Fairmont Golden Prague Hotel building

Welcome to the heart of old Prague. You are standing on one of the most prestigious streets of this city, on the streets of Paris, right in front of a building that can act at first sight as an unexpected but fascinating guest in this historic neighborhood. In front of you there is an important Prague hotel that combines with its presence various epochs and ways of seeing the city. While the surrounding houses shine with baroque decoration or Renaissance details, this building brings something quite different to space, something raw, honest and extremely powerful. Feel the atmosphere - the contrast between the fragility of history and the solid matter of the modern work that stands here.

Now let's go back in time together to understand how this object came into being and why it's even standing here. The story of this building begins in 1968. It was the year of great change and the year when the foundations of this project began to move. According to the designs of the Epsilon studio, a building was to be built, which was to stand as a symbol of a modern approach to hospitality in the heart of the old town. The whole construction process was quite extensive and lasted several years until it was completed in 1974. It was that year that the hotel first opened up to its guests and began its long service. At that time the operation was provided by a large travel agency ČEDOK, which was then a key travel player. This building has thus borne a touch of grandeur and international connection from the beginning.

Now pay attention to the architecture itself that you are currently observing. If you look at the facade, you immediately realize that you're looking at the top example of brutalism. This style, which may seem uncompromising to someone, actually has its own deep beauty. Notice how the authors of the building worked with the materials. The dominant element here is bare concrete. It's not just an ordinary wall, but a living matter that shows its structure and strength. The concrete does not seem cold here, but rather frankly, as if it wanted nothing to hide. Take a look at the details and notice how this concrete is supplemented with ceramic tiles. These ceramic elements provide the building with softness and texture, which attracts the eye to move throughout the facade.

This architectural intention was not random. The main creators behind this vision were Karel Filsak, Karel Bubeníček and Jaroslav Švec. Their task was to create an object that, although modern and courageous, will be harmoniously integrated into the historical building of Prague. And that's where their biggest championship is. Although the building is massive, it can settle in a non-violent way within the old town and create a new, interesting dialogue with it.

But the history of this place is not only about stone and concrete, but also about the constant changes that reflect our country's history. After 1990, when the era of coupon privatisation began, the owners of this important company began to change. The building went through a period of transformation when it became private property. In 1999 the hotel went under the management of international groups focused on hotel management and later under the leadership of another large group for hospitality. Another important milestone occurred in 2013, when the building became owned by a company focused on top hotel properties. Each of these changes brought a new perspective on how this building is intended to serve the visitors of Prague.

We are writing the latest chapter in the history of this construction in recent years. A very extensive and thorough reconstruction started in 2021. This whole process is under the expert guidance of architect Mark Tichý. The aim of this modernization is not to change the soul of the building, but to preserve it and improve it so that it matches today's demands without losing the unique brutalist character that makes it a monument.

Perhaps you now have a question that can impress any observer: How is it possible that such a massive and modern construction, built of such heavy materials as concrete, can fit so perfectly into the fragile and decorated environment of the old town? Is it the secret of the ceramic tiles? Or is it the honesty of material that creates balance in contrast to historical houses? This integration is a true architectural miracle that forces you to stop and think about how the city can constantly evolve without losing its identity.

Now that you've learned the basics, history and architecture of this place, I suggest you continue your walk around. The Old Town offers an infinite number of details that await your discovery. See other facades, feel the rhythm of the streets and enjoy the atmosphere of Prague, which is so unique. Thank you for stopping by and paying attention to this important monument. We wish you a beautiful and inspiring rest of the day.