Prague — Operation Anthropoid: The Last Resistance

Your immersion begins at Petschek Palace, Národní 11, Praha 1. Built between 1928 and 1935 for the Petschek banking family by architect Oswald Polívka, this five-story Art Deco palace was requisitioned by the Gestapo in 1939. From its 3,500 m² of offices, interrogation cells, and archives, the Nazi secret police orchestrated repression, torturing Czech resistance fighters, including members of Operation Anthropoid, until 1945. This starting point plunges you into the oppressive atmosphere of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, where the motto “Praga caput regni” took on a tragically ironic meaning.

Continue to the Cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius, Resslova 9, Praha 2, a 17th-century Baroque church (1730-1735) dedicated to the Slavic saints. It was in its 12th-century underground crypt that seven paratroopers from Operation Anthropoid, including Jozef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš, found refuge after the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich on May 27, 1942. On June 18, 1942, they barricaded themselves here, resisting German forces. The crypt walls still bear bullet impacts from the final assault, a poignant testament to their sacrifice. This is a Czech historical monument and an Operation Anthropoid 1942 memorial site.

Next to the cathedral, discover the National Memorial to the Heroes of the Heydrich Terror, Resslova 9, Praha 2. Inaugurated in 1962, this memorial commemorates the seven paratroopers – Jozef Gabčík, Karel Svoboda, Jan Kubiš, Adolf Opálka, Jaroslav Elman, Josef Valčík, Václav Švec – who perished that day. The memorial wall and bronze plaque, with its Czech and English inscriptions, invite reflection. The underground museum, accessible from this site, displays their weapons, documents, and personal effects, offering an intimate glimpse into the Czech resistance.

Your journey then leads you to Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky), Praha 1, a central gathering point since the 19th century, dominated by the Powder Gate (Prašná brána) built in 1365. This 65-meter Gothic tower was a symbol of Prague and, ironically, a site of Nazi parades between 1939 and 1945, contrasting with the resistance demonstrations held there. This area, an official starting point for guided tours on Operation Anthropoid, allows you to gauge the extent of the occupation and the resilience of the people of Bohemia.

Finally, your exploration concludes near Prague Castle (Pražský hrad), a UNESCO site since 1992, the largest ancient castle in the world. Founded in the 9th century, it served as the seat of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia and the residence of Reinhard Heydrich, the 'Butcher of Prague.' This iconic site, along with Charles Bridge (Karlův most), a 516-meter Gothic bridge connecting the Old Town and the Castle, monitored by the Gestapo, reminds you of the omnipresence of Nazi power. Prague's world heritage, particularly its historic center, retains traces of this period, offering a unique perspective on the bravery of Operation Anthropoid heroes. From this interactive tour, you will gain a deep understanding of the Czech resistance and the history of Prague.