Where Every Villa Has a Story BOOK TOUR

Tours for those who love architecture (or architects...)


History has many voices, and in the Czech Lands this is especially true. We have become quite fond of the stories told through buildings. No doubt you could spend years in a relatively small town or country, such as Prague or the Czech Republic, and still not be able to find all the diamonds that are here. Some of them are quite rough, but over time many have been restored.

And so we journey, with anyone so inclined, not only to marvel at these architectural wonders, but to discover their stories, about the designers, builders, and the families that called them home. It is necessary to offer these tours divided by theme (villas, public spaces, and houses of worship), as well by author (Santini Aichel, Králíček, Loos, etc.) and period (Baroque, Art Nouveau, Functionalism etc.). We know just how excited and enthusiastic visitors to Prague can be when they see these masterpieces restored.
 


The Masters of the Baroque; 

  • Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer - Kinsky Palace and both St. Nicholas churches (Old Town and Lesser Town)
  • Jan Blažej Santini Aichel - 2-3 Day Road Trip starting with Plassy and including Church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist in Sedlec at Kutna Hora, Church of St John of Nepomuk at Zelená hora, Monastery Church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary, St Wolfgang and St Benedict in Kladruby u Stříbra, Karlova Koruna Chateau in Chlumec nad Cidlinou, etc. (UNESCO World Heritage sites)
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Functionalism;

  • Adolph Loos; Prague & Pilsen have sever well preserved houses that are considered to be masterpieces from this era (early 20th century). The period in Czech history known as the First Republic was a time of infinite possibility and a new post empire age of utopian ideals. Loos' houses are a representation of the modern ideal of the world. In particular we will visit the Winternitz Villa in Prague, which is also now available as a short term rental, for those who want to spend a day or more in a different time. In Plsen there are several possibilities that could fit into a short (6 hour) day trip from Prague.

  • Ludwig Mies van der Rohe; The Villa Tugenhat in Brno is perhaps one of the best known examples of the brave new world of Functionalism in the Czech Lands. It has been beautifully restored and is now included to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Today it is possible to visit only as part of a guided tour. The advantage is for those who care about such detail as construction methods, technical parameters, and the story of the family Tugenhat, as well as subsequent owners. In Czech History this Villa stands out as the place where the Velvet Divorce was negotiated between Slovakia and Czechia.  

Price
$49/hour (up to 6 persons)
$64/hour (7 to 12 persons)
More than 12 persons based on proposal

On average, walking tours take 3 or 4 hours (depending on group and destination).
For your safety and enjoyment, private Guided Walking Tours are limited to 12 persons. 
In the event a group has more than 12 persons, we will divide the group between two guides.
This is to ensure that no one gets lost, and that Prague's clever thieves don't take advantage.