Alchemy & Mysteries of Prague Castle

Alchemy & Mysteries of Prague Castle

Walk through Old Town and explore Prague Castle and the District of Hradčany with Golden Lane, New World, and Strahov Monastery as the sun sets. Enjoy a unique opportunity to see its beauty without the busy daytime crowds. During your journey, experience Prague in its glory days of alchemy and astrology through the magical tales of Golem or Devil’s Bible. Discover the lesser-known facts about the top landmarks, as well as the city’s golden era during the reign of Charles IV and Rudolf II. Learn about the lives of astronomers Tycho de Brahe and Johannes Kepler and finish your evening with stunning views of the city from the grounds of the largest castle complex in the world.

Starting point

In front of the building No. 7, 627 Týnská, 110 00 Hlavní město Praha, CZ

Experience type
Evening tour/ activity

Duration
3 hours

Difficulty
Moderate

Mobile Ticket
Yes

Live Tour Guide
Yes

Highlights of Alchemy & Mysteries of Prague Castle

  • Seeing Prague Castle and its grounds after sunset, free of tourists
  • The role of alchemy, astrology and mysticism in the exciting history of Bohemia and Prague landmarks
  • Hear unknown facts and legends of the most famous sights in the Castle District
  • Discover a magical area that remains unexplored even for many locals
  • Enjoy a night-time view of the Prague skyline from the castle premises.

Full description

Step with us during this 3-hour evening tour into the fascinating world of alchemy, mysticism, and astrology, in which Prague played a major role over the centuries. The tour of its history begins in Old Town Square and from there continues to Old New Synagogue, where you will hear the first mythical tale on the route, the legend of the mighty Golem – the “Jewish Frankenstein” – and his unfortunate end, which still raises questions among the locals.

Continue to the Mánes Bridge, where you will find out the secrets of Prague’s development during the reign of Charles IV, who was deeply influenced by esoterism and astrology. It was this great ruler who made the city so stunning. 

Ride a tram up to Castle District to learn more about the golden age of Rudolf II, a time when scientists and artists from all over the world were invited to the royal court in Prague, among them the astronomers Tycho de Brahe and Johannes Kepler

During a visit to the still-functioning Strahov Monastery, you will discover the secret of the Devil’s Bible, kept in a collection belonging to Rudolf II. The devil will follow you to the next stop when you walk past the Hole to Hell, once opened to swallow the cruel mother Drahomíra.

Experience one of the highlights of the tour as you walk through New World, a hidden picturesque cobblestone street full of unique architecture, including the only wooden house in the city center and the former home of Tycho de Brahe.

From there Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral are just a few steps away. Enter its grounds and enjoy the quiet atmosphere when all the crowds are gone. Listen to some of the unknown facts about its exterior, details you wouldn’t normally notice on a daytime historical tour. See the iconic narrow houses of the Golden Lane and learn about the unfortunate fate of the alchemists whose stories we follow during the evening. The tour ends with a panoramic view of the city at the St Wenceslas Vineyard.

Public Tour

26 € for adults

24 € for students and seniors

Prices include 12% VAT

  • Open to general public
  • Price per person
  • Fixed schedule

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday
1. Sep. – 31. May at 6 PM
1. Jun. – 31. Aug. at 7 PM

Thursday, Saturday
1. Sep. – 31. May at 6 PM
1. Jun. – 31. Aug. at 7 PM

or

Private Tour

from 300 € for a group

Prices include 12% VAT

  • For your group only
  • Group rate
  • Schedule tailored to your needs

Daily at 5 PM, 6 PM or 7 PM

Daily at 5 PM, 6 PM or 7 PM

Itinerary

Start of the Tour
The tour begins in front of the building Týnská 627/7, Prague 1.

Stop at: Old Town Square
From the philosopher's stone to the elixir of life, what is alchemy and what gives it its essence?

Stop at: Paris Avenue
Learn about the lavish lifestyle of Rudolf II's court and its sponsors on the most luxurious and expensive street in the Czech Republic.

Stop at: Old New Synagogue
The story of the Golem, a legend you should not miss on your visit to Prague. Find out more about its creator Rabbi Löw and discover the Golem's hiding place in Prague's Old Town.

Stop at: Mánes Bridge
Admire the Charles Bridge at dusk and discover how it survived for centuries thanks to astrologers. Hear about Prague's development under Charles IV. Check out the most scenic view of Prague Castle, the best spot to photograph the whole complex.

Stop at: Malostranská Tram Stop
Ride the tram up to the Prague Castle district.

Stop at: Statue of Astronomers
Listen to the story of two famous astronomers, Johannes Kepler and Tycho de Brahe, who were invited to Prague during the reign of Rudolf II.

Stop at: Strahov Monastery
Hear the mysterious story of the Devil's Bible. Visit the monastery where the monks brewed the Holy Beer. You'll also listen to the legend of the treasure stolen by the Swedish army.

Stop at: Panoramic View of Prague
See Prague and the Lesser Town from above. Learn about the history, symbolism, and political significance of the hill where Prague Castle stands.

Stop at: Prague's Loreto
See the exterior of this pilgrimage location, which is home to a priceless treasure. You will also get to know more about the legend of Santa Casa, the birthplace of baby Jesus.

Stop at: Hole to Hell
Find out the circumstances under which ''Hole'' opened and prepare for a heartbreaking mother-son story.

Pass by: New World Street
This magical picturesque area is well hidden from tourists. It is made up of the original houses of the Lesser Town, which were preserved after a fire in the 16th century. This includes the only wooden house in the historic center and the former home of Tycho de Brahe.

Stop at: Prague Castle Complex
Enjoy Prague Castle after sunset when all the tourists are gone. During this time, discover the secret symbols that are hidden on the outside of the cathedral, located within the castle grounds.

Stop at: St Vitus Cathedral
The foundations of the cathedral were laid more than 1,000 years ago. The crown jewels inside are bound by a curse that was also put on a high-ranking Nazi officer during the Second World War.

Stop at: Golden Lane & White Tower
Walk down the picturesque Golden Lane, famous for its narrow, brightly painted houses, one of which was once the home of Franz Kafka. Learn about White Tower, once a prison and torture chamber, whose most famous prisoner was a cunning alchemist.

Pass by: Daliborka
Another former prison and torture chamber on the Castle premises.

Stop at: St Wenceslas Vineyard
Prague's oldest vineyard, a piece of land in the center that has retained its original appearance.

Includes

Professional guide

Tour in English or German (depending on the option selected)

Small-group walking tour

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Gratuities

No entry to St. Vitus Cathedral

Important information

  • The public tour operates with a minimum of 2 people. If there are insufficient numbers to meet the requirements, there is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation. In this case, you will be offered an alternative or a full refund.
  • 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 start of the tour.
  • Bottle of water

Starting point

In front of the building No. 7, 627 Týnská, 110 00 Hlavní město Praha, CZ

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

Cancellation policy

We charge a 100% cancellation fee for public tour bookings canceled 1 day or less before the event.

If a private tour booking is canceled 14 days or less before the event, a 100% cancellation fee will be charged.

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