Discovering the Unique Architecture of Prague

When you book your Prague Airport shuttle to get you to your accommodation in the city, the quick trip will be just the beginning of a journey through time. The stunning architecture, the fascinating history and the warm culture reveal a destination that continues the traditions of many centuries. From the moment you climb aboard your Prague airport shuttle to the moment you leave, you'll be mesmerised by the beauty and heritage of this wonderful city.

River, countryside and defence

Like many important European destinations, the city grew up in an area ideal for two things – defence and trade (where that latter includes transport links). The castle (which you'll be able to spot as you drive by on the Prague airport shuttle) obviously had its origins primarily in defence, using an elevated position and the river to protect its inhabitants. It quickly grew into a royal seat of power and then an imperial one – as it was the capital of the Holy Roman Empire until religious wars helped prompt the move of the capital to Vienna. The buildings in some parts go back nearly a thousand years, and today it is the largest cohesive castle complex in the world and a UNESCO world heritage site.

Other early buildings around the city have a ‘solidity’ to them that suggests defence remained an imperative for many centuries. The Old Town Square has a collection of churches (most notably the beautiful Tyn Church or ‘Our Lady of Tyn’) and towers that take one back instantly to much earlier times; but amongst the spires and splendour there is the feeling that they’re also meant to have a certain practical protective purpose.

Wandering around the old town is a sheer joy for lovers of ancient buildings. Look particularly at the Old Town Square and the Romanesque buildings (with Baroque façades) of the nearby ‘Little Square’. Yet if the Old Town signifies solidity and safety in parts, it also exhibits a legacy of trade, prosperity and scientific endeavour.

Trade and money

Many cities learned in the Medieval and early modern periods that militaristic architecture was fine and practical, but to expand and grow, what was needed was good communication routes and a commercial environment. The city had both in plentiful supply. On a major river and a logical crossing point where all points of the compass meet, it quickly became a magnet for merchants from all over Europe. Commercial success and imperial patronage generated wealth and that found an outlet in architecture.

Just one example is the world-famous Charles Bridge. Dating to the early 15th century, it is often described as the most beautiful bridge in the world, and understandably so. However, although it is guarded by an impressive tower, it’s hard to escape the feeling that this is about commercial practicality and art rather than military utility. The bridge did help continue the city's growing commercial success, and that’s reflected by buildings such as the stunning Baroque St. Nicholas Church. Constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries, it’s the largest and richest church of its type north of the Alps.

Of course, a brief article of this nature can only scratch the surface of the incomparable architectural delights of the city. It’s something to ponder on the Prague Airport shuttle: make some notes of the important sites as you pass and come back and explore them on foot.

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct. If you’re looking for a Prague airport shuttle, Shuttle Direct provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.