In Prague, spellbinding architecture offers a window into its past and future

Legend has it that in the seventh century a princess foresaw a castle perched on a hill across the Vltava River in the Czech Republic. At its foot, she envisioned a flourishing city. Around 200 years later, Prague was in its place, and as if to honour her prediction, the Prague Castle became the ruling seat of the Czech Kingdom. Its heritage of pride and resilience gave rise to the eclectic and modern capital it is today.

Imbued in the fulfilment of an ancient prophecy is the belief that Prague’s glory would touch the stars. The region is referred to as the City of a Hundred Spires for its dagger-like designs atop churches and cathedrals. With its soaring spires, the Church of Our Lady before Týn dominates the Old Town Square. Since its construction in the 14th century, it has been the main church of this quarter. 

Follow the ancient buildings in the square and wind up at a Gothic astronomical clock affixed to the Old Town hall tower. Installed in 1410, it’s the oldest working one of its kind. Its dials not only convey the date and time, but also tell the phases of the moon, sunset, current sign of the Zodiac, and each day’s special saint. If visitors are not beckoned by the colossal clock, they come to witness the puppet show – a spectacle that lasts under one minute yet enthralls its audiences. At every hour, a figure of death tips his hourglass to open the windows of the tower and allow the 12 apostles to parade past one by one. Eventually a rooster crows and finally, the clock bell rings.

To witness another captivating display, journey to the Vltava River which flows through the heart of the city. The Charles Bridge runs over this rocky channel. In the 14th century, emperor Charles IV ordered the structure to be built where a flood destroyed its predecessor. It’s hard to imagine that the heads from public executions were once suspended here, for today the bridge is decorated with 30 sculptures of saints. Many believe that a wish will come true within one year and a day after touching the Saint John of Nepomuk statue, who was known as an honest and worthy man from the cleric society. 

In this city, Gothic cathedrals intermingle with Baroque façades. However, Prague adds another elaborate style to its wealth of designs. Located in New Town, the Dancing House is a deconstructivist office and art centre. Inspired by the ballroom duo Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, it boasts a concrete tower to resemble the yin and yang of a static figure and an adjacent glass tower representing the dynamic partner. This artistic hub caused controversy for defying the traditional architecture Prague is known for. But whether ancient or modern, avant-garde or historical, expect spellbinding structures all along the Vltava River bank which offer a window into the city’s past and future.