The route · 12 stops
The Path of Secrets
Every stop is a place from The Secret of Secrets. Scroll to walk the route
from the Astronomical Clock to Folimanka Park.
Stop 01 of 12
Pražský orloj
“They have been circling here aimlessly since the fifteenth century, Golem thought, constantly attracting more sheep who come to watch them.”
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.
Next: 2 min walk to Old Town Square
Stop 02 of 12
Old Town Square
“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”
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.
Next: 3 min walk to Týn Literary Café
Stop 03 of 12
Týn Literary Café
“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…”
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.
Next: 5 min walk to Black Angel's Bar
Stop 04 of 12
Black Angel's Bar
“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.”
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.
Next: 6 min walk to Old Jewish Cemetery
Stop 05 of 12
Old Jewish Cemetery
“…the clay shards are said to lie to this day, above the ancient cemetery where Rabbi Löw himself now rests.”
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.
Next: 2 min walk to Old-New Synagogue
Stop 06 of 12
Old-New Synagogue
“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…”
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.
Next: 5 min walk to Clementinum (Library and Astronomical Tower)
Stop 07 of 12
Clementinum (Library and Astronomical Tower)
“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…”
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.
Next: 3 min walk to Hotel Four Seasons
Stop 08 of 12
Hotel Four Seasons
“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…”
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.
Next: 4 min walk to Charles Bridge
Stop 09 of 12
Charles Bridge
“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.”
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.
Next: 9 min walk to American Embassy (Schönborn Palace)
Stop 10 of 12
American Embassy (Schönborn Palace)
“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.”
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.
Next: 20 min walk to Petřín Lookout Tower and Mirror Maze
Stop 11 of 12
Petřín Lookout Tower and Mirror Maze
“Lieutenant Pavel burst into the visitor center beneath the Petřín Lookout Tower with a pistol in his hand.”
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.
Next: 25 min by taxi (optional) to Folimanka Park and Bastion u Božích muk
Stop 12 of 12
Folimanka Park and Bastion u Božích muk
“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.”
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.
The end of the route · picnic in Petřín park
