What is the best walking tour Prague offers for mystery lovers?

This self-guided alchemical walk is ideal for mystery lovers. It covers 500 years of occult history, from the secret labs of Speculum Alchemiae to the legends of the Astronomical Clock.

Is the Speculum Alchemiae lab actually real?

Yes, it is a genuine historical site. The underground laboratories were discovered in 2002 after a flood revealed a hidden entrance in one of the city's oldest buildings.

Can I see the Prague Astronomical Clock for free?

Yes, viewing the clock and its hourly show from the Old Town Square is completely free. You only need a ticket if you wish to climb the tower.

Is this Prague walking route suitable for children?

Yes, it is family-friendly. Children often enjoy the mechanical figures of the Astronomical Clock and the spooky legends associated with the Old Town's ghosts.

Where does the Alchemy walk start and end?

The walk begins at the Ungelt courtyard (near Old Town Square) and ends at the Convent of St. Agnes, located near the Vltava River.

What is the best time of day for this self-guided walk?

Late afternoon is best. The lighting on the Gothic towers is spectacular, and you can finish the walk just as the evening shadows make the legends feel more alive.

Are there many hills on this route?

No, this is an easy-flat route. The Old Town of Prague is largely level, though you should be prepared for historic cobblestone streets.

Do I need to enter the buildings to enjoy the walk?

No, the narration focuses on the architecture and exterior legends. However, entering Speculum Alchemiae or the St. Agnes Convent provides a much deeper experience.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

1 hr 50 min

Duration

6

Stops

Easy

Difficulty

About This Tour

Step into a world where the lines between science and sorcery blur. Prague has long been known as the magic capital of Europe, a city where emperors obsessed over the philosopher's stone and astronomers mapped the heavens with clockwork precision. This self-guided walk invites you to peel back the layers of the Old Town, revealing the hidden history of the alchemists who once whispered in the shadow of Gothic spires. Unlike a standard walking tour Prague visitors often find crowded, this route allows you to explore the city's mystical heritage at your own pace, moving from the merchant courtyards of the Middle Ages to secret laboratories hidden beneath the streets. Your journey begins in the fortified atmosphere of Ungelt, a place that once served as a sanctuary for foreign traders and their secrets. From there, you will encounter the imposing Church of Our Lady before Týn, home to the tomb of a legendary astronomer whose life was as dramatic as the stars he studied. As you navigate the winding alleys, you will come face-to-face with the world-famous Astronomical Clock, a masterpiece of engineering that has tracked the movements of the planets for over six centuries. Every corner of this neighborhood stroll holds a story, from the childhood home of Franz Kafka to the site of a genuine alchemical workshop rediscovered only after a major flood. This walking route is designed for those who appreciate the darker, more mysterious side of history. You will see how the patronage of Emperor Rudolf II turned Prague into a magnet for the greatest occult minds of the 16th century. Whether you are fascinated by the legend of the blinded clockmaker or the spiritual silence of a medieval convent, this experience offers a deep dive into the soul of the city. For those seeking a guided tour Prague experience without the rigid schedule of a group, this independent stroll provides the perfect balance of historical depth and personal freedom.

Highlights

The hidden medieval courtyard of Ungelt
The tomb of Tycho Brahe in the Týn Church
Legends of the Prague Astronomical Clock
Renaissance sgraffito at the House at the Minute
The secret underground laboratory of Speculum Alchemiae
The Gothic serenity of the Convent of St. Agnes

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

Týnský dvůr - Ungelt

Welcome to Ungelt, one of the most significant historical sites in Prague. This fortified courtyard dates back to the 11th century and served as a customs house where foreign merchants were required to stay. The name 'Ungelt' comes from the Old German word for 'payment' or 'tax.' For centuries, this was a city within a city, protected by its own walls and gates. Merchants from across the globe brought exotic goods, spices, and perhaps even forbidden alchemical texts here. As you look around, imagine the mix of languages and the smell of spices that once filled this space. It is said that the courtyard is still haunted by the ghost of a young Turk who was murdered here, a reminder of the many secrets these stones have witnessed.

2

Church of Our Lady before Týn

The twin towers of this church, known as Adam and Eve, dominate the Prague skyline. While the exterior is a Gothic masterpiece, the interior holds a secret tied to the history of science. Inside lies the tomb of Tycho Brahe, the famous 16th-century Danish astronomer who served at the court of Emperor Rudolf II. Brahe was a key figure in the alchemical era, blending observation of the stars with mystical beliefs. Legend says he died from a burst bladder during a royal banquet because etiquette forbade him from leaving the table, though modern analysis suggests mercury poisoning—perhaps a result of his own alchemical experiments. Notice how the towers are slightly asymmetrical, a common feature in Gothic architecture representing the masculine and feminine.

3

Prague Astronomical Clock

The Orloj is more than just a timepiece; it is a medieval computer. Built in 1410, it tracks the positions of the sun and moon, the signs of the zodiac, and even the Babylonian hours. The most famous legend surrounding the clock concerns its maker, Master Hanuš. It is said the city councilors blinded him so he could never replicate the masterpiece elsewhere. In revenge, he supposedly reached into the gears to stop the clock, dying in the process. Look for the four figures flanking the clock face: Vanity, Greed, Death, and Lust. Every hour, the figure of Death pulls a bell rope and turns his hourglass, reminding all who watch of the inevitable passage of time—a central theme in alchemical philosophy.

4

The House at the Minute

This striking building is a prime example of Bohemian Renaissance architecture. Its facade is covered in sgraffito—a technique where layers of plaster are scratched away to reveal a darker color underneath. The scenes depict biblical stories, mythological figures, and portraits of Habsburg rulers. This house was also the childhood home of the famous writer Franz Kafka, who lived here with his family in the late 19th century. The house gets its name from its function as a shop where 'minute' or small goods were sold. The intricate artwork served as a visual encyclopedia for the citizens of Prague, blending classical wisdom with the daily life of the city.

5

Speculum Alchemiae

You are standing before one of Prague's most incredible recent discoveries. For centuries, rumors persisted of secret alchemical laboratories hidden in the Old Town. In 2002, after devastating floods, a hidden door was revealed in this very building, leading to an authentic 16th-century laboratory. This was the workspace of Edward Kelley and John Dee, alchemists invited to Prague by Emperor Rudolf II. They sought to create the Elixir of Life and transform lead into gold. The lab was connected by underground tunnels to the Old Town Hall and the Prague Castle, allowing alchemists to move unseen. Today, it remains a rare, tangible link to the city's occult past, preserved exactly as it was centuries ago.

6

National Gallery Prague - Convent of St. Agnes

Our journey concludes at the Convent of St. Agnes, the first Gothic building in Prague. Founded in the 1230s by Princess Agnes, who rejected a royal marriage to serve the poor, this complex is a haven of peace. However, even this holy site has its legends. It is said to be haunted by the 'Murdered Nun,' the ghost of a noblewoman who was killed by her father for falling in love with a poor knight. She is often seen wandering the cloisters, sometimes covered in blood and other times appearing as a helpful spirit to those in distress. The architecture here represents a transition from the heavy Romanesque style to the light, spiritual heights of the Gothic, marking the end of our exploration into Prague's soul.