Explore the Most Captivating Staircases in the Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, there are various staircases that tell stories of history, pilgrimage, mystery, and delightful surprises. These range from the grand staircases at Prague Castle to forgotten stone steps that can be found tucked away in the woods. Come along with Kudy z nudy as we explore these staircases: you can expect to encounter ancient city staircases, routes trodden by pilgrims, rows of symbolic steps, and magical rock staircases.

If you’re looking for even more thrilling climbs where you might need to scramble a bit, cling to chains, or conquer lofty ladders, be sure to check out the article discussing ladders, steps, staircases, and footbridges that can lead you to either heavenly sights or daunting falls. Some places there may give a slight spin to the heads of hikers, while others will capture their hearts the very first time they tread upon them.

Prague’s stairways: enchanting old streets and mysterious corners

Prague is known as the city of staircases. They can be discovered in the peaceful corners of ancient neighborhoods, sloping hills, and nestled between buildings, where the road ends and stone steps take over. Among the most well-known staircases in Prague are the Old and New Castle Stairs, which connect the Lesser Town to Prague Castle. Nearby are the Town Hall Stairs in Hradčany, a lesser-known yet charming connection between Nerudova Street and Hradčany Square. This staircase has also caught the eye of filmmakers and has appeared in numerous historical movies and series!

At Prague Castle, you will find staircases like the famous Bull Staircase, which was designed by architect Jože Plečnik. This stunning aspect of the castle complex reminds us of the significant role architecture played in the castle’s reconstruction during the First Republic era. The staircases in Žižkov, such as those linking Chelčického Street and Táboritská Street, have appeared in various films about historic Prague.
For those who enjoy off-the-beaten-path spots, you might stumble upon a long, pleasantly concealed staircase that leads from Vítkov Hill down toward Karlín, directing you to the Invalidovna. Additionally, the so-called Mysterious Stairs located in Krč Forest seem to come straight from a storybook: deep within the valley and surrounded by trees, this hidden stone staircase appears to lead to another realm.

When streets culminate in steps: surprising city staircases

In urban areas, steps are often the quickest route between two streets, and they frequently offer a nice reason to pause for a moment. In Brno, the Water Stairs at Bašty definitely stand out, where water gently drips over the sandstone steps and, especially on warm days, invites passersby to walk barefoot and refresh their feet. Not too far away is Schodová Street, and its name speaks for itself: this narrow street, ascending through stone steps, is one of those spots in the city that makes you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.

But these charming stairways are not limited to just Brno. In Žatec, for example, Nádražní Street connects the city center to the lower suburbs, reminding us that when the landscape becomes too steep for a regular road, staircases provide a discreet yet picturesque connection.

Covered stairways: pilgrimage paths protected by a roof

Stairs can lead not only upward to the heavens but also toward spirituality. In earlier times, roofed staircases were constructed at several pilgrimage locations so that travelers could continue their journey, even in poor weather. The most renowned of these is in Příbram, where a lengthy covered staircase stretches from the historical town center up to Svatá Hora. This staircase, at 450 meters long, holds the title of the longest covered staircase in the Czech Republic, catering to pilgrims visiting one of the nation’s most famous Marian pilgrimage centers. Similarly, the bono Publico covered staircase in Hradec Králové dates back to the 18th century and carries a similar charm while still linking the historic center with the town’s lower areas.
Apart from these, covered staircases lead to churches and pilgrimage chapels in places like Jáchymov, Moravská Třebová, Starý Jičín, and Letovice. Although these days it’s often tourists who traverse them instead of pilgrims, the original purpose remains evident: to safeguard the path upward and transform regular steps into a small pilgrimage experience.

Stairs symbolizing prayer or serving as a calendar

Sometimes, stairs serve not just as an ascent, but the number of steps holds certain symbolic meaning. A great illustration of this is Sněžka, where you must climb a precise count of 365 steps from the cable car station at Růžová hora to the peak – mirroring the 365 days in a year. Similar meaning can be found in the Jizera Mountains, where the carved Marian Holy Stairs, also totaling 365 steps, are situated on a steep incline overlooking the Bílá Desná valley near Desná. Originally created to make travel easier for locals from the valley to the mountain settlements, they simultaneously highlight how daily life intersects with spiritual customs in the countryside.

The stone steps at the Homole hilltop hold even more spiritual significance. The so-called Scala Sancta holy steps comprise 153 stone steps and sixteen landings, and these numbers match the prayers of the full rosary. Pilgrims would traditionally ascend them on their knees, reciting the Hail Mary on each step and the Lord’s Prayer on each landing. The symbolism of the rosary is also echoed in the covered staircase leading to the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Nová Paka. The Rosary Staircase consists of fifty steps and was constructed in the 18th century by the religious brothers of St Francis of Paola, designed to remind pilgrims of the prayers they were expected to utter before entering the church.

Magical staircases and steps filled with intrigue

Certain staircases do not merely connect two places, but rather contribute to an architectural or natural adventure. For example, at Pardubice Castle, attention is caught by a contemporary glass staircase created by renowned architect Eva Jiřičná, which contrasts beautifully with the historic interiors and is considered one of the most striking modern alterations in historical landmarks. You can also enjoy beautiful Baroque spiral staircases, designed by architect Jan Blažej Santini, in places like the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Kutná Hora or in the Plasy monastery.

Staircases also commonly appear in tales and fairy stories. One of the most recognized can be found at the rock castle of Sloup, famously associated with the fairy tale *No Joking with the Devils*. Adventurous hikes await those fond of rock towns in Bohemian Switzerland: near Tokáň, close to Jetřichovice, stairs twist through a maze of rocky paths, with spots boasting names like Dwarf Gorge, Mouse Holes, or Angel Stairs.
And there are also steps shrouded in mystery. On Volská hora near Stadice in the Bohemian Central Mountains, you can see ancient basalt steps that date back at least three centuries. The exact creator and time of their construction remain unknown, but the local stone has provided an excellent material that aids in ensuring these humble steps may endure for centuries more.

A final suggestion: staircases worth climbing

Staircases may often seem like simple shortcuts from one street to another, yet they frequently lead to unexpected places, stunning views, and captivating stories. Sometimes, they extend up to pilgrimage chapels; at other times, they meander through rocks or between old structures, inviting you on a mini adventure. Which staircases are worth traveling to explore?

• The Old Castle Stairs in Prague – a traditional path to Prague Castle, showcasing some of the most stunning vistas of the Lesser Town.
• The Town Hall Stairs in Hradčany – a quiet and somewhat hidden staircase, representing one of the city’s most picturesque corners.
• The steps to Sněžka – 365 stone steps, representing each day of the year. On this journey, you can celebrate holidays, birthdays, and perhaps even Christmas.
• The staircase to Svatá Hora near Příbram – the longest covered staircase in the Czech Republic, which has been welcoming pilgrims for many years.
• The Water Stairs at Bašty in Brno – sandstone steps where water flows gently over them, inviting visitors to cool down during summer.
• The Holy Stairs of Mariánská Hora in the Jizera Mountains – a lengthy stone staircase set on a wooded slope offering breathtaking scenery.
• The stairs at Sloup Castle – a rock staircase made famous from the fairy tale ‘No Joking with the Devils’, which is not open to visitors, but can be admired from a distance!
• Santini’s spiral staircases in Kutná Hora and Plasy – Baroque architecture that evokes an image of a spiral made of stone.
• The mysterious stairs in Krčský Forest in Prague – a somewhat concealed area that feels like a scene from a storybook.
• The basalt steps on Volská hora near Stadice – ancient stone steps whose origin continues to be a mystery today.

You may discover that stairs can be more than just a passage up or down; they often offer a little adventure – and sometimes it feels worthwhile to count each step along the journey. How many steps have you counted today?