Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a city that oozes fairy tale charm from every alley way, square, and bridge. The best way to intake all the city’s beauty is to take a walking tour around Prague and you’ll be treated to mystical Gothic architecture, peaceful riverside moments, and lively market squares.

The Heart of Prague: Old Town

At the heart of many European cities you’ll find a labyrinth of narrow streets spilling out into wide-open plazas where locals and tourists alike enjoy a slower pace of life. Prague is no different, as its Gothic charm is most apparent in the Old Town or city centre where history, myth, and culture come together.

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The Old Town Square was founded in the 12th century and has withstood the tests of time, boasting several churches and monuments of different architectural styles from Baroque to Gothic.

In the Old Town Square, you’ll find the centrepiece of the city: its Astronomical Clock. Head there on the hour (every hour) and you can bear witness to the scene that has consistently drawn crowds for centuries. A playful display from various figures, the show was intricately designed and choreographed many years ago.

Best of all, this clock not only stands up as an impressive interactive time-telling device, but it’s been performing its shows and entertaining crowds since 1410 as a mediaeval marvel.

Prague Castle: A Gothic Masterpiece

Serving as an impressive landmark and an exquisite example of Gothic architecture, Prague Castle dominates the city’s skyline. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the castle is one of the biggest ancient castle complexes anywhere in the world.

Inside the castle walls stands St. Vitus Cathedral, another striking example of Gothic architecture with tall spires and intricate carvings. The castle has stood firm for centuries and watched out over the city during the ebb and flow of empires.

Near the castle you can take a walk down Golden Lane, a street lined with vibrant colourful houses, which was once home to castle guards in the 16th century.

Legends and Myths of the City

If there’s anything that adds to the Gothic architectural marvels of the city, it’s the layer of myth and legends interwoven in the tapestry of Prague. 

One such legend is that of Golem of Prague, who according to Jewish folklore was a giant clay figure that was created by Rabbi Loew to protect the Jewish community throughout the 16th century.

The legend goes that this same Golem resides within the attic of the Old-New Synagogue, and is ready to emerge if the time comes when it is needed.

Then there’s the myth of the Headless Templar of Old Town. A shadowy figure, this apparition is said to move around the city streets at night, head in one hand, and hidden treasure in the other.

Explore the Gothic Scene in Prague

You can’t get too far in the city of Prague without stumbling upon another example of majestic architecture. 

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Part of the Gothic heritage that dominates and characterises the city is the famous Charles Bridge, which you may recognise from photos with its 30 Baroque statues residing on either side – especially eerie on a foggy morning.

Built in the 14th century, this is a stone bridge that spans the Vltava River with elegance, and to many is one of the prime attractions in the city – particularly if you have a penchant for photography.

Another example of Gothic splendour is The Church of Our Lady before Týn which features a pair of spires and adds another layer of fascination to the Old Town Square.

The city’s architecture is just one dimension of the city’s Gothic heritage though, Prague is home to a cultural scene inspired by its Gothic nature. Famous novelist and writer Franz Kafka embodies this trend; a big name in 20th-century literature known for fusing realism with the fantastical.

The Majesty and Mystery of Prague

For most, the visual of the Charles Bridge and the silhouette of the many statues adorning either side is enough to cement the city as the home of mystery, myth and majesty. Cross the bridge into the heart of the city, and you’ll find countless more examples of the weird and wonderful, rich Gothic heritage, and architectural marvels.

The charm of Prague doesn’t just lie within its outward appearance, but in the cultural scene it’s developed around myth and legend and the stories that characterise every square, castle, church, and street.