The city of a thousand spires: Walk through Prague’s most legendary places

Prague is a romantic and medieval town in the Czech Republic. It’s also called the city of a thousand spires, and for good reason. This enchanting city is filled with ancient castles, fairy-tale towers, and knights. It’s a city of charming houses, old docks, winding streets, and grand bridges. Every building here holds a secret, making it a city you’ll fall in love with forever. Prague is so beautiful that it feels like a fairy tale, full of the magic that people always seek. Let’s take a walk through Prague’s most legendary places today and see everything in detail!

Discovering magical Prague. The Most Legendary Places in Prague.

Prague is steeped in mysticism. Alchemists here still claim to turn lead into gold, and locals occasionally strike deals with the devil. The streets of this city hold unsolved mysteries. Prague is a city with a history, ready to reveal its secrets and legends for a while.

This is the most enigmatic city in Europe, where every house has a ghost, and each district has its own legend. To learn anything about Prague, you need to wander the narrow streets for hours, soaking in the ancient spirit, admiring the Gothic houses, and imagining the magical streets once roamed by alchemists, magicians, and clay Golems.

Prague – a journey into the past. Are you ready to get into a time machine? Let’s then go to Mala Strana, climb to Vysehrad, and then stroll around the Old Town Square, which is never deserted, even at night.

Feel the time at Old Town Square.

Crowds of travelers gather here, waiting for an extraordinary sight. They secure a spot at a café table in advance and wait. Every hour, the town hall clock comes to life. For 500 years now, as it does today, a mini-performance featuring the figures of the apostles emerging from a secret door has been staged. It’s an incredible sight, I tell you. And even without the performance, the clock is marvelous. Isn’t it?

No wonder that Death, ringing a bell, and the wooden apostles’ parade attract such a crowd every hour. By the way, Karl IV was born not far from this place.

Take a postcard photo of Charles Bridge. Prague’s most legendary places.

There’s hardly anyone today who doesn’t know what Charles Bridge is. Perhaps the most famous photo of Charles Bridge is one that everyone has seen, but not everyone knows an interesting legend about it. The first stone of Charles Bridge was laid by Karl IV on July 9, 1357, at 5:31 AM (astrologers assured this was the most favorable time). Back then, numerology was highly regarded, and to ensure the bridge’s longevity, Karl IV was advised to lay the stone on this date and time because these numbers form a palindrome: 1357_9_7_5_31. Prague has survived many floods, yet the bridge still stands.

There are many legends about the bridge. They say they searched for cement for a long time until they realized egg white had similar properties, so messengers were sent throughout Bohemia to collect chicken eggs. In one village, the order was misunderstood (they feared the eggs would spoil on the way), so they sent a cartload of boiled eggs. The eggs were still useful (to feed the hungry builders), and the village’s name has since become proverbial.

Another legend says that the devil helped keep the bridge’s stones together by making a pact with the architect, promising to take the soul of the first person to cross the bridge. On the day of the grand opening, the architect saw his young son heading toward the bridge but managed to catch him in time, and a black rooster was sent across the bridge first.

The bridge has 30 sculptures, but the most popular one is the figure of St. John of Nepomuk. Everyone touches it and makes wishes.

If you’re planning a trip to Europe, check out my recent posts about European capitals like Luxembourg and Brussels. I was happy to visit them and look forward to being there again!

Be awed by the magnificence of St. Vitus Cathedral.

The heart of Prague is St. Vitus Cathedral. It was built over 600 years, and it’s so huge that it doesn’t fit into any photograph. It’s worth going inside to be enchanted by the stained glass and magnificent vaults. Every side, every detail, even each terrifying gargoyle of the cathedral is a paradise for Gothic lovers. This is where all Czech kings were crowned, and the main Czech saints, emperors, and other nobility of old Bohemia are buried within its walls.

If someone asked me about my list of world wonders, I wouldn’t hesitate to put St. Vitus Cathedral at the top.

The fortress where St. Vitus Cathedral is located is considered the city’s landmark. Before becoming one of the world’s largest structures, the Royal Palace lay in ruins after a fire. Can you guess the name of the king who restored it?

The atmosphere here rivals that of the Old Town, and in some places, even surpasses it. The best view of Prague can be seen from the observation deck here.

What can you look at endlessly? Fire, water? I would add the red roofs of Prague to that list.

Explore the old streets of Prague.

Each building in Prague is like a work of art. The thing is, the houses in Prague have undergone three numbering systems, causing great confusion about how to get to certain places. The story resolved as follows: Prague residents started painting their houses and adding “house signs.” The drawings and emblems often indicated the occupation of the family living in that house. Therefore, you are unlikely to find two identical houses in the city. Beauty and practicality combined in one.

Be enchanted by the Golden Lane. Prague’s most legendary places.

If you visit the Golden Lane after 5 PM, you can walk through it absolutely free, saving 50 crowns. This street is popular because goldsmiths live here. In the Middle Ages, they were called alchemists, who could easily turn even a stone into gold. That’s where the name “Golden” comes from. It is said that those who knew how to turn metal into gold made a pact with the devil. All the houses here are fairy-tale-like, and it seems that not people live here, but gnomes.

Get tipsy in the oldest pub “U Fleku.”

In Prague, in the carefree atmosphere of pubs, where you can find historical landmarks, youth groups from all over the world hurry to explore. The most iconic place is “U Fleku,” where there is always a raucous atmosphere, and songs are sung in all languages of the world.

No less famous is the monastery brewery “U Tomáše,” where the excellent Braník is brewed.

Want to know more about the Czech Republic? Don’t miss my posts about the spa town of Karlovy Vary and the mysterious bone church in Kutná Hora. These cities are located not far from Prague, and you can include them in your itinerary. I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered them, and I’m sure you will like them too! It was incredible!

Pull the strings of marionettes.

All the streets of Prague are adorned with these lively dolls. Just pull the string, and the marionette comes to life. They are everywhere, and all so different: from fairy tales, singers, presidents. These are not just ordinary dolls, but a real Czech phenomenon. They accompany Czechs throughout their lives. Every house has its own puppet theater, where all generations grow up playing with dolls.

Immerse yourself in the world of the Jewish Cemetery. Prague’s most legendary places.

In the Jewish quarter, there is an unusual cemetery where, due to the ban on burying Jews outside the ghetto, graves are arranged in 14 layers. Here lies the famous rabbi Maharal, the one who invented the clay Golem. It is said that he still sits in his grave reading magical books. Once this sorcerer breathed life into the clay monster, which then became his assistant. But the magician began to use the Golem for improper purposes, for witchcraft, evil spirits, murders, and executions. Now Maharal lives in the cemetery, and the Golem in the attic of the synagogue. You can laugh, but the Jews have not allowed anyone into the attic for many years.

Click here to get information about organized tours in Prague.

How to get to Prague.

Prague’s Václav Havel Airport (PRG) is the main international gateway to the city. It’s well-connected to major European cities and beyond. Once you land, you can take a taxi, shuttle service, or the public bus (number 119) to get to the city center. The bus connects with the metro at Nádraží Veleslavín station, making it easy and affordable to reach your destination. Check Aviasales to find the cheapest flights to Prague if you are traveling from another country.

That’s all about Prague. I’m sharing useful links.

Dpp.cz – public transport in Prague.

Prazskeveze.cz – Prague towers.

Praguewelcome.cz – the official tourist portal of Prague.

The most mysterious hotels in Prague. My Top 3 Hotel Picks.

Here are my top three picks that I absolutely loved.

Hotel U Prince: Nestled in the heart of Old Town Square, Hotel U Prince is a gem that takes you back in time. As soon as I walked in, I was struck by the historic ambiance. The medieval decor, with its antique furniture and rich tapestries, makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another era. What I loved most about Hotel U Prince was its rooftop terrace. From here, you get a breathtaking view of the Astronomical Clock and the Old Town Square, which is particularly mesmerizing at night. The rooftop bar, with its cozy atmosphere and delicious cocktails, became my favorite spot to unwind after a day of exploring.

The Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa: Located in the enchanting Malá Strana district, The Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa is a true fairy tale come to life. This boutique hotel is housed in a baroque building that dates back to the 16th century. The moment I entered, I was greeted by opulent interiors featuring gilded mirrors, crystal chandeliers, and sumptuous fabrics. The hotel’s spa, inspired by ancient alchemical traditions, was a highlight of my stay. The treatments felt almost magical, and the serene atmosphere was perfect for relaxation. Each morning, I looked forward to the lavish breakfast buffet, which was a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Staying at The Alchymist was like being transported to a different world.

Hotel Pariz Prague: Hotel Pariz Prague, an art nouveau masterpiece, was another unforgettable discovery. Situated just a short walk from the Powder Tower, this hotel boasts stunning architectural details that evoke the charm and elegance of early 20th-century Prague. My room was a blend of modern comfort and historical elegance, with intricate woodwork and period furniture. The in-house restaurant, Sarah Bernhardt, served exquisite French cuisine that was a delight to savor. One evening, I took a stroll to the nearby Municipal House, which added to the mystical experience of my stay.

And so, now you have not only the most legendary places in Prague, but also hotels. Have a wonderful holiday in this fabulous city!

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