Kotva Department Store, Brutalist department store in Old Town, Czech Republic
Kotva Department Store is a massive retail complex with raw concrete finishes and interlocking hexagonal shapes on Republic Square. The five-story structure consists of multiple interconnected sections that house shops, restaurants, and a supermarket across all levels.
The building was constructed between 1970 and 1975 by Swedish construction firm SIAB and was the largest retail establishment in socialist Czechoslovakia. It was built on a site that previously held medieval religious structures dating back centuries.
The name "Kotva" means anchor, reflecting the building's role as a central shopping hub for the neighborhood. Visitors can see how the geometric shapes and layout shape how people move through and gather in the space.
The store is directly connected to Náměstí Republiky metro station, making arrival straightforward by public transport. An underground parking garage with plenty of spaces is available if you arrive by car.
The building features ten interconnected escalators that carry visitors in a continuous flow through different levels, an unusually extensive system for a department store. This escalator arrangement was a striking feature when the store opened and remains distinctive today.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
