Ahoy! This is the second Czech phrase I learned in Prague. The first is obviously “Pivo, prosím,” which means “Beer, please.” As long as you can say it, you’ll be fine in Prague. According to a 2022 report, the per capita consumption of beer in the Czech Republic is 188.8 liters per person per year, the highest in the world for the last 30 years, since 1993. The statue of the Ghost of Don Giovanni near Old Town Square is a troublemaker for the Prague Fire Department. I will connect these dots later in this blog. In this post, I’ll share our experience of a free walking tour in Prague.
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Start of the Walking Tour
It was pouring rain across Central Europe the day we arrived in Prague. The rain continued through the night and into the morning. Although we usually prefer to explore cities on our own, we decided to try something different and joined a free walking tour of the Old Town through GuruWalk. We managed to snag the last available slot, as seats tend to fill up quickly. At the start of the tour, we were joined by 30 tourists from around the globe. The tour began promptly at 11:15 AM from the Powder Tower. We covered notable sites such as the Municipal House, House at the Black Madonna, and The Estates Theatre. Our route then included Charles University, the Astronomical Clock, Old Town Square, and the Jan Hus Monument. After a coffee break, we continued with The Jewish Quarter, The Old-New Synagogue, and the Old Jewish Cemetery. The tour concluded with visits to Charles Bridge and the John Lennon Wall.
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Powder Tower
Our Free Walking Tour began at the Powder Tower, a major historical landmark in Prague. Built in the late 15th century, it functioned as a city gate and gunpowder storage. The tower’s name reflects its explosive past. This Gothic structure, with its ornate facade and imposing presence, serves as a key entry point to the Old Town and played a vital role in medieval defenses. Notably, the Powder Tower was part of Prague’s original fortifications. It has witnessed many significant events, including the coronation processions of Bohemian kings.
Municipal House
The Municipal House was our second stop and is located right next to the Powder Tower. This site was once where the Kings of Bohemia lived from 1383 to 1485. After the Kings’ Palace was demolished, the Municipal House was built as an Art Nouveau masterpiece, completed in 1912. Its ornate design and vibrant frescoes by top Czech artists make it stand out. Our Free Walking Tour guide emphasized the building’s grandeur and historical importance.
House at the Black Madonna
The House at the Black Madonna was the third stop on our walking tour. It impressed us with its unique architecture. Completed in 1912 and designed by Josef Čapek, this early 20th-century gem showcases Cubist architecture. The building’s striking façade and innovative geometric shapes stand out from its historic surroundings. Our guide highlighted the intriguing contrast between the modern design and the nearby historic architecture. This landmark is a must-see for those interested in Cubism’s impact on urban design.
The Estates Theatre
The Estate Theatre was our fourth stop on the walking tour. It captivated us with its historic charm and cultural significance. Opened in 1783, this elegant venue is renowned for its neoclassical architecture and its pivotal role in opera history. Mozart’s famous opera Don Giovanni premiered here in 1787, securing the theatre’s place in musical heritage. Outside, we noticed a statue of Il Commendatore, the ghostly figure from Don Giovanni. Our guide shared a humorous local tale: due to Prague’s beer culture, some inebriated individuals have tried to stick their heads into the statue, resulting in a few unexpected fire department rescues.
Charles University
Charles University, our fifth stop on the walking tour, is a cornerstone of Prague’s academic and cultural heritage. Founded in 1348 by Emperor Charles IV, it is one of Europe’s oldest universities with a rich scholarly history. The university’s Gothic and Baroque architecture, seen in its historic buildings around the Old Town, reflects its profound impact on the city’s intellectual life. Our Free Walking Tour guide highlighted the university’s distinguished alumni and its pivotal role in shaping Czech culture and history.
Astronomical Clock
The Astronomical Clock was our sixth stop on the walking tour, and it was truly impressive. Installed in 1410, this medieval clock is famous for its intricate design and captivating hourly show. Each hour, a crowd gathers to watch as the clock’s windows open to reveal a parade of the Twelve Apostles. Our Free Walking Tour guide also pointed out the four statues around the clock: Vanity, Greed, Death, and the Turk. These figures, representing various human flaws, add historical depth to the clock’s beauty. While the parade might seem simple today, it was a major form of entertainment in the 15th century, blending history with a touch of fun.
Old Town Square
Old Town Square, our seventh stop on the walking tour, is the heart of Prague’s historic center and a vibrant hub of activity. Surrounded by colorful medieval buildings, charming cafes, and street performers (though none were present due to bad weather during our visit), this bustling square provides a picturesque glimpse into the city’s past. It’s home to Prague’s iconic landmarks, including the Astronomical Clock and the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn. Our Walking Tour guide explained that the square has hosted many significant historical events, from royal ceremonies to public executions. As we wandered through, it was clear why the square remains a favorite gathering spot for both locals and visitors, brimming with history, culture, and a lively atmosphere.
Jan Hus Monument
The Jan Hus Monument was our eighth stop on the walking tour and stood as a powerful symbol of Prague’s history. Located in the center of Old Town Square, this impressive monument honors Jan Hus, a key figure in the early Protestant Reformation who was burned at the stake in 1415 for his beliefs. Unveiled in 1915, the monument features a striking statue of Hus surrounded by allegorical figures representing his ideas and legacy. Our Walking Tour guide emphasized the importance of Hus’s reforms and his impact on Czech history, explaining how the monument pays tribute to his courage and vision.
The Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarter, our ninth stop on the walking tour, offered a profound glimpse into Prague’s history. We began at the Statue of Franz Kafka, honoring the renowned writer whose life and works were closely linked to this area. Our Free Walking Tour guide shared that, in the 15th century, the Jewish Quarter was located 2-3 meters below the main area, making it prone to floods and resulting in poor living conditions. Despite these challenges, the quarter was home to prominent figures, including influential doctors and scholars. Today, the area has been elevated and transformed into one of Prague’s most expensive and sought-after neighborhoods. As we explored the beautifully restored synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery, it was clear that the Jewish Quarter stands as a testament to the resilience and enduring legacy of its community.
The Old-New Synagogue
The New Old Synagogue, our tenth stop on the walking tour, is a significant piece of Prague’s Jewish heritage. Dating back to 1270, it is one of the oldest active synagogues in Europe and a central site in the Jewish Quarter. Originally called the New Synagogue, it became the Old New Synagogue after a newer synagogue was built and named the Old Synagogue. This unique name has endured over the centuries. Our Free Walking Tour guide also shared a fascinating legend: the tale of the Golem. According to the legend, Rabbi Loew, a revered scholar, created a Golem—a clay figure brought to life through mystical rituals—to protect the Jewish community from persecution. The Golem was said to be hidden in the synagogue’s attic when not in use.
Old Jewish Cemetery
The Old Jewish Cemetery, our eleventh stop on the walking tour, is a poignant site rich in history. Established in the 15th century, it is one of Europe’s oldest and most evocative Jewish burial grounds. What makes it unique is its elevation above ground level. Our Free Walking Tour guide explained that this unusual feature arose from a shortage of burial space. As the cemetery filled up, the Jewish community requested more land for burials, but city authorities denied their request. As a result, the cemetery was expanded vertically, with new layers of graves added on top of the old ones. This practice created the distinctive, uneven landscape we see today.
Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge, our twelfth stop on the walking tour, was a breathtaking highlight of Prague’s medieval charm. Completed in 1402 during Emperor Charles IV’s reign, this iconic bridge spans the Vltava River, linking Prague’s Old Town with the Lesser Town. As we walked across its cobblestone surface, our Free Walking Tour guide pointed out the 30 statues of saints that line the bridge. Each statue is intricately crafted, adding grandeur to the structure. The bridge offers stunning views of Prague Castle and the river and holds a special place in the city’s history, having witnessed countless events over the centuries. Whether bathed in the golden light of sunrise or illuminated by street lamps at dusk, Charles Bridge remains a picturesque symbol of Prague’s rich past.
John Lennon Wall
The John Lennon Wall, our last stop on the walking tour, is a vibrant tribute to peace and freedom. Located in the Lesser Town, this dynamic wall has been adorned with John Lennon-inspired graffiti, Beatles lyrics, and messages of hope since the 1980s. Although Lennon never visited Prague, his assassination in 1980 prompted a powerful response from his fans. They began using the wall to express their grief and resistance against political repression. Our Free Walking Tour guide explained how the wall quickly became a symbol of resistance against the communist regime in Czechoslovakia. Today, its ever-changing art reflects Prague’s cultural and political evolution, making each visit unique. As we admired the vivid murals and messages, it was clear that the John Lennon Wall remains an inspiring piece of Prague’s modern history.
Our Free Walking Tour Guide in Prague, James
Our guide, James, originally from the US and living in Prague for the past 10 years, was both informative and entertaining. Over about 2 hours and 30 minutes, he shared numerous anecdotes and legends, making the rainy day experience memorable.
Conclusion
Thank you for joining me on this journey through Prague’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Despite the challenging weather, which couldn’t dampen our spirits, this Free Walking Tour truly enhanced our experience, offering a rich tapestry of the city’s history, culture, and architectural splendor. From the grandeur of the Municipal House to the poignant reflections at the John Lennon Wall, each stop deepened our understanding and appreciation of Prague. If you ever visit this enchanting city, I highly recommend taking a similar tour to uncover its many stories and marvels. Once again, thank you for reading—děkuji!