- Address: Štěpánská 61, 116 02 Nové Město, Czech Republic
- Phone: +420 224 224 537
- Website: lucerna.cz
- Working hours: daily 8: 00-23: 00
Passage of Lucerne, built in the early XX century. on the site of the Ehrental Palace, quickly gained popularity with local residents. A large number of shops, restaurants, cafes and the oldest cinema in the city attract not only Prague residents, but also a large number of tourists.
The Story of Lucerne
The first 8-storey building was built in 1906, and by 1921 completed 3 large buildings. This was the first building in Prague , erected from reinforced concrete. The project was developed by the owner engineer Václav Havel, whose grandson will become the most popular president of the Czech Republic in the future. After the Soviet period, the passage returned to the property of the Havel family and was recognized as a monument of architecture of the early 20th century.
What to see in Lucerne in Prague?
First of all, Lucerne is a shopping gallery, where you can find shops for every taste and purse. For tourists, the free fare system works, it allows you to return 19% of the cost of purchases when leaving. In addition to traveling through different brands, here you can find delicious cafes and restaurants, go to the cinema or to a concert.
The most interesting places of the Lucerne Passage:
These include:
- The cinema, which is already 100 years old. Its interior is more like an opera house, with crystal chandeliers, marble stairs and golden lights. It was opened in 1910 by Vaclav Havel himself, who was very fond of the cinema. Once there began the history of Czech cinema, and now there are popular movie novelties.
- Concert hall. Just like the cinema, was built in the early twentieth century. Designed for 4000 spectators, it was once the largest in the Czech Republic. It featured world stars, such as Louis Armstrong, Yves Montand, Fedor Chaliapin. Now here, except for concerts, famous balls are held.
- The Lucerne Inn. Initially represented a simple Slovak cuisine, beloved by the villagers, now it is a popular restaurant where Slovak and Czech cuisine is served , worthy of a visit.
Monument to Vaclav on an inverted horse
One of the most controversial and at the same time the most popular sights of the Lucerne Passage in Prague is the sculpture of David Black, called the "Horse" among the people. In fact, the artist portrayed Vaclav, the patron saint of the Czech Republic, and as a basis he took a monument standing on Wenceslas Square .
Only now he "planted" it on an inverted dead stallion with his tongue hanging out. Therefore, most of all, this sculpture recalls the illustration of the saying: "The horse died - tear!" First, the sculptor installed a work of art next to the original, but the Prague residents strongly rebelled. Because of this alternative, Vaclav was removed to the nearest gallery.
Now many people are used to the sight of this composition, and tourists visit it with pleasure, and some try to reach the horse's tongue. Especially high and strong can break it off, so the language often has to be restored.
How to get to the Lucerna passage in Prague?
The building of the passage takes a block between the streets of Stepan and Vodichkovaya not far from the famous Wenceslas Square . It is easiest to reach the shopping center by public transport . From the metro you should go to the Museum stop, from the tram (Nos. 3, 5, 6, 9, 14, 24, 41) - at the Wenceslaske bus stop. You can also walk on foot for 10 minutes. from the Old Town Square .