Town Hall Stairs

Loretánská 173/1 ↔ Radnické schody, Prague 1 - Hradčany

History and Architecture

The Radnické schody (Town Hall Stairs) are among the oldest and most picturesque passages in Prague. They connect Hradčanské náměstí (Hradčany Square) and Loretánská Street with the lower foot of Nerudova Street in Malá Strana (Lesser Town). The stairs were built in 1663 after excavating the original castle ramp, which had existed there since the 15th century as a steep hollow way also used by carts and wagons.

They received their current name in 1870, after the nearby Hradčany Town Hall located at the top of the stairs. Previously, they were known by names such as the Butcher Shops Hill (Vršek masných krámů, Masokrámský vršek, or Řeznický vršek), as many butcher shops used to be concentrated in the area.

The stairs are approximately 100 meters long, and their 127 steps overcome a height difference of about 30 meters. Part of their route passes beneath the historical buildings of Hradčany, giving them an intimate, almost cinematic atmosphere.

At the lower foot of the stairs stand two prominent Baroque statues—St. Joseph with the Infant Jesus and St. John of Nepomuk, the latter attributed to Michal Brokoff. Both are cultural monuments and form a characteristic visual gateway to the staircase.

The Passage Today

Although the Radnické schody are not a passage in the traditional sense, they perfectly fit the concept of Prague’s shortcuts—connecting two distinctly different environments and creating a microworld of their own.

From above, visitors arrive from the majestic Hradčanské náměstí (Hradčany Square), while from below, they enter from the lively and tourist-heavy Nerudova Street. The stairs thus act as a natural transition between the grand castle architecture and the urban life of Malá Strana.

Thanks to their location, historical backdrop, and Baroque decoration, they are among the most photogenic corners of Prague. The atmosphere changes throughout the day—from the quiet of the morning to the romance of the evening, when lamplight reflects off the weathered walls and stone steps.

Conclusion

The Radnické schody are one of those Prague spots that seem unassuming but hide a deep history. They are a living reminder of the historical route between Hradčany and Malá Strana—a place with a Baroque soul that still serves its original purpose: to connect, provide a shortcut, and offer a quiet, picturesque place to pause.

For lovers of Prague passages, the Radnické schody represent a beautiful example of how even an open outdoor space can function as a corridor—a place where history, architecture, and urban life naturally intertwine.