\u016f Passage (Alfa Palace)<\/h2>\n
Myslbek Passage<\/h2>\n
Kotva Passage<\/h2>\n
Adria Palace Passage<\/h2>\n
Jalta Passage<\/h2>\n