How long does it take to walk the Prague Cubist route?

The walk typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. This includes time to admire the facades and a brief stop at the Grand Café Orient, covering a distance of approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles).

Is the Cubist architecture walk in Prague free?

Yes, viewing the building exteriors is completely free as they are located on public streets. There is only a fee if you choose to enter the Museum of Czech Cubism or purchase refreshments at the cafes along the route.

Where is the only Cubist lamp post in the world?

The world's only Cubist lamp post is located in Prague's New Town, specifically in a corner of Jungmannovo Square (Jungmannovo náměstí), near the entrance to the Franciscan Garden.

What is the House at the Black Madonna famous for?

It is famous for being the first Cubist building in Prague, designed by Josef Gočár in 1912. It is an architectural landmark that houses the Museum of Czech Cubism and the unique Grand Café Orient.

Is the Grand Café Orient worth visiting?

Absolutely, it is the only cafe in the world with a fully Cubist interior. The furniture, lighting, and even the coat racks follow the Cubist design principles, making it a must-see for design enthusiasts.

What is Czech Rondocubism?

Rondocubism is a post-WWI evolution of Cubism unique to Czechoslovakia, characterized by rounded shapes like circles and cylinders. You can see prime examples at Palác Adria and the Legiobanka on this route.

Is this architectural walk suitable for seniors?

Yes, the route is very accessible as it is mostly flat and follows standard city sidewalks. There are plenty of places to sit and rest at cafes like Grand Café Orient or in Jungmannovo Square.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

1 hr 20 min

Duration

6

Stops

Easy

Difficulty

About This Tour

Prague is the only city in the world where Cubism, originally a movement in painting and sculpture, was translated into architecture. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the jagged edges, crystalline forms, and rhythmic facades that define this unique Czech phenomenon. As you navigate the streets of the New Town and Old Town, you will discover why local architects like Josef Gočár and Pavel Janák believed that the dynamic energy of a canvas could be captured in concrete and stone. This architectural journey highlights the transition from the sharp, avant-garde experiments of early Cubism to the more decorative 'Rondocubism' that emerged after the birth of Czechoslovakia. While most visitors flock to the Charles Bridge, this walking route takes you to the 'Diamond House' and the world's only Cubist lamp post, offering a deeper look at the city's intellectual and artistic history. This walking route is perfect for those who appreciate design and want to see a side of Prague that is often overlooked. You will see how these buildings stand in stark contrast to the surrounding Baroque and Gothic styles, creating a visual dialogue that spans centuries. Whether you are an architecture student or a curious traveler, this self-guided walk provides a comprehensive introduction to a style that exists nowhere else on Earth. The route is compact and easy to follow, making it an ideal way to spend a morning or afternoon exploring the city's vibrant urban fabric independently.

Highlights

The world's only Cubist lamp post
The iconic House at the Black Madonna
The stunning Rondocubist facade of Palác Adria
The geometric 'Diamond' House
The unique interior of Grand Café Orient
The sculptural detail of the Czechoslovak Legion Bank

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

Cubist Lamp Post

Tucked away in a corner of Jungmannovo Square, you will find a street light that looks like no other. Designed by Emil Králíček in 1913, this is the world's only Cubist lamp post. Notice how the stone base and the metal lantern are composed of stacked, crystalline shapes. At the time, Czech architects were obsessed with the idea that matter contains an inner energy that can be revealed through diagonal lines and sharp angles. This lamp post was part of a larger project for the Adam Pharmacy nearby. It serves as a perfect introduction to how the Cubist movement in Prague sought to reshape even the most mundane objects of urban life.

2

Palác Adria

Palác Adria is a masterpiece of 'Rondocubism,' also known as the National Style. Built between 1922 and 1925 for an Italian insurance company, it represents a shift from sharp angles to rounded, cylindrical forms. The architects, Pavel Janák and Josef Zasche, used a palette of red and white to evoke the colors of the Czech flag. Look up at the facade to see the heavy, rhythmic ornamentation and the massive sculptures on the roof. This building was meant to symbolize the strength and optimism of the newly formed Czechoslovak Republic, blending modernism with traditional Slavic motifs.

3

Diamant House

The Diamant House, or Dům Diamant, is a striking example of how Cubism can make a building appear to be carved from a single giant gemstone. Completed in 1913 by Matěj Blecha and Emil Králíček, the facade is covered in geometric patterns that play with light and shadow. Even the entrance and the window frames follow this strict angular logic. Interestingly, the house was built next to a Baroque church, and the architect even designed a Cubist archway to frame the entrance to the church's courtyard, showing a rare attempt to harmonize the avant-garde with the ancient.

4

The House at the Black Madonna

This is perhaps the most famous Cubist building in the world. Designed by Josef Gočár and completed in 1912, it was remarkably modern for its time. While the reinforced concrete structure was revolutionary, Gočár carefully incorporated elements that respected the surrounding historic buildings, such as the hipped roof. The name comes from the 17th-century Baroque statue of the Black Madonna nestled on the corner of the building. Today, it houses the Museum of Czech Cubism, where you can see furniture and ceramics that match the building's distinctive style.

5

Grand Café Orient

Located on the first floor of the House at the Black Madonna, Grand Café Orient is the world's only Cubist cafe interior. After being closed for decades, it was meticulously restored based on original photographs. Look at the brass chandeliers, the zig-zagging coat racks, and the custom-designed furniture. Even the pastries sometimes come in Cubist shapes! It offers a rare opportunity to literally step inside a work of art and experience the total immersion that Czech Cubist designers intended for everyday life. It is the perfect spot to pause and appreciate the consistency of this design movement.

6

Czechoslovak Legion Bank - Palace Archa

Our final stop is the former Legiobanka, another triumph by Josef Gočár. Built between 1921 and 1923, this building is the pinnacle of Rondocubism. The facade features a monumental frieze by sculptor Otto Gutfreund, depicting the return of the Czechoslovak Legions from Russia. The building uses circles and semi-circles—the 'Rondo' in Rondocubism—to create a sense of movement and national pride. If the lobby is accessible, take a peek inside to see the incredible glass-domed ceiling and the geometric floor patterns. It marks the evolution of the style from pure art to a symbol of state identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk through the New Town is the best way to see Prague's unique Cubist architecture. This route covers iconic landmarks like the House at the Black Madonna and the world's only Cubist lamp post, all within a 1.5-mile radius.