Prague, the City of a Hundred Spires, is a place where history and legend intertwine, creating an atmosphere that is both enchanting and eerie. Walking through its cobbled streets and under its Gothic arches, you can feel the presence of the city’s ancient past, filled with mysterious stories that have been passed down for centuries. From headless knights to mystical golems, Prague’s legends give a unique insight into its cultural heart and historical spirit. Let’s explore some of the most famous and intriguing legends of this magical city.
If you planning your trip to Prague, read my post about things to do Prague.
Get the shivers on this atmospheric walking tour through Prague’s ghostly history.
The Legend of the Golem of Prague
Perhaps the most famous of all Prague legends is the tale of the Golem, a creature made from clay that was brought to life by Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel in the 16th century. According to the legend, Rabbi Loew created the Golem to protect the Jewish community of Prague from persecution. By inscribing the word “emet” (truth) on its forehead, the rabbi gave it life. However, when the Golem became too powerful and uncontrollable, Rabbi Loew removed one letter, turning “emet” into “met” (death), thus returning the creature to clay. It is said that the remains of the Golem are still hidden in the attic of the Old-New Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter, awaiting the day they are needed once more.
The Headless Templar
Another eerie tale is that of the Headless Templar, a knight who is said to roam the streets of Prague every Good Friday night. Legend has it that this knight fell in love with a young noblewoman, but her father disapproved of the match. In despair, the knight turned to a life of crime, stealing from the church and betraying his honor. As punishment, he was beheaded. Now, his spirit, clad in black armor and carrying his severed head, haunts the streets of Prague near the Church of St. Thomas, hoping to find redemption by offering riches to anyone brave enough to stop him. But beware—those who refuse his offer are cursed to die within a year.
The Astronomical Clock and the Curse of the Master
Prague’s iconic Astronomical Clock, located in the Old Town Square, is not only a marvel of medieval engineering but also the subject of a dark legend. The story goes that Master Hanuš, the clockmaker who created this magnificent piece in the 15th century, was blinded on the orders of the city council. They wanted to ensure that no other city would have a clock as beautiful as Prague’s. In revenge, Hanuš supposedly damaged the clock so badly that it took over a hundred years to repair. Some believe that the clock is cursed, and that the ghost of Master Hanuš haunts it to this day, ensuring it remains the unique symbol of Prague.
The Faust House
The Faust House, located in Prague’s New Town, is shrouded in mystery and has long been associated with dark magic and alchemy. According to legend, the house was once owned by Edward Kelley, a notorious alchemist, and later became linked to Dr. Johann Faust, the man who allegedly sold his soul to the devil. Strange occurrences have been reported at the Faust House over the centuries, including mysterious lights, unexplained sounds, and even disappearances. Many believe that the house sits on a portal to another realm, and that the spirits of past occupants, including Faust himself, still linger within its walls.
The Devil’s Column
Standing in Vyšehrad, the ancient fortress overlooking the Vltava River, is the Devil’s Column—a strange formation of three stone pillars. Legend has it that a priest once made a bet with the devil that he could finish saying mass before the devil could bring a pillar from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. As the devil was flying back with the pillar, the priest completed the mass. Enraged, the devil threw the pillar into Vyšehrad, where it remains to this day. Visitors to Vyšehrad can see the column, which bears the marks of the devil’s fiery temper.
The Iron Man of Prague
One of Prague’s most tragic legends is that of the Iron Man, a ghost who haunts the Ungelt courtyard near the Týn Church. The story tells of a young knight who fell in love with a beautiful woman. He promised her wealth, but when she found out he was not as rich as he claimed, she left him for a wealthier suitor. In a fit of rage, the knight killed her. As punishment, he was cursed to stand as a statue of iron for all eternity. Locals say that on certain nights, the Iron Man walks the streets of Prague, still searching for his lost love.
The Charles Bridge and the Egg Myth
The Charles Bridge is one of Prague’s most iconic landmarks, but even its construction is surrounded by legend. According to the story, King Charles IV ordered eggs to be mixed into the mortar to strengthen the bridge. Townspeople from across Bohemia were instructed to send eggs, and some villages even misunderstood the order and sent hard-boiled ones! Whether or not this contributed to the bridge’s resilience is debatable, but it has stood for centuries, surviving floods, wars, and the passage of time, making the egg myth one of Prague’s most lighthearted legends.
Prague’s rich tapestry of legends adds to its allure as a city steeped in mystery and history. Whether you’re wandering through its medieval streets or admiring its ancient architecture, keep these stories in mind—because in Prague, the line between history and legend is as thin as a whisper in the night.
