Radnické schody, Stone staircase in Hradčany, Czech Republic
Radnické schody is a stone staircase with 127 steps spanning 100 meters and ascending 30 meters between Nerudova Street and Loretánská Street. The steps cut through the Hradčany district with a direct route connecting the lower and upper sections of this historic quarter.
The staircase was constructed in the 17th century after a castle ramp was removed in 1663, replacing a steep road that had existed since the 15th century. This rebuilding was part of the urban changes that reshaped the upper town during that era.
Two Baroque statues stand at the lower entrance: Saint Joseph with the infant Jesus on the right and Saint John of Nepomuk with angels on the left. These figures shape the spiritual character of the climb and reflect the role this passage played in local devotion.
The staircase provides the quickest walking route between the two street levels of Hradčany and up toward Prague Castle. Wear sturdy shoes as the stone surface can be slippery when wet.
The name comes from the Old Town Hall designation dating to 1870, but earlier references called it after the many butcher shops that once operated in this location. This shift from a working market area to a pedestrian passage reflects how the neighborhood transformed over the centuries.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
