Museum in Prague 

Find out more about the several-year era of communism that ruled Czechoslovakia from 1948 to 1989. The Prague Museum of Communism will introduce you to everyday life from different perspectives. The Museum of Communism presents its visitors with the lives of ordinary people but also, for example, politicians, athletes and representatives of the army or police. It exhibits current artistic elements typical for this period in the style of Socialist Realism or print and its censorship. You will see behind the scenes of StB or labour camps.

Museum of Communism and what to expect

As you may have already learned from the first paragraph, the museum deals broadly with different types of life during communism in Czechoslovakia. You will also become familiar with the economic situation, institutions influenced by communist power and the totalitarian regime in general.

In the museum are displayed original exhibits. The creators’ biggest effort was to create a space where the visitors could empathize with this period as much as possible. That’s why you get the opportunity to preview the school classroom, children’s room or even the interrogation room. The museum premises are decorated with original posters and other installations that you might have encountered during the communist era.

The museum has two floors, and its parts are divided into individual themes.

There is also a shop in the museum, where various posters, T-shirts, magnets and other souvenirs are available.

In addition to viewing the exhibits, the museum has a cinema where every 20m you can watch a film. The film is called A Time of Shame, Silence and Hope. The theme of the film is clear. It will bring the viewers closer to Czechoslovakia between 1969 and 1989.

A brief Communist era in Czechoslovakia

Communism in Czechoslovakia began in February 1948 and was ended by the well-known and still celebrated Velvet Revolution, which took place on 17 November 1989. The Communist Party ruled there, and it was not allowed to vote for any other party than this one. Therefore, every citizen was obligated to vote for the Communist Party if he did not want to cause himself inconvenience, which was taken care of, for example, by the police. Thus, the elections had only a formal character.

The characteristic of communist rule was a centrally planned economy. Simply put, the government decided what would be produced and in what quantity. Not the market. Such a regime led to the backwardness of the state and the absence of many components on the market. It was not allowed to disagree with the regime. The only solution for the resisters was emigration (however, this was a criminal act). Public resistance was not tolerated and followed by the surveillance of people by the secret police, unpleasant interrogations, labour camps or even judicial murders. In worse cases, people were sent to labour or even concentration camps.

Perhaps you already know a little about the communist era from the stories of your parents, grandparents or even teachers at school. Although, we are convinced the museum represents this period in maximum depth. That is why we recommend visiting the Museum of Communism in Prague. You can get to know as much as possible about what happened in Czechoslovakia between 1948 and 1989.

The museum is open every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Address: Museum of Communism Prague is located at V Celnici 1031/4, 110 00 Prague 1

If you are interested in visiting a museum in the opposite direction and having fun a little, we have two options for you – Illusion Museum Prague or Optical Tricks Museum Prague. 

(Photo source: Instagram: Museum of Communism)

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A private tour through Prague

Another type of tour that we can manage for you is the History of Prague. The guide will give you a private tour through Prague and shows you the most important places that are related to Prague’s history. If you are interested in some historical topic, the guide will try to focus on this subject and give you as much information as possible.

The first settlements – The history of Prague

More likely, the first settlement was not located in the current Prague Castle area but around the territory these days known as Veleslavín. This settlement started Slavs crudely in the 6th century. The area was probably, started to be inhabited in the 4th century.

As the main settlement was, later determined, the area of Prague Castle. Ramparts, fortified settlements and later, even palaces started to grow there. Prague becomes the centre where the craftsmen or merchants buy and sell goods.

A very significant century for Prague and Czech land is the 9th century. Přemyslovci dynasty takes the rule over Prague for the first time. Their seat is, of course, at the Prague Castle, which is transformed into a complex fortress. Following dynasties that ruled the Czech land from Prague, find in the Prague Castle tour.

Evolution of Prague – history of Prague 

From Prague ruled many monarchs. One of them was, for instance, king Přemysl Otakar II. He ruled in the mid 13th century, and during his rule, the Czech land expanded a lot. However, in the end, he was beaten and he died at the battle in Morava. It meant that Habsburkové took over the Czech throne, and also, the borders changed. 

A real bloom that affected the country was thanks to Charles IV. in the 14th century. He established many institutions and built monuments that are famous these days. Some examples you might know are Charles University, Charles Bridge and New Town, which started to develop during his rule. Prague was the largest city in Europe by its area. 

When the Habsburkové dynasty took over the throne, Rudolf II. in the 16th century was one of the kings that is worth mentioning. He contributed to developing local culture, education and science. Rudolf II. was an art lover, so he built several senescence buildings. On the other hand, he wasn´t a very strong leader and tension against the Habsburkové dynasty was growing. This resistance of protestants against the Habsburkové climaxed with the Prague defenestration and at the end of the 17th century at the Battle of White Mountain. However, the Habsburkové won the battle with their leader Ferdinand. This all meant bad news for Prague and Czech land generally. The country had to face up to financial and economic problems.

Above all, the younger brother of Rudolf II., Matyáš II. moved the imperial centre from Prague to Vienna. Prague became only a provincial city.

The royal capital city – history of Prague

In 1784 Prague, right after Vienna, becomes the second-largest city in Europe. Four cities were joined together and connected to Prague. The Old Town, New Town, Hradčany and the Lesser Town are now becoming a part of Prague. This connection brings a new name – the royal capital city.
Other parts, the Jewish Part, Vyšehrad, Holešovice and Libeň, were connected to Prague as time passed.

In the 19th century, the number of citizens immensely grows. Culture, architecture, even fabrication, and other positive factors are now developing the most since the fall caused by the Habsburkové dynasty.

Later on, in 1992 Prague, is officially named Prague (without the Royal term).

If you want to know more, contact us. The guide will share with you detailed information about Prague’s history! We also offer many other tours through Prague, just check out this Walking Tours Prague list!

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Private tour with a guide – Franz Kafka

Do you wonder why should you be interested in the Franz Kafka tour? Franz Kafka was an author who is genuinely connected with Prague. Franz Kafka belongs among the most influential writers of the 20th century. The private tour – Franz Kafka with a guide will allow you to get to know this author better.

Franz Kafka Life

Franz was born in 1883 in Prague. He loved Prague and for most of his life, he lived there. His family used to move a lot but the places they used to live were always close to Old Town Square. In 1923 Kafka decided to move to Berlin so he could focus on his writing. He died in Austria in 1924 of tuberculosis.

His family was poor so since he was a boy, he had to help with earning money by selling pins and ribbons. His parents had, in fact, another 5 children. Unfortunately, not many of them died at a very young age. They were ill or died in concentration camps. A mother of Franc was Jewish. He never got along with his father which was a burden for Franz throughout his all life. Their relationship explains in his book, the Letter to Father.

He used to write his books in german but Czech was his favourite language. Franz was very educated and he spoke 4 languages: german, french, Czech and later he also learned Hebrew. As a young boy, he started his education in a single-sex German school for boys. Later, he studied at a law university. In adulthood, his job was as an office worker in an insurance company. Franz was a favourite worker and appreciated by his superiors. Kafka admitted that he did not like his job, because it had nothing to do with literature. His friends describe him as a smart and reliable person, who was underrating himself a lot.

Work of Franz Kafka and a Private Tour Prague

Some famous works of Franz Kafka you might know are, for instance, The Metamorphosis or Amerika. From his works, the readers can feel loneliness and eliminated from society. The books of Franz Kafka and the writer himself started to be read after the second world war, which was after his death already.

However, we offer private tours through Prague so you can know Prague and its history better. The tours we offer find on the Walking Tours Prague list. Let us also recommend to you the best Prague restaurants we cooperate with. We guarantee a high quality of food and also service.

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The Prague Castle Tour with a Guide

A tour with a guide through a Prague Castle should not miss any enthusiast for history or architecture. But above all, the Prague castle charms everyone. With a guide, you will get to know many remarkable facts about this seat of president and the previous seat of the Czech dynasties. We will be pleased to provide a guide for you.

This complex is one of the most extensive castle complexes in the world. It is even considered a symbol of the Czech republic and above all, it is one of the most significant monuments in this country. Many also see this complex as a huge art piece.

Another interesting significant fact is that the castle has its place on the Guinness World Record list. The area is about 70.000 m² large. The complex also belongs to UNESCO world heritage.

The Prague Castle – a brief history and the dynasty rule

The colonization where the Prague Castle is built today dates back to the neolith age. Archaeologists found objects from the early beginning of the 9th century. Examples of the found objects were, for example, wooden fences, fortifications and even jewellery.

The castle’s construction started with the Přemyslovci dynasty. This place happened to be a seat of the kings and princes. In the year 1918, when was established the Czechoslovakia republic, the first president was seated there.

There were also other dynasties that ruled the Czech land. They contributed to building the complex of Prague castle. After Přemyslovci, the throne took over Lucemburkové. They brought gothic architecture. During the Jagellonci rule was built, for instance, a very spacious Vladislav Hall. This hall was the first in the land, constructed in a renaissance style. It was also even the first building without arched columns.

There are still two dynasties left. The Habsbuskové and Habsbursko-Lotrinská dynasty. Habsburkové, particularly Ferdinand I., was interested in the reconstruction of castle gardens into a renaissance look.

Parts of a Prague Castle – The Golden Lane and St. Jiří basilic 

If you start your tour from the Malostranské Square, up to the castle on your right hand, see the Golden Lane. The Golden Lane consists of a lane of cute, small and colourful houses. The houses were built around the 16th century. The legend says that there used to live alchemists trying to make some gold. It is probably not true since this part used to be the poorest part of the castle complex. In the 19th century, the Golden Lane started to be visited by tourists. They were interested in the legends related to it. After the 2WW, not many owners of the houses got back to live there. Therefore the government bought all the houses in Golden Lane. All of them were mended and colourfully painted.

After passing the Golden Lane, you are almost at the top. Before you see the main and dominant building, the Catedral of st. Vitus, notice the Basilica of st. Jiří. This basilica is one of the oldest in the Czech country. The construction started in 920. The basilic was used as the burial ground of Přemyslovci. They are buried here till these days. The architecture signs a roman, gothic and baroque styles.

Parts of a Prague Castle – The Old Royal Palace 

Opposite the south tower of the St. Vít Catedral, you can admire the Old Royal Palace. The palace used to be the seat of the Czech kings from the 10th – to the 16th century. In addition, this building was constructed in a gothic style. The main parts of the palace are All Saints Church which is connected to mentioned Vladislav Hall. Jagellonci dynasty started with a construction of a space for the parliamentary session. This space these days is known as an Old Chamber of Deputies. Ludvig’s wing, creating another part of this Old Royal Palace is known for the third Prague defenestration (1618). Even there were the Czech aristocrats thrown out of the window.

Parts of a Prague Castle – St. Vitus Catedral 

The full name of the cathedral is The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saints Vitus, Wenceslaus and Adalbert. The height of the highest tower is 96m, which makes the cathedral the third highest one in the Czech republic. (The first one is the Cathedral of St. Bartoloměj in Plzeň. This one reaches 100m).

The construction of St. Vitus Cathedral lasted many centuries. It started with the rotunda building around the year 929. This rotunda was built during the St. Wenceslaus rule. The groundbreaking ceremony of the cathedral itself started Jan Lucemburský, around the year 1344.

In the year 1873-1929, The last part was built, followed by many reconstructions. The used architectural style you can see on this monumental building is a style.

Inside this cathedral is situated a mausoleum of Czech kings. In total, there are buried 27 persons.

There are not even missing three castle gardens, where you can enjoy a nice stroll.

If you are interested in the detailed description and historical context, contact us for a private guide. For another tour through the city, visit our list of Walking Tours in Prague.

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Private tour Prague

The Old Town Prague is one of our private tours of Prague that we can offer you. The guide will give you a tour through Old Town to your preferences.

You can know by its name that The Old Town is the oldest part of Prague. It started to take its shape in the 13th century.

The Old Town Prague – tourism and what can you see there

What tourists and visitors of Prague go to see in the Old Town is the Old Town Square. There is so much to see at Old Town Square! Many tourists sign this square as one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. The square does not resemble the modern square full of light ads or skyscrapers. It has maintained its historical and gothic style.

However, right next to Old Town Square leads a well-known street full of luxury stores. Maybe you already know that we have just mentioned Pařížská street. You can walk through the street and spend some big money. Pařížská street leads towards a Jewish graveyard. And what can visitors of Old Town Square see more?

The Old Town Prague – the Old Town Square 

The favourite tourist attraction has become Astronomical clocks which are part of the Old Townhall. The Astronomical Clock Orloj built in the 15th century gives information about the Sun and Moon position, giving also information about zodiac signs in the sky. Hourly starts The Walk of Apostles. Small windows above the clocks open, and people can see the apostles moving. Beyond the clock notice a calendar desk. The calendar indicates a current month, day and a name day. Nevertheless, Astronomical Clock and a Townhall are not all you can see there!

Another monumental building located here is, for instance, the Church of Our Lady before Týn. The church is dominant in this square and the tower can be seen from far away.

The Old Town Prague – Jewish quarter Josefov 

Your tour may continue towards the Jewish quarter named Josefov. This Prague quarter was in the medieval age inhabited by Jewish. After the dissolution of this ghetto has been preserved, unfortunately, only a graveyard, synagogues and a town hall. Moreover the 2WW logically almost ruined this quarter. There has been open a Jewish Museum which is accessible to visitors these days. In case you are interested, we will book for you the entrance to the museum.

In conclusion, the north side of the Old Town is closed by a Vltava river. Above the river leads a Charles Bridge, connecting the Old Town with a Lesser Town. When you come from the Lesser Side over the bridge, you can continue straight to Charles Street full of restaurants and small shops with sweets, food or souvenirs.

In addition, a part of Old Town creates even the Powder Gate Tower, leading to Celetná Street.

Simply, if you are interested in exploring the history, architecture or legends of Old Town, don’t hesitate to rely on us. We will provide you with a guide for an advantageous price.

The tour takes about 2,5 hours. 

Other attractive and fun things to do in Prague find on our list. We can also recommend the best restaurants in Prague. For cultural events and activities, check out the Culture and Art category.

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