What Are Paternoster Elevators in Prague?

A paternoster is a passenger elevator with no doors. It consists of a chain of open compartments. These cabins move slowly in a vertical loop. One side goes up while the other side goes down. The name comes from the Latin for "Our Father." This refers to the prayer beads of a rosary.

These elevators were invented in the late 19th century. They became very popular in the city of Prague during the 1920s and 1930s. Engineers loved them because they could carry many people at once. There is no waiting for a button. You simply wait for an empty cabin to appear.

Today, many have been replaced by modern lifts for safety. However, Prague has preserved several of these iconic machines. They are now considered technical monuments. Many visitors seek them out to experience the thrill of the loop. It is a rare chance to see vintage engineering in action.

Riding over the top or under the bottom is a common myth. Many people think it is dangerous to stay inside. In reality, the cabins simply shift horizontally. You will not be turned upside down. It is a safe and fascinating process to watch from inside the cabin.

10 Best Paternoster Elevators in Prague

Prague offers a variety of locations to see these lifts. Some are in grand palaces, while others are in quiet offices. Here are the best spots for your listicle tour. Please remember that many of these are working offices. Be quiet and respectful of the staff working nearby.

1. Name: New City Hall (Magistrát) Type: sight Why go: This is the most famous paternoster in the city. It is very well-maintained and easy to access. Best for: First-time riders. Where: Mariánské náměstí, Old Town. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Staroměstská metro station. Tip: Check out the Idiom infinite book tower in the library across the square.
2. Name: Lucerna Palace Type: experience Why go: This lift is located in a beautiful Art Nouveau shopping arcade. It has a very vintage feel. Best for: Photographers and history buffs. Where: Vodičkova Street, New Town. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free (access via the rooftop entrance). Getting there: Near Můstek or Muzeum metro stations. Tip: Look for the David Cerny sculptures located inside the same building.
3. Name: YMCA Palace Type: sight Why go: This building has a stunning interior from the 1920s. The elevator is a perfect match for the architecture. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Na Poříčí, New Town. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Short walk from Náměstí Republiky. Tip: The building often hosts interesting sports-related exhibits.
4. Name: Czech Radio (Český rozhlas) Type: sight Why go: This is one of the oldest functional paternosters in the country. It is part of a historic functionalist building. Best for: Fans of radio history. Where: Vinohradská Street, Vinohrady. Time: 20 minutes (tours recommended). Cost: Varies by tour. Getting there: Near Italská tram stop. Tip: You may need to book a guided tour to access this specific lift.
5. Name: Ministry of Agriculture Type: sight Why go: The building is massive and ornate. The elevator serves several floors and feels very grand. Best for: Seeing grand government interiors. Where: Těšnov, New Town. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Near Florenc metro station. Tip: Visit during weekday business hours for the best access.
6. Name: Ministry of Transport Type: sight Why go: This building was once the headquarters of the railway department. The lift is large and robust. Best for: Engineering enthusiasts. Where: Nábřeží Ludvíka Svobody. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take a tram to Těšnov or Bílá labuť. Tip: The view of the river from outside the building is excellent.
7. Name: Komerční banka (Na Příkopě) Type: experience Why go: This is a rare example of a paternoster inside a bank. It is very elegant and polished. Best for: A quick central stop. Where: Na Příkopě Street. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located on the main shopping street near Můstek. Tip: Be very discreet as this is a quiet banking environment.
8. Name: Czech Technical University (ČVUT) Type: sight Why go: Located in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. It is used daily by students and professors. Best for: Seeing a "living" elevator in use. Where: Karlovo náměstí. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Exit at Karlovo náměstí metro station. Tip: This lift moves slightly faster than the tourist-friendly ones.
9. Name: Petschek Palace Type: sight Why go: This building has a dark history from WWII. The elevator is part of the original high-tech design. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: Politických vězňů. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free (limited access). Getting there: Near the Main Railway Station (Hlavní nádraží). Tip: It now houses the Ministry of Industry, so security is tight.
10. Name: Prague 7 District Office Type: sight Why go: This elevator was recently renovated. It shows how old tech can be modernized. Best for: Seeing a clean, modern version. Where: U Průhonu, Holešovice. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take a tram to U Průhonu. Tip: Holešovice is a great area for weird museums in Prague.

Safety and Etiquette for Riding Paternoster Elevators

Riding a paternoster is fun but requires focus. You must be mobile and quick on your feet. These lifts do not stop for you. You must step into the cabin while it is moving. Always watch the floor level as it approaches. Step in firmly and do not hesitate.

Exit the cabin with the same level of care. Wait until the cabin floor is level with the hallway. Step out quickly to avoid tripping. Do not try to carry large luggage or strollers. These lifts are for people only. Most have a weight limit for each cabin.

If you miss your floor, do not panic. You can stay in the cabin as it goes over the top. It will simply travel to the other side and start going down. This is a great way to see the internal gears. However, some buildings may have rules against this. Always follow any posted signs in the building.

Be mindful of the workers. These buildings are not theme parks. They are active offices for the Prague city government and other firms. Keep your voice down and do not block the hallways. Avoid taking too many photos if it disturbs the staff.

Planning Your Unusual Prague Architecture Tour

Prague is full of mechanical and artistic surprises. You can easily spend a day finding these elevators. Start your morning at the New City Hall. This is centrally located and very welcoming. Afterward, walk to the Lucerna Palace for a different vibe.

Many elevators are only open on weekdays. Government offices usually close on weekends. Plan your trip between Monday and Friday. Mornings are usually the best time to avoid crowds. You will see the city waking up and the lifts in full use.

You can pair your lift tour with other sights. Prague has many unique installations. Consider visiting the Zizkov Television Tower for more heights. Or, look for the moving head of Franz Kafka. The city blends the old and the new perfectly.

Always check for temporary closures. Some paternosters undergo regular maintenance. They are old machines and need a lot of care. You can check the official municipal portals for updates. This ensures your architectural tour goes smoothly.