Secrets of Prague Old Town: Self-Guided Puzzle Walk

More like a long boulevard of 750 m than a square, this place was once just a horse market (about 650 years ago). Connecting Old Town with New Town, the square witnessed various events in Czech history, such as celebrations of national sporting achievements, the invasion of the Soviet tanks in 1968, or masses of protesters in 1989. Nowadays, it’s the entertainment and nightlife centre of Prague, with plenty of options for shopping, restaurants, dance clubs, bars, and cinemas. If you climb the steps to the National Museum, you can admire the wonderful view down the square. Near the statue of the patron saint of the Czech Republic, St. Wenceslas, there are two commemorative plaques on the ground, for victims of the communist regime. One is dedicated to Jan Palach, who set himself on fire in protest at the Soviet invasion. Once there, you will get indications on how to continue your game, while also learning about the place you've discovered.

Church of Our Lady of the Snows

King Charles IV wished for a Carmelite monastery with a coronation church. As such, he planned to build a Gothic three-aisle church which would be second in size and height only to the cathedral at Prague Castle. Unfortunately, the Hussite Wars interrupted those plans. Although it’s incomplete, the Church of Our Lady of the Snows has a vault of 34 meters, which is the highest in Prague. In the early 17th century, Franciscan monks took over the abandoned church from Emperor Rudolph II and built the surrounding monastery and library in Baroque style. Right next to the complex, you may enjoy a walk through the Franciscan Gardens, which provide a fabulous view of the church’s Gothic vaulting. You will get to this place by following a clue and solving a puzzle. Once there, you will get indications on how to continue your game, while also learning about the place you've discovered.

Church of Our Lady before Tyn

A gothic cathedral, the Tyn Church is named after the statue of the Madonna situated between the impressive twin towers. Those too are not in fact identical because one of them is actually a bit more solid, in order to, apparently, represent the man as the stronger side of the family. The church was affected by many historical events, such as the Hussite Wars, but it remains a monument worth visiting. Inside the church you may admire the most valued organ from the second half of the 17th century, and then take a stroll between the medieval, gothic and baroque tombstones. A famous astronomer from the Court of the Emperor Rudolf II was buried here, close to the main altar. You’ll find out his name once you solve the challenge for this place.