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Activities in Prague

The Nightwatchman of Prague: Theatrical Walking Tour

Follow the man who once patrolled Prague's streets after dark on this walking tour through the Old Town, led by a guide in full 17th-century nightwatchman costume.

Tour Details

At the designated time, we'll meet in front of the Powder Gate, where your nightwatchman will be waiting with his lantern, hooded cloak, and 2 m (6 ft 7 in) halberd. He'll explain what the weapon was actually for, why Prague's city walls had a killing ground between them, and what hazards awaited anyone walking these streets at night.

We'll head to the Fruit Market and the Estates Theatre, where we'll talk about what medieval food really tasted like, why being called a pepper sack was a compliment, and why a young composer from Salzburg chose Prague for the premiere of one of his greatest works.

The route continues to Old Town Square and the Týn Church, where the crosses set into the cobblestones mark one of the darkest days in the city's history: 21 June 1621, when 27 Protestant leaders met their end here. Nearby, the Jan Hus Monument commemorates the reformer burned at the stake two centuries earlier for refusing to recant his views.

At the Klementinum, we'll hear about Alexandr Schamsky, a 28-year-old who chose to stay in Prague when plague swept the city in 1713 and almost everyone else found somewhere urgent to be.

We'll then walk down to the Vltava riverbank to talk about Charles IV, the emperor who built half of Prague, and learn the three official fire safety rules of the medieval city. One of them involves a tavern cellar.

The tour ends at the Charles Bridge, with the full story of Charles IV, some hard-won plague survival tips, and a closing horn call or poem of the kind once used to warn the city of danger. After 1.5 hours covering around 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles), the tour comes to a close and we'll say our goodbyes.

Follow the man who once patrolled Prague's streets after dark on this walking tour through the Old Town, led by a guide in full 17th-century nightwatchman costume.

Tour Details

At the designated time, we'll meet in front of the Powder Gate, where your nightwatchman will be waiting with his lantern, hooded cloak, and 2 m (6 ft 7 in) halberd. He'll explain what the weapon was actually for, why Prague's city walls had a killing ground between them, and what hazards awaited anyone walking these streets at night.

We'll head to the Fruit Market and the Estates Theatre, where we'll talk about what medieval food really tasted like, why being called a pepper sack was a compliment, and why a young composer from Salzburg chose Prague for the premiere of one of his greatest works.

The route continues to Old Town Square and the Týn Church, where the crosses set into the cobblestones mark one of the darkest days in the city's history: 21 June 1621, when 27 Protestant leaders met their end here. Nearby, the Jan Hus Monument commemorates the reformer burned at the stake two centuries earlier for refusing to recant his views.

At the Klementinum, we'll hear about Alexandr Schamsky, a 28-year-old who chose to stay in Prague when plague swept the city in 1713 and almost everyone else found somewhere urgent to be.

We'll then walk down to the Vltava riverbank to talk about Charles IV, the emperor who built half of Prague, and learn the three official fire safety rules of the medieval city. One of them involves a tavern cellar.

The tour ends at the Charles Bridge, with the full story of Charles IV, some hard-won plague survival tips, and a closing horn call or poem of the kind once used to warn the city of danger. After 1.5 hours covering around 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles), the tour comes to a close and we'll say our goodbyes.

View complete description

More Information

Duration

1h 30m.

Language

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English. The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

Included

English–speaking guide

When to book?

You can book up to the tour start time subject to availability. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Sustainability conditions

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.

Sustainability Code

Our providers commit to:

  • Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle.
  • Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
  • Uphold fair employment standards.
  • Foster the growth of local communities.
  • Preserve the integrity of local culture.
  • Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
  • Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
  • Operate with honesty and transparency.
  • Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

  • No printing of documentation required.

Pets

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

  • Q - Is this tour appropriate for all ages?

    A - This tour deals with medieval crime, public executions, and plague. However, these themes are handled with wit and humor and are never graphic, making the tour suitable for all ages.

  • Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

    A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

  • Q - How to book?

    A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

  • Q - Which local supplier will be providing the tour?

    A - Light In The Dark Corporate name: Light in the dark s.r.o. Registered Office: Seifertova 2174, ÚVALY, Czech Republic Tax Identification Number (VAT ID): CZ19842198 Contact information Email: info@night-watchman.net Phone: 00420608100763 This supplier is commited to providing services in accordance with applicable European Union laws.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Meeting point

Where does the activity end?

Powder Gate

Charles Bridge

View map
Where does the activity end?

Charles Bridge

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