Národní, formerly Národní třída, is a busy street running through the heart of urban Prague. It is located at the boundary between the Old Town and New Town and was witness to some key events of modern Czech history - such as Velvet Revolution protests. Národní is home to the splendid National Theatre, beautiful historical palaces and the famous Café Louvre.
Národní Avenue
Culture, theatres and modern city life
HIGHLIGHTS
- The splendid historical and modern new scene of Prague's National Theatre
- Adria Palace - the gem of Rondocubism, which is an architectural style unique to Prague
- A simple yet poignant Velvet Revolution memorial plaque
- Café Louvre - an elegant tranquil café from the 1900s, where Franz Kafka used to visit
The foundation of Národní Avenue (which means Avenue of the Nation) goes back to the year 1771, when the medieval fortification walls and moats located here were torn down. Its name was also changed quite a few times – for instance, in the 19th century it was called the New Alley. Today’s name commemorates a great turning point in Czech history – the violently repressed people’s protests in 1989, which finally led to the fall of Communist regime.
Národní connects Legion Bridge with Jungmann Square, and both of its ending points can boast spectacular architecture. From the riversideside, the street begins near National Theatre – the symbol of Czech cultural identity. Its construction was financed by people’s donations and it remains the alma mater of Czech opera and ballet until today. Across the road is a beautiful art-deco café Kavárna Slavia.
Among the most remarkable sights on the other end of Národní is Adria Palace. It was built for an Italian insurance company in the 1920s and features a unique “rondocubism” style, which slightly imitates typical Venetian palaces.
Along the avenue, there are numerous other buildings worth your attention – from the Baroque convent of St. Ursula, Platyz Passage and Art-Nouveau Topič House to the 1975 department store " Máj", an example of Communist architecture. And if you want to enjoy a cup of coffee in style, visit the renowned historical Café Louvre, once frequented by Franz Kafka and Albert Einstein.