When Dan Brown released The Secret of Secrets in 2025, fans of Robert Langdon were thrilled to see the Harvard symbologist land in one of Europe’s most mysterious cities – Prague. Known for its alchemists, hidden passages, and centuries of legends, Prague is the perfect setting for Brown’s mix of history, myth, and science. For readers, it’s a page-turning thriller. For travelers, it’s a chance to step into the story. Many of the locations and legends featured in the book, such as the Golem of Prague and the Devil’s Bible, can still be explored today.
The Golem: Prague’s Protector or Menace?
In The Secret of Secrets, one of the shadowy threats Langdon faces is tied to the legend of the Golem, a mystical creature created from clay and brought to life by sacred words.
The Golem legend originates from Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel, a real historical figure who lived in Prague in the late 16th century. According to legend, he built the creature to protect the Jewish community from persecution. But like all great myths, the Golem story carries warnings about power, control, and what happens when humans ”play God”.
For readers of Dan Brown, the Golem appears as a symbol of Prague’s ancient mysteries. For visitors to Prague, it’s a living legend – you can still walk the very streets of the Jewish Quarter where the tale was born.
The Devil’s Bible: A Book Bigger than Life
Another chilling artifact in The Secret of Secrets is the Codex Gigas, also known as the Devil’s Bible.
This enormous medieval manuscript, weighing over 70 kilograms, earned its name from the large portrait of the devil inside. Legend says it was created in a single night by a monk who made a pact with the devil. Whether myth or truth, the Devil’s Bible has fascinated scholars for centuries.
The manuscript was originally written in Bohemia, in a monastery near the town of Chrudim, at the beginning of the 13th century. Today, the Codex Gigas is preserved in the National Library of Sweden, but its legends are strongest here in Prague. Within the city’s old monasteries and palaces, dark tales of forbidden knowledge and whispered bargains still echo through the stone walls.
Locations from the book The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown
Dan Brown’s latest novel, The Secret of Secrets, takes readers deep into the heart of Prague – a city filled with mystery and centuries-old legends. Many real locations appear throughout the story, connecting fiction with the city’s fascinating history. Here are some of the most important Prague settings from the book:
- Old Town Square
- Across the square stands Hotel U Prince with the well-known Black Angel’s Bar, where the Golem appears several times in the novel.
- Nearby, the Kinský Palace becomes a refuge for Robert Langdon and Katherine Solomon during a rainstorm.
- Jewish Quarter
- The story moves through Franz Kafka Square, Maiselova Street, and Široká Street, where the Golem walks before reaching the Old Jewish Cemetery.
- At the cemetery, he draws strength from the tomb of Rabbi Löw, his legendary creator.
- Old-New Synagogue
- The Golem returns here to reflect on Rabbi Löw’s legacy and his own mysterious existence.
- Clementinum
- A major part of the plot unfolds in this historic complex, where the search for the Codex Gigas (the Devil’s Bible) takes place and the main characters reunite.
- Charles Bridge
- Near the bronze cross that marks the spot of Saint John of Nepomuk’s martyrdom, one of the story’s pivotal scenes takes place.
- Prague Castle
- Katherine Solomon gives a lecture here, linking the grandeur of the castle with the novel’s themes of hidden knowledge and power.
- Nusle and Folimanka Park
- Beneath Folimanka lies an old nuclear shelter that becomes the setting for a secret research facility.
- Bastion U Božích Muk (New Town)
- Close to the Schovanka Garden, this location hosts some of the novel’s most dramatic scenes.
Walking in Langdon’s Footsteps: Prague Castle & Beyond
What makes Dan Brown’s thrillers so irresistible is how he blends real places with imaginary plots. When you wander through Prague Castle, stroll the cobbled lanes of Malá Strana, or stand in the very courtyards where emperors once summoned scholars and mystics, it feels like stepping into his novel.
On an evening guided Alchemy & Mysteries of Prague Castle Tour, you’ll uncover the same atmosphere Brown brings to life:
- Hidden corners of Prague tied to legends and secret experiments
- Stories of the alchemists who worked in Prague during the reign of Emperor Rudolf II, when the city was a center of science, mystery, and the search for eternal wisdom
- Stories of the Golem and the Devil’s Bible told where they truly belong
For fans of The Secret of Secrets, the city itself becomes the ultimate “code” to decipher.
Why This Matters for Travelers and Readers
Dan Brown has always been a master at making history thrilling. But The Secret of Secrets hits differently for visitors to Prague, it ties global mysteries to a city that still feels drenched in legend.
If you loved the book – or if you’re just curious about the myths behind it – exploring Prague in person is like opening a secret chapter.
Experience the Secrets Yourself on the Alchemy & Mysteries of Prague Castle Tour
Reading Dan Brown’s The Secret of Secrets is one thing. Walking the streets of Prague, where these stories live on, is another.
On the Alchemy & Mysteries of Prague Castle Tour, you’ll trace the footsteps of alchemists, unravel the legend of the Golem, and stand where echoes of the Devil’s Bible still haunt the city. Discover the Prague that inspired Dan Brown’s fiction – and decide for yourself where the line between legend and reality begins on the Alchemy & Mysteries of Prague Castle Tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dan Brown’s The Secret of Secrets really set in Prague?
Yes! The novel opens in Prague, where Robert Langdon attends a lecture at the famous Charles University. Prague’s atmosphere of legends, hidden passages, and mystical stories makes it the perfect setting for Brown’s mix of history and mystery.
What is the story of the Golem of Prague?
The Golem legend tells of a creature made of clay, brought to life by Rabbi Judah Loew in the 16th century to protect Prague’s Jewish community. In The Secret of Secrets, the Golem appears as a dark symbol of Prague’s myths, blending perfectly with the novel’s themes.
What is the Devil’s Bible, and why is it connected to Prague?
The Devil’s Bible – also called the Codex Gigas – is the largest medieval manuscript in the world. According to legend, it was written in one night after a monk made a pact with the devil. It was created in Bohemia in the 13th century, and Prague has long been associated with its chilling reputation. During the reign of Rudolf II, the manuscript was stored in his personal collection in Prague.
Can I experience these legends on a Prague tour?
Yes! On the Alchemy & Mysteries of Prague Castle Tour, you’ll hear stories of the Golem, the Devil’s Bible, and Prague’s alchemists during the reign of Emperor Rudolf II. It’s the perfect way to step into the atmosphere of The Secret of Secrets and explore the real legends behind the novel.
Your Prague Story Has Only Just Begun
Robert Langdon’s fictional quest is a thrilling chapter, but it is merely one entry in the endless book of secrets Prague has been writing for centuries. The legend of the Golem, the enigma of the Devil’s Bible, and the alchemical era of Rudolf II are the famous tales, yet countless others lie waiting in the city’s hidden courtyards and shadowy alleys.
Our Alchemy & Mysteries of Prague Castle Tour is your gateway, an invitation to step directly into one of these profound legends. But we know every explorer is ultimately drawn to their own kind of mystery. Whether you seek the echoes of royal history, the whispers of ancient ghosts, or the secrets buried deep underground, your personal adventure awaits. To ensure you find it, we have created a central resource for every seeker.
When you’re ready to move beyond one chapter and discover the entire library of tales, explore our definitive guide to Prague’s walking tours to uncover every legend and find the perfect historical adventure for your own story.