Praga Legends: 5 places where you can feel the magic of old times
April 11, 2025
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a city that has fascinated tourists from all over the world for centuries with its rich history, architecture and extraordinary atmosphere. It is here, in the heart of Europe, that you can travel back in time and feel the magic of the old days. In this article, we will take you on a journey through five of Prague's most legendary places, where history comes alive at every turn and urban legends intertwine with reality. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure that will enchant adults and children alike, leaving indelible memories in your hearts.
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The Charles Bridge and Old Town Square - the heart of Prague legends
Our journey begins with one of Prague's most iconic sites - the Charles Bridge. This medieval architectural marvel, connecting the Old Town with Mala Strana, is not only a witness to history, but also the hero of many legends. The Charles Bridge is located at Karlův most, 110 00 Praha 1 and is open to pedestrians 24 hours a day. The best way to get here is on foot from the Old Town or by streetcar to the Malostranské náměstí stop.
As you walk across the bridge, look out for 30 Baroque statues of saints. Each of these statues has its own story and legend. Particularly popular is the tale of Saint John of Nepomuk - touching his statue is supposed to bring good luck and guarantee a return to Prague. This is great fun for children, who can try to find all the statues and learn their stories.
The Charles Bridge is especially magical at dawn or dusk, when the crowds of tourists are smaller. Keep in mind that it can get very crowded during the summer season, so plan your visit early in the morning. The bridge has no age restrictions and is fully accessible to people with disabilities.
From Charles Bridge, head to Old Town Square (Staroměstské nám., 110 00 Praha 1-Staré Město), the heart of Prague. This is the place where history mixes with the present and legend with reality. The centerpiece of the square is the famous Astronomical Clock (Orloj), located on the wall of the Town Hall. This clock, operating since 1410, is not only a precise mechanism, but also a source of fascinating legends.
Every hour, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., you can watch the 'procession of apostles' - figures appearing in the windows of the clock. This spectacle draws crowds, so it's worth showing up a few minutes early to get a good seat. Legend has it that if the clock were to stop working, the city would be threatened with misfortune.
The square also features a statue of Jan Hus, the Czech religious reformer. It's a great place to tell children about Czech history and the importance of freedom of speech.
The Old Town Square is a great place to take a break. Here you will find numerous cafes and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy traditional Czech delicacies. Remember, however, that prices in this area are higher than in other parts of the city.
Both the Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square are accessible for free, making them ideal attractions for families with children. It's worth planning at least 2-3 hours for a leisurely tour of both places. For children, we recommend bringing comfortable shoes, water and possibly snacks, as walking the cobblestone streets can be tiring.
Hradczany Castle and Golden Street - the in the heart of Prague's mysteries
The next point on our magical journey is Hradčany Castle (address: 119 08 Prague 1), the largest ancient castle in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records. It's a place that was the seat of Czech rulers for centuries, and today is a symbol of Czech statehood and a treasure trove of countless legends.
To reach the castle, you can take streetcar No. 22, getting off at the Pražský hrad stop, or metro line A to Malostranská station, and then climb on foot or take the streetcar. The castle is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., but individual sites have different opening hours, so it's a good idea to check them before visiting on the official website.
While visiting, you can't miss St. Vitus Cathedral, which took almost 600 years to build. According to legend, the Holy Grail is hidden within its walls. This is a great opportunity to tell your children about medieval legends and knights searching for the holy chalice.
A particularly fascinating place on the castle grounds is the Golden Street. These tiny, colorful houses, resembling the setting of a fairy tale, hold many secrets. It is said that alchemists lived here trying to turn lead into gold on the orders of Emperor Rudolf II. Children are sure to be delighted by this miniature street and the legends of magical experiments.
There is a fee to enter the castle, but children under 6 years old are admitted free. Ticket prices range from 250 to 500 CZK for adults, depending on the tour chosen. It's worth buying tickets online to avoid queues.
It is advisable to reserve at least 3-4 hours to explore the entire castle complex. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as a lot of walking awaits you. For children, prepare snacks and water, and you may also want to bring a sketchbook - the castle is full of inspiring views.
There are beautiful gardens near the castle, an ideal place to relax and have a picnic. We especially recommend the Garden on the Embankment (Zahrada Na Valech), which offers a beautiful view of Prague.
Not far from the castle, on Loretánská Street, you'll also find the mysterious Loreta - a shrine with a replica of the House of the Holy Family. This is another place full of legends and wonderful stories that are sure to interest the little ones.
Remember that there is a dress code on the castle grounds - do not enter in bathing suits or with a bare torso. It is also advisable to warn children not to touch the exhibits and to keep quiet in sacred places.
Hradčany Castle is not only a history lesson, but above all a trip back in time that will allow you and your children to feel the atmosphere of a medieval court and touch the legends that have inspired successive generations for centuries.
Vyšehrad and the Astronomical Clock - a journey through time and space
Our journey through the magical places of Prague would not be complete without a visit to Vyšehrad (address: V Pevnosti 159/5b, 128 00 Praha 2-Vyšehrad). This legendary place, located on a high hill above the Vltava River, is, according to many legends, the cradle of Czech statehood.
The easiest way to reach Vyšehrad is by metro line C to Vyšehrad station, then a short walk. The complex is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (until 7 p.m. in summer). Admission to the fortress is free, but you have to pay a small fee to enter some of the facilities, such as the crypts.
Legend has it that it was here that Princess Libuša prophesied the creation of Prague. Children will enjoy the tale of how the princess sent messengers to found a city 'where they see a man making a threshold (práh) to his home'. This is how Prague was to be founded.
There are many fascinating sites in the Vyšehrad area. Be sure to visit the rotunda of St. Martin - one of the oldest surviving Romanesque buildings in the Czech Republic. This is the perfect place to tell your children about medieval architecture and life in the old days.
You also can't miss the Vyšehrad Cemetery, where some of the most prominent Czech artists, scientists and politicians are buried. This is an excellent opportunity to teach your children about Czech culture and history.
Vyšehrad is also a great place for a picnic and relaxation. Extensive green areas with beautiful views of Prague are ideal for family recreation. There are playgrounds for children, and various cultural events are held here during the summer season.
It is worth spending about 2-3 hours to explore Vyšehrad. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and take your camera with you - the views here are truly beautiful.
At the end of our trip, let's return once again to the Old Town Square for a closer look at one of Prague's most fascinating landmarks - the Astronomical Clock (Staroměstské nám. 1, 110 00 Praha 1-Staré Město). This medieval technical marvel has been keeping time for more than 600 years, delighting generations to come.
The clock is part of the facade of the Old Town Hall and can be admired at any time of the day or night. However, the real spectacle takes place every hour from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., when the figures of the apostles appear in the clock's windows.
Legend has it that the clock's creator, Master Hanuš, was blinded by order of the city councilors so that he could not create a similar work for another city. In revenge, the master was said to have damaged the clock mechanism, which no one was able to repair for another hundred years.
Children will find fascinating not only the mechanics of the clock itself, but also the symbolism of the various elements. You can tell them about the meaning of the figures on the clock - Death, Greed, Vanity and Debauchery, which remind them of the passage of time and human weaknesses.
There is a fee to enter the tower of the town hall, which offers a beautiful view of the Old Town (250 CZK for adults, 150 CZK for children), but you can admire the clock itself for free.
Remember that crowds gather in front of the clock during show hours, so it's worth coming a few minutes early to get a good seat. It can be a bit tiring for younger children, so have a plan B in mind - such as a visit to a nearby cafe overlooking the square.
Prague is a city where you can touch history at every turn and feel the magic of the old days. These five places are just the beginning of a fascinating journey through the legends and mysteries of the Czech capital. Regardless of age, there is something for everyone, and the memories of this trip will remain in the memory of the whole family for a long time.
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