Prague Old Town Hall was established in 1338 and today is an integral party of the city’s history. All noteworthy ceremonies are now hosted there by the mayor of Prague and is a tourist attraction. It consists of 5 different historical houses, representing different architectural periods in Prague’s history. The building is a compilation of many buildings which have been incorporated into the town hall to make it what is it today.
Disclosure: I was a guest of Prague City Tourism who arranged for me to join the guided tours offered.
The old town hall has been at the centre of important historical events which have helped shape the city of Prague. It has witnessed executions of a Hussite leader, participants of the Estates Uprising but also elections of a king of Bohemia. In 1945 part of the Old town hall was completely destroyed at the end of the Second World War. But today it stands as a tourist attraction which should not be missed by anyone visiting the city of Prague. One of the highlights of venturing into the old town hall is taking a tour of interiors.
Prague Old Town Hall Interiors Tour
The town hall opens every day from 9-am till 7-pm except for Monday’s where it opens from 11-am. They offer tours in English, have special tours for children on Sundays and evening tours on Friday and Saturday at 8-pm. Touring the old town hall then climbing the tower was a highlight of mine during my recent visit to Prague. So what should you expect from a guided tour of the hall?
The Chapel of the Virgin Mary
During my visit the chapel was under construction, that didn’t take away from the beauty of the stained glass windows. The interior has been redone many times in the past but the oldest plague is dated from 1481. One of the lovely features of the first floor of the old town hall is the pentagonal oriel window. And on either side of the window are neo-gothic statues of St. Anne and St. Joseph dating from 1887. If you wish to see the inner workings of the astronomical clock, the chapel is the best place.
Municipal Hall
In May 1945 the municipal hall was completely destroyed, today’s interior is new but a small old door remains. This door once led to the medieval prison were anti-Hapsburg leaders were imprisoned before being executed. Entering the municipal hall you’re greeted by the tapestry which depicts the city’s coat of arms. Once upon a time the municipal hall was the central point of the town hall. Important issues affecting they people and city of Prague was discussed here.
The Old Council Hall
First thing I noticed entering the old council hall was the Gothic cladding beam ceiling, it’s really hard to miss. The entire room screams riches, from the stained glass to renaissance paintings. It is the most value room in the entire town hall building distinguished by the rare furnishings. The Lord Mayor’s chair in the old town hall is one such furniture that is beautifully carved. Funny part of the history of the hall that I loved was ‘defenestration’, they threw people outside the window. You couldn’t make this stuff up even if you wanted too but history says it happened.
Brožik Assembly Hall
As mentioned already, the old town hall is made up of five historical houses, Brožik assembly hall occupies one. This makes it the largest hall in the building and exceeds the height of two floors. My favourite part of this room is the two large paintings by the famous painter Vaclav Brožik. The two paintings depict important historical moments in Czech history like King Charles IV establishing the university in Prague. Today the hall is used by the Lord Mayor for important events but previously Prague council was based here.
The Medieval Underground
I didn’t expect to find in the old town hall was a complicated system of Romano-Gothic medieval underground cellars. The entire complex is older than the town hall itself and it is the largest of its kind in Prague. What I found fascinating is that the cellars have been raised artificially to today’s level. This was because back in the day, this area used to get flooded all the time. The cellars were also the most feared prisons were the legendary executioner carried out his work. I found the tour truly fascinating and definitely worth a visit.
Town Hall Tower
When you arrive in the old town square, it is easy to spot the town hall tower which is a dominant feature. At the time it was built the tower was the tallest in Prague and was used as a watch point for danger. Unfortunately the tower was destroyed at the end of the WWII and had to be reconstructed. Today if you’re after a bird’s-eye view of the old town and more, this is it. You have an option to walk up the tower or use the lift which takes you to the top floor.
I spent just over an hour towering the old town hall, the underground cellars and then the riding up the tower. Prague has so much to offer but for many they overlook the old town hall which is a shame as it’s amazing. Here is some good to know information about visiting the Old Town Hall
Good-to-know
- Both interior tours and tower are open from 9am to 7pm {10pm for tower}, both open at 11 am on Monday
- Evening tours are offered on Friday and Saturday only at 8 pm
- Visit www.prague.eu for more information
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Georgia Boanoro says
Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in the Eastern Europe! I have Romanian origins and while I was living in Romania, we used to visit Prague and also Budapest
Rain says
It’s always amazing to me to visit old building. The architecture is so breath taking. I love those cathedral windows. Wow. They must look stunning in person. I have a friend in Prague so I know where to tell him to take me for a visit should I be lucky enough to vacation there.
Anosa says
I loved being able to visit the old town hall, it is truly impressive
Jennifer L. | Modern Chic Mag says
Wow Prague has such amazing history. I’m seriously in love with the architecture of the Chapel of the Virgin Mary. The glass windows are just breathtaking. Now I just need to save up to explore the Czech.
Kiwi says
The designs of these building are amazing. Love it thanks for sharing a piece of Prague history.
Dena Jayne says
I’m hoping to visit Prague very soon. It looks amazing. The church looks absolutely beautiful x
Maro Akamatra says
I am not a huge fan of churches but I can appreciate the architecture. My husband keeps telling me we need to visit Prague soon. I hope we will.
Natalie Loves Beauty says
I have yet to visit Prague but would love to! You shared so many interesting places I think I would enjoy.
mail4rosey says
I love Prague. We went on a whim and it ended up being my most favorite place we’ve been so far.
Lavanda Michelle says
Such a beautiful place Prague is! The architecture took so much though; I love the art. I’m adding this place to my bucket list.
Mommysup says
Prague is beautiful, I totally agree. And the Hall is magnificent.
Valerie Silhy says
The chapel of Virgin Mary looks so beautiful ! Those high ceilings are just stunning ! Ive always wanted to visit Prague!
Dana Brillante-Peller says
I like how you added a Good-to-Know section about visiting Prague. It looks beautiful.
Hannah Marie says
Those intricate designs are giving me goose bumps and I love seeing historical places and learning the stories behind.
Hannah Anderson says
I absolutely love Prague (although I’ve never been before) and it’s on my bucket list to visit! Bookmarked this for all the recommendations 🙂
Beautyqueenuk says
Prague is on my list of places I want to visit for the places you have mentioned and because the architecture just looks incredible x
Dee Jaye says
Oohh. I have never been to Prague. It looks so warm and inviting. I should take a trip there.
Rebecca U says
I was in Prague last year, the architecture really is something else. We went to a concert in the town hall too
Naga Lakshmi Bhagavatula says
I am soo going to bookmark this and use it when I visit Prague (which I hope is soon enough)
Sarah Bailey says
Wow how beautiful does Prague Old Town Hall look. That stained glass window looks absolutely stunning I bet it is so impressive to see in real life.
Corinne & Kirsty says
Prague looks stunning! Europe is full of so many beautiful things and the old towns are usually amazing! My parents want to go to prague and this will be perfect for them.
Rhian Westbury says
I didn’t actually go into the old town hall when I went to Prague as we were a little pushed for time but this looks like a great thing to do x
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says
We love visiting places with lots of history, and this looks and sounds like it would be perfect. Those stained glass windows are gorgeous.
ATasteOfMadness says
HOw fun! There is so much history there! Prague is definitely on my bucket list.
Joanna says
I have been to Prague but didn’t climb the Town Hall Tower. I had no idea that the original one was destroyed in the WW2. Luckily the astronomical clock wasn’t touched.
Amber says
This town is just stunning! I would love to explore it. I’d enjoy seeing that tower! It’s a shame the original was ruined in WW2.
Hannah Latoya Bond says
I’d like to visit Prague. It’s on my list of places to visit, so will definitely be looking at these when i go
Fatima Ali says
I’ve always wanted to visit Prague taken into consideration how beautiful the city is but haven’t gotten a chance yet.