Prague's Hidden Gems: 5 Beautiful Early 20th Century Villas You Need to See
Explore Prague beyond the tourist trails with a walking guide to early 20th-century villas in Střešovice, Smíchov, Břevnov, or Ořechovka. Architecture, history, and hidden gems await!
When most people think of Prague, their minds go straight to Gothic cathedrals, medieval squares, and Baroque towers. But beyond the tourist-packed Old Town, Prague hides an architectural treasure trove — elegant villas from the early 20th century that tell stories of innovation and artistic visions. And some even reflect the dramatic history that shaped the Czech Republic in the early 20th century.🕰️
These Prague villas are scattered across peaceful residential districts, and each one of them is a masterpiece. Whether you're an architecture lover or a traveller searching for hidden things to do in Prague, these villas offer a fresh and fascinating perspective on the city and its history.
If you're passionate about the first half of the 20th century architecture, Prague offers an extraordinary — and often overlooked — collection of villas that bring this fascinating era to life.
🗺️ Your Guide to Villa-Hopping in Prague
Some of these villas are open to the public, others are private but viewable from the outside. Either way, they make a beautiful walking tour through lesser-known areas like Střešovice, Břevnov, Smíchov, and our favourite - Ořechovka.
📍 Insider tip: Combine your villa visits with nearby parks, cafés, and other Hidden Prague experiences
Your map with all 5 villas is just one click away.
1 . Müller Villa – A Masterpiece of Raumplan in Střešovice
The most famous of Prague's villas, the Müller Villa, was designed in 1930 by iconic architect Adolf Loos in collaboration with Karel Lhota. Müller Villa is one of Prague's most important architectural works. Its clean, cubic design hides a complex interior concept known as Raumplan, which organizes living spaces based on function rather than traditional floor levels.
🧠 It's not just a building — it's a philosophy turned into walls and ceilings. Perfect for anyone curious about the evolution of home design in Prague.
⚠️ As of February 1, 2025, the Müller Villa is under reconstruction (the part of the roof terrace) with an unknown date of reopening. Follow their website for updates.
🔗 Müller Villa web - opening hours, online ticket purchase
2. Winternitz Villa – Timeless Elegance in Smíchov
Completed in 1932, also by architect Adolf Loos, the Winternitz Villa is a lesser-known gem tucked away in Smíchov. The design is simple and serene on the outside, but full of thoughtful spatial planning inside. The smaller version of its older sister Müller Villa is even more welcoming and charming to visitors year-round.
🎫 Today, it serves as a cultural space and sometimes hosts art exhibitions, and you can even book it for a sleepover.
🔗 Winternitz Villa web - opening hours, online ticket purchase, sleepover details
3. Rothmayer Villa – Artistic Soul of Břevnov
This villa, designed by architect Otto Rothmayer (a student of Jože Plečnik), blends craftsmanship with simplicity. Built in the 1920s and restored to its 1950s look ten years ago, the villa is now open to the public and offers a look at the domestic life of the Rothmayer family during an era between two world wars.
🎨 Both interiors and garden were designed by Rothmayer with an artistic symbiosis that makes every corner worth exploring.
🔗 Rothmayer Villa web - opening hours, online ticket purchase
4. Kafka Villa – A Mixture of art and architecture in Ořechovka
Don't be fooled by the name – sculptor Bohumil Kafka has nothing to do with the famous Prague writer. His villa, designed by architect Pavel Janák, is an example of architecture inspired by English brick houses, a very popular style at the time. The impressive glass sculpture studio is visible from the street. Today, the villa is privately owned and not open to the public. It was declared a cultural monument in 1958.
💡 Even from the outside, it's worth visiting – the Ořechovka/Střešovice district is a lovely place to walk around and admire similar villas in the neighbourhood.
🔗 no web, private property
5. Bílek Villa - Symbolism hidden in architecture
Another villa for a famous Czech sculptor and his family is Villa Bílek near the Prague Castle. The mixture of art nouveau and modernism, built with sophisticated symbolism, is a unique piece of architecture. The interior exhibition features a wide range of František Bílek's work, including original furniture and fixtures designed by Bílek himself.
🚶🏻 Connect your visit to this Villa with a stroll through the nearby Royal Garden of Prague Castle.
🔗 Bílek Villa web - opening hours, online ticket purchase
Why You Should Explore Prague's Villas?
- Unique architecture beyond the tourist hotspots
- Insight into Czech culture, design, and 20th-century history
- Amazing photo spots away from the crowds 📸
- Hidden gems that only locals and architecture lovers know about
Whether you're visiting Prague for the first time or the tenth, this architecture walking tour offers something new, inspiring, and deeply connected to the city's identity.
👉 Ready
to explore more hidden corners of Prague?
Check out more insider tips and walking routes at HiddenPrague.com!