The Path of Secrets
A carefully crafted 12-stop journey through Prague's most mysterious locations, each with its own secrets to uncover.
1. Pražský orloj
This unique medieval astronomical clock from 1410 is the third-oldest clock of its kind in the world and the oldest one still in operation. In addition to the time, it shows the position of the Sun and Moon in the sky, and its mechanics conceal symbolism that continues to amaze scientists to this day.
"They have been circling here aimlessly since the fifteenth century, Golem thought, constantly attracting more sheep who come to watch them."
2. Old Town Square
A pinnacle of late Gothic architecture, this basilica was the main church of the Old Town in the late Middle Ages. Located near the Royal Court, it was frequently visited by King Wenceslas IV. The eminent early modern astronomer, astrologer, and alchemist Tycho Brahe is buried in the temple.
"When he reached the Old Town Square, he was surrounded by the smell of roasted chestnuts and the bleating of bagpipes played by a local street musician"
3. Týn Literary Café
A hidden oasis of calm in the alleys behind the Týn Church. For decades, this inconspicuous courtyard has been a refuge for writers, intellectuals, and students who discuss history and philosophy over a cup of coffee.
"The Old Town was a veritable labyrinth of passages and arcades, famous for its vibrant nightlife and a multitude of distinctive establishments, among which was the Týn Literary Café for writers and intellectuals…"
4. Black Angel's Bar
This prestigious bar is located in a 12th-century Gothic cellar that breathes the atmosphere of Prohibition. The authentic stone vaults and chiaroscuro lighting create the illusion of falling back in time to an era when alchemists and secret brotherhoods gathered here.
"Half an hour had passed since Golem entered the Hotel U Prince and descended into the local underground. He found Black Angel’s Bar closed; a cleaning crew was currently mopping the floors and pulling cigarette butts out of the roughly hewn ancient stone walls."
5. Old Jewish Cemetery
One of the most important Jewish cemeteries in the world, in operation since the first half of the 15th century. Due to a lack of space, burials took place in up to ten layers, creating a unique, mysterious scenery of leaning tombstones.
"…the clay shards are said to lie to this day, above the ancient cemetery where Rabbi Löw himself now rests."
6. Old-New Synagogue
The oldest active synagogue in Europe, built in the 13th century. It is shrouded in many legends—the most famous claims that the clay remains of the mythical Prague Golem are still kept in its attic.
"He quickly smashed the clay body and hid its pieces in the attic of Prague's Old-New Synagogue, where the clay shards are said to lie to this day…"
7. Clementinum (Library and Astronomical Tower)
The former Jesuit college hides a Baroque library that is often described as the most beautiful in the world. In the adjacent Astronomical Tower, Johannes Kepler conducted his measurements, and historical measuring instruments are still located here today.
"Langdon pulled back and tried to make out her face in the dark. 'Katherine,' he whispered, 'I have no idea what is happening here, but I am so sorry for what you had to go through…"
8. Hotel Four Seasons
A luxury hotel complex connecting several historical eras, from the Renaissance to Neoclassicism. Its terraces offer one of the most iconic views of Prague Castle and the Vltava River.
"Langdon had been in Prague for three days and, just like during his previous visits, he stayed at the Four Seasons. When the hotel manager insisted on providing him with the Royal Suite instead of his booked room…"
9. Charles Bridge
The oldest standing bridge over the Vltava River, whose foundation stone was laid by Charles IV on exactly July 9, 1357, at 5:31 AM. This magical sequence of odd numbers (1-3-5-7-9-7-5-3-1) was supposed to guarantee the bridge's indestructibility.
"He stared at the pointed weapon and immediately wondered if, conversely, he was dreaming this. When the woman reached his level, he realized that he was completely paralyzed by his own confusion and couldn't move from the spot."
10. American Embassy (Schönborn Palace)
The monumental Baroque palace in the Lesser Town has served US diplomatic purposes for almost a century. It includes extensive cascading gardens with a gloriette that climbs up the slope of Petřín Hill.
"On the second floor of the American embassy, the doors just opened and Michael Harris walked out, noticeably shaken after a private meeting with the ambassador. He had just been partially 'briefed' and was still trying to process in his head all the implications of the top-secret information the ambassador had shared with him."
11. Petřín Lookout Tower and Mirror Maze
A smaller copy of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, built for the Jubilee Exhibition in 1891. In the same year, a wooden mirror maze was created, originally serving as a pavilion for the Czech Tourist Club.
"Lieutenant Pavel burst into the visitor center beneath the Petřín Lookout Tower with a pistol in his hand."
12. Folimanka Park and Bastion u Božích muk
A place where nature blends with the massive remains of historical Prague fortifications. The Bastion, part of the former walls of the New Town, now offers impressive views and an architecturally acclaimed transformation of old fortifications into a modern space.
"A tasteful bronze panel above the main entrance announced: GESSNER INSTITUTE. The doors of the bastion consisted of a wide, stylish pane of reinforced frosted glass in a steel frame."
Book Your Date
Walk through Prague, exploring the locations where Dan Brown's novel The Secret of Secrets takes place. Your expert local guide will take you to places the average tourist never gets to see — from the Astronomical Clock to the hidden corners of the Jewish Quarter and beyond.