Founding & Medieval Era
1. Founded by a Legendary Princess
Prague’s mythical founder is Princess Libuše, a prophetess who, according to legend, predicted the city’s greatness and married a plowman named Přemysl, founding the Přemyslid dynasty.
2. Home to One of the Oldest Castles in the World
Prague Castle, founded in the 9th century, is the largest ancient castle complex in the world, covering over 70,000 square meters.
3. Medieval Astronomical Marvel
Installed in 1410, the Prague Astronomical Clock (Orloj) is the oldest working astronomical clock in the world. It not only tells time, but tracks the sun, moon, and zodiac signs.
4. A Capital of the Holy Roman Empire
In the 14th century, Charles IV made Prague the capital of the Holy Roman Empire, ushering in a golden age of architecture, education, and culture.
5. Charles University is One of the Oldest in Europe
Founded in 1348 by Charles IV, it’s the oldest university in Central Europe and still in operation today.
Cultural & Political Shifts
6. Birthplace of the Defenestration of Prague
In 1618, Protestant nobles threw Catholic officials out a castle window—starting the Thirty Years’ War. Miraculously, they survived, supposedly landing in manure.
7. A City of Alchemy and Magic
In the 16th century, Emperor Rudolf II attracted alchemists, astronomers, and mystics—turning Prague into a European center of occult science.
8. Kafka’s Hometown
Franz Kafka, one of the most influential writers of the 20th century, was born and lived most of his life in Prague, a city that deeply influenced his dark, surreal work.
9. One of Few Cities Untouched by WWII Bombing
Unlike many European cities, Prague’s historic center remained largely intact during WWII, preserving its medieval architecture.
10. A Symbol of Peaceful Protest
In 1968, Czechoslovakia’s Prague Spring pushed for liberal reforms—crushed by Soviet tanks, but it became a powerful symbol of resistance and reform.
Modern & Contemporary Prague
11. Velvet Revolution Began in Prague
In 1989, peaceful student protests in Prague led to the non-violent overthrow of communist rule, known as the Velvet Revolution.
12. The John Lennon Wall Is a Living Monument
After Lennon’s death in 1980, a graffiti-covered wall became a symbol of youth resistance and freedom, evolving daily with new art and messages.
13. UNESCO World Heritage Site
Prague’s historic center—filled with Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau architecture—was designated a UNESCO site in 1992.
14. Home to the Narrowest Street in Prague
Vinarna Čertovka, a tiny alley with a pedestrian traffic light, is just 50 centimeters (20 inches) wide—so small only one person fits at a time.
15. Czech Beer Capital
Czechs drink more beer per capita than any country in the world, and Prague is home to some of the oldest breweries and beer halls, including U Fleků (founded 1499).
Fun & Offbeat
16. Dancing House (Fred & Ginger)
Designed by Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunić, the iconic “Dancing House” represents a symbol of new Prague post-communism—with deconstructivist flair.
17. Golem of Prague Legend
In the 16th century, Rabbi Loew of Prague supposedly created a Golem—a creature of clay to protect the Jewish Quarter—a story now famous in Jewish folklore.
18. One of the Oldest Synagogues in Europe
The Old-New Synagogue (built 1270) is still active and among the oldest synagogues still in use in Europe.
19. Has a Museum of Communism Next to a McDonald’s
Only in Prague can you exit a McDonald’s and enter a museum chronicling life under communism—a telling symbol of Czech irony and transition.
20. Prague Is a Filmmaker’s Paradise
With its mix of old-world charm and affordability, Prague has stood in for everything from Victorian London to futuristic dystopias, appearing in films like Mission Impossible, Casino Royale, and Amadeus.
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