PragueOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Slavic Settlement to Imperial Capital

Prague's origins trace back to the 9th century, with a fortified settlement at what is now Prague Castle. The area was inhabited by Celtic tribes, the Boii, who gave Bohemia its name, and later by Germanic and Slavic tribes. By the 10th century, Prague was a trade and cultural center, becoming part of the Holy Roman Empire around 950. In the 13th century, King Wenceslas I founded the Old Town (Staré Město), and King Ottokar II established Malá Strana (Lesser Town) in 1257 for German colonists.

The 14th century marked a period of development under Charles IV, who became King of Bohemia in 1346 and Holy Roman Emperor in 1355. He transformed Prague into an imperial capital, commissioning projects like the Charles Bridge, St. Vitus Cathedral, and founding Charles University in 1348, the first in Central Europe. Charles IV also designed the New Town (Nové Město), expanding the city.

Habsburg Rule and 20th Century Changes

In 1526, the Habsburg dynasty began its nearly 400-year rule over Bohemia, making Prague an important city within the Habsburg monarchy and later Austria-Hungary. Emperor Rudolf II, who reigned from 1576 to 1612, moved his court to Prague, making it a cultural and scientific hub. The 17th century saw the Second Defenestration of Prague in 1618, which triggered the Thirty Years' War, a period of hardship for the city. In 1784, Emperor Joseph II unified the four independent urban areas of Prague: Old Town, Malá Strana, Hradčany, and New Town.

The 20th century brought political changes. After the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918, Prague became the capital of the newly independent Czechoslovakia. The city was invaded by Nazi troops in 1939 and became a German protectorate during World War II. After the war, Prague fell under Soviet control and a Communist regime. The Velvet Revolution in 1989 peacefully ended Communist rule, leading to the creation of the independent Czech Republic in 1993, with Prague as its capital.

• —Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí) — A long boulevard in the New Town, historically a site of demonstrations and celebrations, including the Velvet Revolution. The National Museum stands at its upper end.
• —Jan Palach Square (Náměstí Jana Palacha) — Named for Jan Palach, a student who self-immolated in 1969 to protest the Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia. The square contains the Faculty of Arts Building of Charles University.
• —Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) — The historic center of Prague, surrounded by buildings including the Old Town Hall with its Astronomical Clock, the Church of Our Lady before Týn, and St. Nicholas Church.
• —Charles Bridge (Karlův most) — A medieval stone bridge with 30 Baroque statues of saints, connecting the Old Town with Malá Strana. It offers views of Prague Castle and the Vltava River.
• —Malá Strana Square (Malostranské náměstí) — The central square of the Lesser Town, with St. Nicholas Church and historic palaces like the former Smiřický Palace.
• —Lennon Wall (Velkopřevorské náměstí) — A mural in Malá Strana, covered in graffiti, lyrics, and messages inspired by John Lennon and ideals of peace and freedom. It emerged as a symbol of protest against the Communist regime in the 1980s.
• —Olšany Cemetery (Olšanské hřbitovy) — Prague's largest cemetery, established in 1680 for plague victims. It features a mix of architectural styles, including Art Nouveau gravestones, and is the resting place for many Czech figures, including Jan Palach.
• —Old New Synagogue (Staronová Synagoga) — Europe's oldest active synagogue, a Gothic structure from the 13th century, located in the Jewish Quarter (Josefov).
• —Old Jewish Cemetery (Starý židovský hřbitov) — One of the oldest Jewish burial grounds, with layers of graves compacted over centuries due to limited space.
• —Jindřišská Tower (Jindřišská věž) — A 65.7-meter tall Gothic bell tower, built between 1472 and 1476, offering views of the city center from its observation deck. It also houses a restaurant and a museum about Prague's towers.

The best times to visit Prague are spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October). Temperatures are mild, and the city's parks and gardens are in bloom or displaying autumn colors. Crowds are also more manageable than in the peak summer months.

Summer (June-August) brings warm weather, but also the largest crowds and higher prices. Winter (November-March) can be cold with snow, but the Christmas markets (late November to early January) offer a festive experience. Avoid late January and February if you dislike cold, as many outdoor attractions might be less enjoyable.

Prague's Václav Havel Airport (PRG) is about 17 kilometers west of the city center. You can reach the city by public bus and metro, or by airport express bus. The main train station, Praha hlavní nádraží, is centrally located.

Walking is the best way to explore the historic center, as many areas are pedestrian-friendly. For longer distances, Prague has a public transport system including metro, trams, and buses. Tickets are time-based and can be used across all modes of transport. Parking in the city center can be challenging and expensive; use park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts if arriving by car.

Havel's Market (Havelské tržiště) in the Old Town is a permanent market open daily, selling crafts, souvenirs, and some produce. For fresh food, the Náplavka Farmers' Market along the Vltava river embankment is open on Saturday mornings from spring through autumn.