Prague is no longer the Sleeping Beauty it once was. While preserving its long-untouched architectural heritage, the Czech capital has managed to instil touches of modernity that make it fashionable. Reflecting so many centuries of European history, it offers a pleasant face to those who visit, if only for the time of a busy weekend.

01. Charles Bridge

The Charles Bridge is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Commissioned by King Charles IV in 1357, this historic bridge spans the Vltava at Old Town level. The thirty statues of saints give it its distinctive look, accentuated by the low-angled light of morning and evening. Now reserved for pedestrians, visitors and locals cross it all day long.

02. The Castle

Founded in the 9th century, the Castle was built on a hill overlooking the Old Town. Depending on the period, different styles were juxtaposed, mixing Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque. As the seat of power, the Castle has been the residence of kings, emperors and now Czech presidents. It is also home to churches such as St Vitus Cathedral and several museums (more).

03. Golden Lane

Dating from the 16th century, Golden Lane makes up a charming alleyway within Prague Castle. Its name comes from the alchemists who once lived here, seeking to transform base metals into gold. The area was mainly used by guards and servants. These colourful doll’s houses offer a reconstructed glimpse of the ordinary life of their former inhabitants.

04. Strahov Library

Close to the Castle, the Strahov convent library dates back to the 12th century. It has two main halls, the Theological Room and the Philosophical Room, with frescoed ceilings complementing the stucco decorations. The library contains more than 200,000 volumes, manuscripts, incunabula and books, some of which date back more than a thousand years.

05. Wenceslas Square

More of a boulevard than a square, this square is located in the historic centre of Prague. The equestrian statue of Saint Wenceslas, the patron saint of Bohemia, stands in front of the National Museum. A focal point for rallies, celebrations and protests, particularly during the Velvet Revolution of 1989, which led to the end of the Communist regime.

06. Old Town Square

Old Town Square still boasts elegant, colourful Baroque and Gothic buildings. Behind a row of houses, the towers of the Church of Our Lady of Týn rise up opposite the Town Hall tower and its astronomical clock. Since the Middle Ages, this large square has been a venue for markets and cultural events, where people come together to feel the rhythm of the city.

07. Astronomical clock

Installed in 1410, this medieval clock features a 24-hour dial, rather than the usual 12-hour, it also indicates the positions of the sun and moon. At each hour, figures representing the twelve apostles form a loop at the top of the dials. Tourists gather to watch the mechanical spectacle of the clock, which has been repaired several times.

08. Old Jewish cemetery

In use for over 300 years, the cemetery is said to contain more than 12,000 tombs. As it was unable to expand, successive layers of new tombs were added on top of the previous ones, creating a poignant spectacle of tombstones accumulating at the surface. The cemetery also symbolises the struggles and resilience of the Jewish people in the face of adversity.

09. Franz Kafka’s head

The colossal sculpture of Franz Kafka’s head is constantly being recomposed by the asynchronous rotation of the 42 metal plates that make it up. This ever-changing face evokes the author’s inner turmoil, reflecting his complex literary legacy, which is sometimes difficult to grasp. Installed in 2014, the sculpture adds a fun, contemporary touch.

10. The Dancing House

Completed in 1996, the Dancing House never ceases to attract attention for its distinctive design, which gives the impression of a dancing couple. Designed by architects Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunić, the unconventional building houses offices, a restaurant and a roof terrace offering panoramic views of Prague from the Vltava quay