The Origins of Prague's Hidden Underground World

In the 13th century, Prague faced frequent floods from the Vltava River. To fix this, builders raised the city level. They used dirt and rubble to create new streets. The original ground floors became basements. This preserved many historical places in Prague. Now, these Romanesque and Gothic cellars Prague history sites are open. They show the incredible skill of medieval masons. These chambers are part of the UNESCO World Heritage area. You can see how people lived 800 years ago.

10 Best Romanesque and Gothic Cellars in Prague

Prague offers a unique look at medieval life through its subterranean spaces. Here are the top sites to include on your itinerary. Each location provides a different glimpse into the past. Some were prisons, while others were noble residences. Check the official city tourism portal for current opening hours.

• Quick picks:
• Best overall: Old Town Hall
• Best for families: Vyšehrad Casemates
• Best free: Týn Church (limited access)
• Best for history: House of the Lords of Kunštát

1. Name: Old Town Hall Underground Type: sight Why go: It is the largest complex of medieval cellars in the city. Best for: First-time visitors. Where: Old Town Square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk from Staroměstská metro. Tip: Book the evening tour for a spooky atmosphere.
2. Name: House of the Lords of Kunštát Type: experience Why go: One of the best-preserved Romanesque palaces in Europe. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Řetězová Street. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Low. Getting there: Near Charles Bridge. Tip: Look for the original stone masonry marks.
3. Name: Prague Castle Underground Type: sight Why go: See the foundations of the 10th-century church. Best for: Deep history. Where: Prague Castle complex. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Included in circuit tickets. Getting there: Tram 22 to Pražský hrad. Tip: Visit early to avoid the largest crowds.
4. Name: Charles Bridge Museum (Judith Bridge) Type: museum Why go: See the remains of the bridge that preceded Charles Bridge. Best for: Engineering fans. Where: Křižovnické Square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Low. Getting there: Old Town side of Charles Bridge. Tip: The ticket often includes a canal boat ride.
5. Name: St. Martin in the Wall Type: sight Why go: A rare church that was built into the city walls. Best for: Quiet reflection. Where: Martinská Street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free/Donation. Getting there: Walk from Můstek metro. Tip: Check for evening classical music concerts.
6. Name: Týn Church Underground Type: sight Why go: Explore the Gothic crypts beneath the famous twin towers. Best for: Religious history. Where: Old Town Square. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Low. Getting there: Behind the Old Town Hall. Tip: Access is sometimes restricted during services.
7. Name: Clementinum Cellars Type: sight Why go: Massive Baroque complex with older medieval foundations. Best for: Book lovers and science fans. Where: Mariánské Square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Near Staroměstská. Tip: This tour includes the Astronomical Tower view.
8. Name: Vyšehrad Casemates Type: day trip Why go: Huge underground tunnels used for military defense. Best for: Active travelers. Where: Vyšehrad Fortress. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Low. Getting there: Metro line C to Vyšehrad. Tip: See the original statues from Charles Bridge here.
9. Name: Loreto Prague Crypt Type: experience Why go: Famous for its unique "memento mori" paintings. Best for: Art history buffs. Where: Hradčany district. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Tram 22 to Pohořelec. Tip: Listen for the carillon bells every hour.
10. Name: Monastery of St. Agnes of Bohemia Type: museum Why go: Exceptional Gothic architecture and sacred art. Best for: Art enthusiasts. Where: U Milosrdných Street. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Near the river in Old Town. Tip: The gardens are free and very peaceful.

Planning Your Prague Underground Historical Tours

To see these sites, you should book best underground tours in Prague Old Town early. Many cellars are only accessible with a guide. The temperature underground stays around 12°C (54°F) all year. Bring a light jacket even in summer. Wear sturdy shoes because the floors are often uneven. You will find what to see in Prague underground chambers is quite diverse. Most tours involve stairs, so check for accessibility if needed.