30 Things You Should Know About Prague

Step into the pages of a storybook and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Prague. This idyllic city, with its hilltop castles, ornate bridges, and mesmerizing clock towers, will captivate your imagination. Get ready to uncover the allure of Prague with these 30 fascinating facts.

A fairytale view of Charles Bridge and Vltava river, Prague city

1. Journey back in time to the last Ice Age, approximately 25,000 years ago, when hunters roamed the Prague valley. Evidence of human life in the area dates as far back as 600,000 BCE.

2. Prague Castle, the centerpiece of the city, traces its origins to the late 880s when it stood as a wooden fortress. Over the centuries, it underwent various transformations, with significant renovations taking place after World War I and the fall of the Iron Curtain. Today, it holds the esteemed title of being the largest ancient castle in the world, spanning an impressive 17.3 acres.

3. Within the castle, lies a treasure of immeasurable value—the Bohemian Crown Jewels. This exquisite collection includes the St. Wenceslas Crown, Royal Sceptre, Royal Apple, Coronation Cloak, belt, maniple, stole, and collar. Safeguarded in an iron safe secured by seven locks, the keys are entrusted to seven individuals who must come together to unlock the vault. This timeless tradition was established by King Leopold II in 1791. The chosen seven include the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, the Prague Archbishop, the Chairman of the House of Deputies, the Chairman of the Senate, the Dean of the Metropolitan Chapter of St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Lord Mayor of Prague.

4. The majestic St. Vitus Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, witnessed its first foundation stone being laid by Emperor Charles IV in 1344. Though it took centuries to complete, the newest sections were finalized as recently as 1953, following the church's consecration in 1929. From Matthias of Arras to Peter Parler and subsequent architects, each left their indelible mark on this iconic cathedral, blending French Gothic, late-Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance influences.

5. Travel back in time along the charming Golden Lane, formerly known as Goldsmith Lane during the 16th century. This cobblestone road, adorned with small houses, once housed castle defenders, marksmen, and skilled goldsmiths. It even boasted a famous resident—renowned writer Franz Kafka—who lived at number 22 from 1916 to 1917.

6. Before his time on Golden Lane, Kafka resided at Celetná 3 from 1896 to 1907, a location neighboring the awe-inspiring Church Of Our Lady Before Týn. This architectural marvel, combining Gothic exterior and Baroque interior, was predominantly built during the 14th and 15th centuries and continues to stand as an Old Town gem.

7. Behold the iconic trademark of Prague's architecture—the Charles Bridge. Stretching over the Vltava River with its 1700-foot cobblestone path, this enchanting bridge boasts 30 statues, predominantly in Baroque style, adorning its sides. Commissioned by King Charles IV in 1357, this architectural marvel held the distinction of being the sole pedestrian bridge across the river for an astonishing 460 years.

8. Among the statues on the Charles Bridge, one stands out—the likeness of St. John of Nepomuk, the patron saint of the Czech Republic. Legend has it that touching the plaque on this statue brings good luck and ensures a return trip to Prague. The story behind it traces back to 1393 when King Wenceslas' son, Charles IV, allegedly threw St. John into the cold waters of the Vltava River after a dispute. While the fate of St. John was tragic, his statue holds a glimmer of hope for all who touch it.

9. Begin your journey into Prague's Old Town through the majestic Powder Tower. Completed in 1475, this architectural marvel served as one of the original entrances to the city. Venture to its 144-foot-high viewing gallery, and you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking sky-high view of Old Town Prague.

10. Prepare to be amazed by the grandeur of the Klementinum, one of Europe's largest building complexes. Originally established by the Jesuits in 1556, this expansive premises expanded over 170 years, resulting in a breathtaking ensemble. The Klementinum now houses a Baroque library, an astronomical tower, the Meridian Hall, and the awe-inspiring Mirror Chapel, where enchanting classical concerts often take place.

11. History takes a dramatic turn on May 23, 1618, with the infamous Second Defenestration of Prague. During this event, two imperial regents and their secretary were forcefully thrown out of a window at Prague Castle. The defenestration was a response to their opposition to the construction of Protestant churches, which violated the religious freedoms outlined in the 1609 Letter of Majesty. Miraculously, the trio survived the 70-foot fall, purportedly landing on a pile of horse manure. This incident further fueled tensions that led to the commencement of the Thirty Years' War. Notably, this wasn't Prague's first defenestration, as a similar incident in 1419 sparked the Hussite Wars.

12. Experience the captivating spectacle of Křižík's Fountain, a dazzling display of water and light. Built by František Křižík, known as the Czech Edison, this fountain made its debut at the 1891 World Exhibition. Today, the fountain showcases nightly performances featuring mesmerizing dancing water and vibrant multicolored lights. From classical melodies by Mozart to pop sensations like Katy Perry and John Legend, these shows offer a delightful fusion of music and visual artistry, even featuring cinematic soundtracks like those from Titanic and Mamma Mia... or a stripped-down score from Fifty Shades of Grey.

13. Ascend to new heights at the iconic Petřín Tower, a testament to Prague's architectural splendor. Resembling a miniature version of the Eiffel Tower, this hilltop marvel stands taller than its Parisian inspiration, reaching 1240 feet above sea level. Erected in 1891, two years after the Eiffel Tower's completion, the Petřín Tower boasts eight sides, adding a unique touch to its elegant design.

14. The Prague National Theatre, an emblem of cultural significance, opened its doors on June 11, 1881, in honor of the visit by Crown Prince Rudolf. However, shortly after 11 performances, a devastating fire ravaged the stage, auditorium, and dome. Undeterred, the venue reopened on November 18, 1883, and operated smoothly until its closure in 1977 for extensive reconstruction. The theater triumphantly reopened on the 100th anniversary of its initial reopening, on November 18, 1983.

15. Explore Prague's extensive public transportation network, which includes an impressive metro system and tram system. The three lines of the capital's metro cover over 40 miles and comprise 61 stops. Complementing this underground network is the tram system, boasting 948 vehicles and stretching across an extensive 317 miles of track.

16. Soar above the cityscape aboard the Petřín Hill funicular, a delightful way to admire Prague's breathtaking panoramas. This charming two-wagon ride stretches 1673 feet, ascending 427 feet at a leisurely pace of 8.5 miles per hour. Originally powered by a hydraulic system, the funicular ceased operation during World War I but was later revived in 1932 with an electrical system. After being temporarily halted due to landslides in 1965, it once again whisked visitors away to Petřín Hill in 1985.

17. Indulge your taste buds with a delectable treat that perfectly blends tradition and innovation. While the sweet Czech pastry trdelník has long been a beloved delicacy, inventive locals have taken it to the next level by filling its hollow center with ice cream. This delightful hybrid, often referred to as chimney cakes, has become a favorite among foodies and an irresistible delight for Instagram enthusiasts.

18. Raise a glass and savor the rich brewing heritage of Prague, a city adorned with 28 breweries and brewpubs. While the renowned pilsner beer takes center stage, brewed in homage to the nearby city of Plzeň, Prague also boasts a wide variety of beer styles. Immerse yourself in the history of Czech brewing at the U Fleků museum, which opened its doors on the 500th anniversary of the brewery housed in a former Renaissance malthouse. Each day, approximately 2000 glasses of beer are joyfully served at this historic location. Na zdraví! (That's "cheers" in Czech!)

19. Discover the fascinating story behind the Czech Budweiser, known as Czechvar in the United States due to trademark disputes. This renowned beer has its own network of Budvarka restaurants across the country. The original establishment, Budvarka Dejvice in Prague, dates back to 1915 and still occupies its original building, designed by architect Josef Paroulek. Despite serving as a school cafeteria from the 1940s to the 1990s, this historic location continues to delight beer enthusiasts with its authentic charm.

20. Celebrate the enduring legacy of Prague's Astronomical Clock, which turned 605 years old on October 9, 2015, earning itself a dedicated Google Doodle. Every hour, this marvel of engineering captivates visitors with its enchanting procession of 12 apostles appearing from two windows. Remarkably, much of the clock's original machinery remains intact, making it the oldest functioning clock of its kind in the world.

21. Prague has been the birthplace of remarkable individuals who have made a significant impact on the world stage. Tennis legend Martina Navratilova and Madeleine Albright, the first female Secretary of State of the United States, both hail from this vibrant city, showcasing the enduring spirit of Prague's remarkable women.

22. Step into a realm of surreal beauty on Kampa Island, a place where reality seamlessly merges with artistic expression. Offering breathtaking views of Prague Castle, the National Theater, and Charles Bridge, this island captivates visitors with its lush landscapes, modern art museum, and captivating public installations. Kampa has played host to renowned Czech figures such as actor and playwright Jan Werich, composer Bohuslav Martinu, and poet Vladimir Holan.

23. Embark on a whimsical adventure through Prague's narrowest street, Vinarna Certovka, measuring a mere one-and-a-half to two feet wide. This charming lane is so compact that a traffic light has been installed to ensure pedestrians can navigate without hindering each other's progress.

24. Discover a symbol of freedom and expression at the John Lennon Wall, tucked away in a square near the French Embassy. After the tragic death of the renowned musician in December 1980, Prague's youth began painting his portrait and lyrics on this wall as an act of protest against the oppressive communist regime. Today, the wall serves as a canvas for locals and visitors alike, showcasing an ever-changing array of colorful graffiti and messages of peace.

25. Unleash your inner adventurer as you explore the mysterious underground network beneath the streets of Prague. With its hidden chambers, ancient cellars, and secret passages, this subterranean labyrinth enthralls explorers with tales of alchemists, knights, and hidden treasures. Don't miss the Prague Underground Tour, a captivating journey through the city's hidden history.

26. Immerse yourself in the haunting beauty of Prague's Jewish Quarter, known as Josefov. This historic neighborhood is home to six synagogues, including the renowned Spanish Synagogue, the oldest surviving synagogue in Europe. Visit the Jewish Cemetery, where gravestones stack upon each other due to lack of space, creating a poignant and unique sight.

27. Take a leisurely stroll through Letná Park, a picturesque oasis nestled on a hilltop overlooking the Vltava River. Known for its vast green spaces, charming beer gardens, and breathtaking views of Prague's skyline, this park offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city streets.

28. Delve into the world of classical music and attend a performance at the Rudolfinum, home to the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. This architectural gem, named after Crown Prince Rudolf, showcases remarkable acoustics and hosts prestigious concerts and events throughout the year.

29. Explore the vibrant nightlife of Prague and discover its thriving club scene. From underground music venues to trendy bars and clubs, the city offers a diverse array of options for partygoers. The iconic music club, Roxy, has been a staple of Prague's nightlife since 1992, hosting an eclectic mix of DJs and live performances.

30. Finally, don't forget to capture the essence of Prague's beauty through photography. From the cobblestone streets of the Old Town to the panoramic views from Prague Castle, this city is a visual feast for photographers. Whether you're a professional or an amateur with a smartphone, Prague offers endless opportunities to capture breathtaking shots that will transport you back to its enchanting embrace.

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