Prague off the beaten path
Do you ever get the feeling you came late to the party?
There was a time when Prague, then the capital of Czechoslovakia, was incredibly remote and exotic for most European travelers. Shutoff behind the Iron Curtain and under Soviet influence for the latter half of the 20th century, Prague kept its secrets close and was rarely visited by outsiders.
All of that changed in 1989 when the Velvet Revolution ended the country’s communist era and opened Czechoslovakia up to the West. And although Slovakia and the Czech Republic have since gone their separate ways to become independent nations, Prague remains the beautiful capital city of one of Central Europe’s most interesting countries.
But it’s hardly a hidden gem. Once Western tourists got word of Prague’s historic beauty - not to mention endless liters of cheap and delicious local beer - the city became a must-visit locale on any tour of Europe. These days, the city receives up to 8 million visitors a year, making it one of Europe’s most visited cities and a place where you can expect to encounter tourist crowds.
Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t have your own experience of this magical place. Drop off your unneeded bags at a convenient luggage storage in Prague and check out some of these lesser-known but still intriguing attractions in a city that never fails to fascinate.
Church of St. James the Greater
Given the number of tourists who visit the Old Town Square of Prague every day, you might not think there was anything in this area that has not been thoroughly explored by legions of travelers before you. But you’d be wrong.
This major church is often overshadowed by the truly spectacular Tyn Cathedral, just a few blocks away. And it’s true that the better-known cathedral is worth a visit for its fairytale-like Gothic architecture. But if you want to escape the crowds and still see something interesting, take a short walk to this church.
It was built in the 13th century according to the Gothic style and is home to the elaborate tomb of an 18th-century governor of the region. To the right of the tomb, you’ll see a mummified human arm hanging from a hook. Yes, it’s 100% real.
The story goes that a jewel thief was attempting to rob precious items from the altar when a statue of the Virgin Mary grabbed him by the hand. The statue would not let go until the thief was caught and a local butcher amputated his arm, at which point the statue released it. The arm was hung from the roof of the church to warn other thieves of what might happen if they attempted a similar feat, and it has been there now for around 400 years.
Paternoster elevator
in the early days of elevator technology, things weren’t quite as safe as they are now. A paternoster elevator is an early type of elevator that dates back to the late 19th century. These elevators consist of several open compartments with no doors that never stop moving, so passengers are expected to jump on the elevator as it rumbles past and jump off at the right floor. As you might expect, this type of elevator has an accident rate of around 30 times higher than that of more modern lifts.
You can find the last surviving examples of this type of elevator in multiple locations around the world, including at Prague City Hall. If you’re feeling adventurous, jump in and take a ride, but know that you do so at your own risk.
St. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral
This cathedral is the main center of worship in Prague for the Czech and Slovak Orthodox communities. However, outside of that community, it might have remained relatively obscure everywhere except for the events of 1941 and Operation Anthropoid.
During the war, when Prague was occupied by Nazi forces, it was ruled from Prague Castle by high-ranking SS leader Reinhard Heydrich. Czech freedom fighters ambushed Heydrich’s car and threw a bomb at him, which didn’t kill him immediately, though he eventually succumbed to his wounds. In the aftermath, the freedom fighters fled to this church and put up a brave but ultimately futile last stand against Nazi forces, who launched a brutal reprisal.
The church today looks much the way it did back then, and you can still see the bullet holes and the damage to the interior basement walls where the men desperately tried to dig their way out. It’s a deeply moving monument to the bravery of men who, unfortunately, didn’t live to see the day their country was finally liberated.
Speculum Alchemiae
Prague’s Jewish quarter is a neighborhood absolutely steeped in legends and history. In 2002, restoration after a flood revealed an authentic underground alchemist’s lair dating back to the time of King Rudolph II, a ruler with an interest in the occult who made Prague the European center of research into alchemy and magical arts.
Now, you can visit this alchemist’s lair on a guided tour which will explain more about this fascinating part of the city’s history. The re-created alchemical equipment can seem a little cheesy, but the tour guides do a good job of bringing fun to this historical place, making it a great off-the-beaten-path attraction for families or anyone with an interest in lesser-known chapters of history.
Exploring Prague’s secrets
Prague’s rich history means it has an astonishing variety of stories to tell, but you’ll only get to hear a small selection of them if you stick to the main attractions. Instead, add a few of these more obscure sites to your itinerary, and you’ll get a better sense of what makes the city so special.
Prague is a town that has been through a lot, but the centuries have left it with a unique character and beauty that rewards deep exploration. Leave your bags behind and immerse yourself in these quirky attractions.
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