Prague’s centre, the largest protected monument area in the Czech Republic and one of the largest in the world, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 and covers 895 hectares. This designation brings not only prestige but also responsibilities. A new comprehensive study is intended to serve as a guideline for the future development of this valuable part of the capital.
“The spatial study documents the changes and challenges in the city centre. It highlights that, along with protecting cultural heritage, we must consider present-day needs and the growing number of tourists. The aim is to sustainably preserve the quality of life and ensure the long-term prosperity of the region,” says Petr Hlaváček, Deputy Mayor for Territorial Development.
The protected area includes Prague’s neighbourhoods of Hradčany, Malá Strana, the Old and New Towns, Vyšehrad, and parts of Vinohrady, Podolí, Nusle, Smíchov, and Holešovice. It features not only historic buildings and river islands but also modern architecture and main thoroughfares—a diverse mosaic that has evolved over centuries. Unlike cities such as Paris or Vienna, Prague’s centre was never fundamentally redesigned and remained largely unscathed during the Second World War.
“The study aims to unite historical heritage with the demands of a modern city. It’s an important step toward protecting Prague’s centre, improving quality of life for residents, and maintaining the city’s appeal to visitors,” emphasises Jiří Pospíšil, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism.
In recent decades, Prague’s city centre has lost about half of its population. Today, approximately 46,000 people live there, with many flats repurposed for tourism, such as Airbnb, which has decreased living quality and family incentives. At the same time, the area accounts for about 20 per cent of Prague’s jobs and serves as the cultural heart of the city and a tourist attraction.
Challenges in Prague’s centre include increasing commercialisation, construction projects that disrupt panoramic views, and traffic issues that contribute to environmental pollution. During summer, the centre also becomes a “heat island,” further impacting residents’ quality of life.
However, the study stresses that the solution isn’t solely in limiting tourism. It highlights the potential of neglected districts suitable for multifunctional development, which could alleviate pressure on the city centre. Examples from other major European cities demonstrate how intelligent planning can improve residents’ lives while keeping the area attractive to visitors.
“After decades, this is the first successful attempt to create a solid development concept for Prague’s heritage area. The study was created in close cooperation with heritage authorities, city districts, and residents, and it’s intended as a foundation for future plans and regulations,” explains Filip Foglar, Director of the Department for Territorial Development.
The new spatial study aims to create a flexible, holistic development plan that encompasses the entire city centre and considers the unique characteristics and challenges of each district. The goal is to preserve the quality of life and authenticity of the city centre, ensuring it remains historically rich and beautiful, yet also modern and liveable.
