Prague's passages are a topic often discussed, yet they remain among the most intriguing and mysterious places in the entire city for me. They frequently conceal genuine treasures, breathtaking stories, and architectural gems that captivate the senses. In this brief guided visit of Prague's passages, I have prepared a list the most interesting passages for you and perhaps you will explore some lesser-known secrets of these hidden gems.
LUCERNA PASSAGE
Lucerna passage is probably the most famous of all the passages. Its hidden in the Lucerna Palac, which is a city within a city, here you will find a great hall and cinema, club, offices, bars, cafes, shops, terrace with panoramic views, artistic gems and galleries. It was one of the first town houses with a passage in Prague. Then, when other houses were built, apparently the builders liked it, so they connected it with passages. This made Lucerna with its surroundings and the ground floor the densest network of passages.
KORUNA PASSAGE
The Koruna passage gained fame during its time for the innovative Automat Koruna canteen. It attracted a diverse clientele, including garbage collectors, academics, students, and officials, who converged here for meals and drinks. In 1914, the passage had the same material and spatial design as today. We see the beautiful marble cladding of the walls, the bronze decoration of the central court, the reinforced concrete dome with about 3,800 glass fittings. The important thing was that the light penetrated the glass floor and illuminated the bath in the underground, where a cinema also operated.
ADRIA PASSAGE
The Adria passage was built togehter with the Palace Adria for an Italian insurance company of Prague and it's a beautiful example of an art deco interior. Here everything glitters, then the passage was supposed to impress with its luxury, for example with brass frames and chandeliers evoking gold. It is said to be one of the most beautiful passages in Prague. The decor is reminiscent of American interiors, such as New York's Rockefeller Center.
PASSAGE OF THE CZECH DESIGN
The passage of the Czech National Bank is itself a beautiful architectural creation. You will find here a unique space dedicated to presenting Czech design. Inspired by Paris, Berlin, and Brussels, the project serves young art and design not only as an exhibition forum but also as a meeting place for exhibiting authors with the public and for hosting interactive workshops. The exhibitions are rotated every three months, gradually introducing both renowned and emerging talented designers.
SVETOZOR PASSAGE
The breathtaking stained glass window concealed within the Světozor passage serves as a silent witness to the captivating story of the Czech brand Tesla, predating the emergence of today's influential mega-brand associated with Elon Musk. Long before Elon Musk's birth, a company named Tesla thrived in the Czech Republic, manufacturing electronic devices like televisions and radios. Although the Czech Tesla has been under foreign ownership for several years, Elon Musk encountered challenges when seeking permission in countries where the Czech Tesla trademark was registered.
PASSAGE ALFA - U STYBLU
The last passage of our list is the saddest. Where once there was a state-of-the-art cinema, theater and dance cafe, life has almost died out. Even the house above Passage Alfa gapes with emptiness, and at the same time it used to be the pride of Váslavské náměstí.
A guided visit of the Prague passages
Excited to explore Prague's secret world? Join us for a special guided visit of Prague passages. For more information, drop us an email.
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A map of all Prague passages:
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