Alchemy & Mysteries of Prague Castle

2768reviews

Alchemy & Mysteries of Prague Castle Walking Tour

Overview

Immerse yourself in the evening atmosphere of the city and see Prague Castle and its surroundings without the crowds. Listen to the unknown stories and legends related to famous landmarks and explore the magical world of alchemy and astrology. Take a journey with us through the hidden cobbled streets and hear the tales of the Golem, the Devil’s Bible, or the Hole to Hell. Discover the glory of Prague under the reign of Rudolf II. and find out what drew astronomers Tycho de Brahe and Johannes Kepler to Prague. Experience the transformation of the city under the brilliant Charles IV and visit places like the Golden Lane, the New World, or the still-functioning Strahov Monastery. Enjoy the serene atmosphere of the otherwise busy largest castle complex in the world and take in the breathtaking views of the city from its grounds.

In front of the building No. 7, 627 Týnská, 110 00 Prague, CZ

Evening tour/activity

3 hours

Moderate

Yes

Highlights

See Prague Castle without the crowds of tourists in a unique atmosphere after dusk
Discover how alchemy, astrology, and mysticism shaped the history of Czech lands
Uncover the little-known facts and details related to Prague landmarks
Take a walk through a picturesque neighborhood that not even many locals know
Listen to the story of the famous Golem
Enjoy a night view of the Prague skyline from the Castle grounds

Full description

During this evening 3-hour tour, you will be introduced to the direct ancestor of modern science – the field of alchemy. This journey will first take you from the Old Town Square to the Old New Synagogue, where you will hear the first mystical story of the tour involving the legend of Rabbi Löw and his Golem – the ‘Jewish Frankenstein‘, who went rogue and had to be hidden in the secret room in the Old Town.

From here, the tour continues to Mánes Bridge, where you can find out more about the construction of the city under the great King Charles IV. His plans were influenced by esotericism and astrology, leaving nothing to chance and allowing Prague to be as beautiful as it is today.

Take a tram to the Castle district and learn about the life of astronomers and scientists such as Tycho de Brahe and Johannes Kepler, who were invited to the court of Rudolf II.

While visiting the still-functioning Strahov Monastery, discover the mystery of the Devil’s Bible, kept in a collection of Rudolf II. Speaking of the devil, you will then be guided past the location of ‘Hole to Hell‘, opened by cruel Christianity-hater Drahomíra.

On your way to the castle grounds, walk through the New World, a small picturesque neighborhood unknown even to many locals. See the only preserved timbered house in the historical center, as well as the house where Tycho de Brahe lived.

Continue to Prague Castle to enjoy the highlight of your tour – seeing the largest castle complex in the world completely without tourists. Listen to several interesting mysterious facts about some of its details that you wouldn’t normally notice on a standard historical tour. Discover the fates of all the alchemists whose stories we follow throughout the tour and check out the unique narrow houses of the Golden Lane. Finish the tour at the St Wenceslas Vineyard with beautiful panoramic views of the city.

Itinerary

Stop at: Old Town Square
Hear about the Prague alchemists and their noble discipline, the ancestor of modern science.
Stop at: Paris Avenue
Where else to enjoy a narrative of the lavish lifestyle at the court of Rudolph II than in the most luxurious and expensive street in the Czech Republic? Who financed the extravagant life of luxury?
Stop at: Old New Synagogue
If there's one story you shouldn't miss during your stay in Prague, it's the one about the Golem. How did Rabbi Löw manage to create an artificial life?
Stop at: Mánes Bridge
Admire the Charles Bridge by twilight and discover how thanks to astrologists, the bridge survived centuries. Enjoy the most beautiful panoramic view of Prague Castle, the best location to take a photo of the entire complex.
Stop at: Malostranská tram stop
Take a tram to the Prague Castle District.
Stop at: the Statue of Astronomers
Hear the story of two famous astronomers Johannes Kepler and Tycho de Brahe. What brought them to Prague during the reign of Rudolf II?
Stop at: Strahov Monastery
Visit the Strahov Monastery where the monks brewed 'Holy beer' dedicated to their patron St Norbert. Listen to dark stories of the Devil's Bible and the legend of the treasure stolen by the Swedish army.
Stop at: Panoramic view of Prague
Enjoy medieval Prague from above. The earliest history, cultic, and political significance of the hill where Prague Castle was built.
Stop at: Prague's Loreto
See the exterior of this pilgrimage destination with its precious treasure and listen to the legend of Santa Casa, the birthplace of baby Jesus.
Stop at: Hole to Hell
Hear the story of the cruel mother Drahomíra, because of whom the hole to hell opened. Be surprised by its location.
Pass by: New World Street
See what the Lesser Town looked like before a great fire in the 16th century, including the only preserved wooden house in the historic center. This part of Prague is unfamiliar even to many locals. Continue your walk past the place where Tycho de Brahe lived and worked.
Stop at: Prague Castle Complex
See the majestic Prague Castle at night without tourists. Discover interesting details of the castle that you might not notice on a standard day tour.
Stop at: St Vitus Cathedral
The highlight of the tour - St Vitus Cathedral which houses the crown jewels tied by a curse that also afflicted a notorious Nazi officer during World War II.
Stop at: Golden Lane with White Tower
Wander the picturesque Golden Lane, famous for its narrow, colourfully painted houses. Franz Kafka once lived in one of them. See the White Tower, once a prison and torture chamber whose most famous inmate was a scheming alchemist.
Stop at: St Wenceslas Vineyard
The oldest vineyard in Prague, a piece of land in the middle of the center that has been preserved in its original appearance.

Includes

Important information

Minimum of 2 passengers per booking required. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet the requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
Tour operated in English or German; please specify at the time of booking.
Not wheelchair accessible.
Not stroller accessible.

What do I need to bring?

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the tour departure time.
Bottle of water.

PUBLIC TOUR

From

€26.00

for adults

Prices include 12% VAT

Tuesdays at 19:00
Thursdays at 19:00
Saturdays at 19:00
Sundays at 19:00

Thursdays at 19:00
Saturdays at 19:00

PRIVATE TOUR

From

€300.00

for a private group

Prices include 12% VAT

Every day at 17:00, 18:00, 19:00

Every day at 17:00, 18:00, 19:00

Meeting point

In front of the building No. 7, 627 Týnská, 110 00 Prague, CZ

How to find us

From the Astronomical Clock, cross the Old Town Square towards Tyn Cathedral. Facing Tyn Cathedral take the left narrow lane (Týnská) between the Cathedral and the beige Baroque building (Kinsky Palace). Once you are standing behind Tyn Cathedral you will see the big wooden door of building number 7.

Cancellation policy

We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if the booking for public tour is cancelled 1 day or less before the event.
We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if the booking for private tour is cancelled 14 days or less before the event.

Terms & Conditions →

Public vs Private tours

People often confuse between public and private tours. Here is a comparsion of the two.

Public tour

Open to all
Set schedule
Price per person
Cost-effective
Interaction with other travelers
Tailored to your needs
Flexible start

Private tour

Exclusively for your group
Customized scheduling
Group rate
Personalized experience
Exclusive attention from the guide
Meeting other travelers
Fixed schedule

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