Welcome in Cloister Inn Hotel

The Cloister Inn Hotel is located  in the heart of the Old Town, in a side lane almost free of traffic only an inch to the major tourist attractions.

3-min walk            National Theatre

7-min walk            Charles Bridge

5-min walk            Old Town Square

10-min walk          Jewish Quarter with Cemetery

5-min walk            Wenceslas Square

15-min by tram     Prague Castle

The building lies on the premises of a medieval convent and offers good-quality services and family atmosphere in a quiet location in Prague´s oldest historical quarter.

After a whole day of walking you definitely appreciate the immediacy of the Cloister Inn location and complimentary refreshing cup of coffee or tea in the lobby.

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How to identify the original 18th-century buildings vs. later renovations

Navigating the historic streets of the Old Town in Prague requires a keen eye, especially when exploring the area surrounding the National Theatre where the Cloister Inn Hotel stands. The architecture here is a dense tapestry of eras, but identifying which structures are genuine 18th-century gems versus those rebuilt or heavily renovated later requires understanding the specific stylistic markers of the Baroque period that define this region.

How to Spot Original 18th Century Architectural Features

The 18th century in Prague was the golden age of the Baroque style, characterized by dramatic curves, ornate ornamentation, and a specific use of brick and stone that contrasts sharply with the later Neoclassical or modernist intrusions often found in the surrounding streets. To identify an original building, one must look for the continuity of materials and the preservation of original structural elements. While many buildings in the vicinity of the National Theatre have undergone significant changes over the centuries, the most authentic structures often retain their original rooflines, window proportions, and the specific texture of the local brickwork.

Distinguishing Later Renovations on Historic Structures

When inspecting a building's facade, several visual cues can help distinguish the original 18th-century construction from later additions. The placement and shape of windows are particularly telling, as they rarely changed drastically until the 19th century.

  • Window Proportions: Authentic 18th-century windows are typically tall and narrow, often divided into three vertical sections with arched tops, whereas later renovations might feature wider, rectangular panes or modern sliding glass doors.
  • Brick Texture and Color: The original brickwork usually features a specific reddish-orange hue with varying shades due to the firing process of that era. Later repairs often use uniform, factory-made bricks that lack the subtle imperfections and color variation of the original masonry.
  • Roofline Continuity: The parapets and cornices of true Baroque buildings are elaborate and continuous. If a modern flat roof or a simplified gable interrupts the historical silhouette, it is likely a later modification.

The Impact of Renovations on 18th Century Buildings

It is crucial to understand that "renovation" in Prague is rarely a single event but rather a series of overlapping changes. A building might have started as a 17th-century townhouse, been expanded in the 18th century, and then partially reconstructed in the early 20th century. This layering makes identification complex. Often, the lower floors of a building might show signs of 19th-century industrial influence, such as iron balconies or heavy stone cladding, while the upper floors retain the delicate stucco work and painted wooden beams typical of the 18th century. The challenge for the observer is to separate these layers and appreciate the original structure beneath the later encrustations.

Locating Original Elements in the Old Town

To find the most authentic examples near the National Theatre, focus on buildings that have not been fully gutted and rebuilt. Look for structures where the internal layout still reflects the original function, such as narrow corridors connecting apartment units, which were common in this period. These buildings often feature hidden details that only reveal themselves upon closer inspection, such as original doorframes set deep into the wall or decorative keystone motifs above entrances that were painted over or obscured during major renovations.

The Significance of Original Stucco Work

One of the most reliable indicators of an 18th-century building is the presence of original stucco work, often seen in the form of cornices, pediments, and decorative moldings. Unlike later periods where stone was sometimes preferred for durability, the 18th century favored stucco for its ability to hold intricate designs without the weight of heavy stone. However, this material is fragile and susceptible to water damage, which can lead to peeling or cracking that mimics the roughness of later repairs. Examining the texture and integration of these decorative elements with the underlying masonry can reveal whether the facade is authentic or a modern imitation.

Practical Tips for Exploration

For travelers and history enthusiasts, the best way to identify these buildings is to compare them side-by-side with known landmarks. The National Theatre itself is a masterpiece of late 19th-century architecture, but the buildings flanking it in the 18th-century rows offer a stark contrast in style. Pay attention to the roof tiles; original 18th-century roofs often used specific clay tiles that have a distinct shape and color, whereas later roofs may use standardized industrial tiles. Additionally, look for signs of wear that are consistent with age, such as soot staining on upper window sills, which suggests the building has stood exposed to the elements since the 1700s. By combining these visual observations with a knowledge of the local architectural history, one can effectively distinguish the true heritage of the Old Town from its later modifications.

To ensure a successful identification, consider these essential steps before concluding your analysis:

  1. Check if the window frames are flush with the wall or protrude significantly, as protruding frames are a common sign of 19th-century alteration.
  2. Observe the color of the mortar; original joints are often lighter and thinner than the modern, thick, grey filler used in later repairs.
  3. Inspect the corners of the building for rusted iron corners or lead flashing, which are indicators of modern waterproofing systems.
  4. Look for evidence of past fires, such as blackened brick on the ground floor, which often precedes complete rebuilding.
  5. Verify if the building plan matches the typical narrow, multi-story residential layouts of the 18th century.
  6. Note the presence of original wrought-iron railings on balconies, which were crafted in-house rather than mass-produced.
  7. Check the basement level for original cellars with stone vaulting, a feature rarely replicated in modern underground construction.

By applying these criteria systematically, visitors can move beyond superficial observation to a deeper appreciation of Prague's layered history, understanding exactly which facades represent the vibrant 18th century and which are the result of subsequent urban evolution.

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