Prague celebrates its rich and well-preserved Gothic marvels. As a flagbearer of Czech culture, it is packed with bohemian magic and stunning architecture that promises to transport tourists back in time.

From Prague’s Old Town to the striking zigzags of St. Vitus Cathedral, architecturally, historic parts of the city have largely remained untouched since the 16th century.

As one of the only major capital cities untouched by World War II, it has remained a unique portal to some of the most prominent pieces of Gothic architecture in the world. From the powerful Powder Gate to the Brno Dragon at Moravia’s Old Town Hall, there’s lots to discover when it comes to architectural originality.

Now that we’ve piqued your interest, how about we explore seven of Prague’s top Gothic wonders you definitely need to make time for the next time you visit this stunningly beautiful and historic city.

Exploring Prague’s 7 Iconic Gothic Gems

The Powder Gate

First up is Prague’s iconic Powder Gate. This fine piece of architecture is sure to leave a strong impression and also acts an attractive entrance to the old town.

Constructed in the 15th Century, the Powder Gate is just one of more than a dozen Gothic city gates you’ll find throughout the city. If you take a free walking tour in Prague, you may just get the chance to visit them all. If you only have time for one though, then the Powder Tower is definitely the one to check out.

We can thank Vladislav II, King of Bohemia and Hungary, for the gate’s design. He helped lay the building blocks of what would become a striking stop on the royal route to the castle. At 65 metres high, it towered over surrounding buildings, and even today, you can still see every intricate detail of the stone’s elegant carvings of past land rulers.

The Powder Gate got its iconic name in the early 17th century when it was used to store gunpowder during the revolution, just in case you were wondering.

Prague Castle

Prague Castle is another one of the most famous Gothic sights to tick off your list. Standing as one of the largest castles in the world at nearly 70,000 square metres, it’s no surprise that most are impressed by its grandeur at first sight.

Dating back to 870, this Prague masterpiece exhibits just about every architectural style you can think of. As rulers from each era added their own personal touches to the building’s design, it quickly became one of the most unique royal buildings in Europe.

We recommend buying tickets to tour the castle’s interior if you want the full Gothic experience. For example, the ceiling vaults of the castle’s Vladislav Hall are home to beautiful 15th-century patterns crisscrossing for over 16 metres, from floor to ceiling.

The Knight’s Stairway leading into the castle hall is a true ode to the Bohemian monarchy and makes an especially prime spot for a photo op.

St. Vitus Cathedral

If you’ve made your way to Prague Castle, you may as well check out St. Vitus Cathedral while you’re there since it’s situated within the castle complex itself. This cathedral is not only a beacon of Gothic-century architecture but is also the largest church in all of the Czech Republic.

While building works began in 1344, the Cathedral which was designed by Gothic architectural master Petr Parler, wasn’t finished until roughly 600 years later.

Not only is the Cathedral a striking part of the castle, but it has its own ingenious flourishes to celebrate. Make sure to check out the doubly ribbed vault patterns from the inside of the cathedral and enjoy the way the light hits the stone during the high sun.

The Old Town Square

Whether you need a lunchtime stop or simply want to explore a beautiful square to take in the sights, the Old Town is not to be missed when it comes to hunting for hidden Gothic gems.

Prague’s Old Town Square is not only considered one of the most picturesque spots in Europe but it’s also surrounded by Baroque and Gothic-style buildings. 

Some of these include the Old Town Hall and the Church of Our Lady before Týn, which we will touch upon later as we uncover more hidden sightseeing opportunities.

One of the square’s must-see attractions is Prague’s famous Astronomical Clock, which sits right in the centre of the old town. Not only does it sport a fabulous Gothic exterior, but its vibrant medieval colours pop against a square surrounded by traditional sand-coloured stone. 

Charles Bridge 

We can’t talk about the most iconic Gothic landmarks in Prague without mentioning Charles Bridge. Situated right in the heart of the city, you can’t miss it, especially when it is packed full of tourists. 

Yet another striking Gotjhic design by architect Petr Parler, it’s a perfect place for photos that you can flaunt on your socials. The bridge’s intricate carvings and more than 30 statues from the Baroque period turn this bridge into something extraordinary.

The bridge is named after King Charles IV, who instructed the construction in  1357 in response to the previous bridge (Judith’s Bridge) collapsing.

The Brno Dragon at Moravia’s Old Town Hall

Photo By: David Novák, CC BY 3.0  via Wikimedia Commons

The last two sights on this list come from Prague’s Old Town, which, in our opinion, is the best spot to take in the Gothic architecture scene in the city.

If you make your way over to the Old Town Hall, you’ll find breathtaking Renaissance wall reliefs, a baroque-themed gallery and even a brilliant viewpoint if you’re willing to climb the 63-metre tower.

One attraction not to miss is the Brno Dragon. Despite its name, the “dragon” is actually a very large and very real crocodile that has been stuffed and now hangs from the ceiling of the town hall’s passageway.

The legend of the dragon dates back to the 17th century and tells the story of a ferocious dragon that lived near the River Svratka and terrorized the citizens of Brno and ate livestock. The large beast continues to represent Brno’s rich history and folklore, contributing to the city’s unique charm and promoting its legends and medieval stories.

The Church of Our Lady before Týn

Last but not least, be sure to visit the Church of Our Lady before Týn, also located in the old town square. This stand-out Gothic church, constructed in the late 14th century, is home to two 80-meter-tall towers that watch over the square.

With a reworked 17th-century style Baroque interior, the inner cathedral serves as a brilliant gallery for all things Renaissance and Gothic. Make time to check out the working 17^th century organ which is said to be the oldest working organ in Prague.

Just The Tip of the Iceberg 

If you’re a Gothic architecture fan, Prague is the city for you. While we’ve shared seven of our favourite hidden gems today, we can assure you that there are many more to discover in this historic city.

Simply join a city walking tour that will leave you feeling architecturally inspired, whether you end up getting  lost in the old town, stepping inside the castle, or taking in the iconic viewpoints from Charles Bridge.