Prague Dan Brown Locations: A Real Prague Guide's Journey Through "The Secret of Secrets"

Is exploring the hidden Prague locations in Dan Brown’s latest thriller, The Secret of Secrets, really worth it? As a local guide, I believe it is—if you want to experience the city’s medieval bastions and mysterious gardens like Robert Langdon, without paying €200 for a private tour. This guide reveals all the key spots from the novel so you can start your own Prague mystery tour for just €30 with a copy of the book. Spoilers ahead—get ready to uncover Prague’s secrets!

Prague, Petřín Tower, view from below — Prague, Petřín Tower

Petřín Hill: Drama and Historic Attractions

Petřín Hill serves as the backdrop for one of the novel's dramatic scenes. This 327-meter-high hill offers one of Prague's most romantic park settings. In pagan times, it was a place for rituals dedicated to the god of fire. The temple, originally built for this deity, was later rebuilt as the Catholic Church of St. Laurence. The site was also used as a quarry for stone for the nearby Prague Castle constructions. Hence the name Petřín – from "petra," which means stone in Latin. The Petřín Lookout Tower, built in 1891 as Prague's answer to the Eiffel Tower, stands 63.5 meters tall with breathtaking views over Prague. This is where Lieutenant Pavel runs inside in search of the protagonist, screaming at the top of his lungs.

The hill's Mirror Maze sits in a neo-Gothic castle-like building from the 1891 Jubilee Exhibition. Inside, visitors navigate through 35 regular mirrors creating a labyrinth, plus 15 distorting mirrors in the "hall of laughter". The maze also houses an impressive diorama depicting the 1648 battle on Charles Bridge. The tower ticket costs 300 CZK without the elevator ride, while the Mirror Maze costs 90 CZK.

Strahov Stadium Prague — Strahov Stadium

Strahov Stadium: A Colossal Relic of Mass Spectacles

Strahov Stadium, perched behind Petřín Hill, was built between 1926 and 1975 to host mass gymnastics festivals known as Spartakiády—Czechoslovakia’s answer to Olympic‐scale synchronized displays—accommodating up to 250,000 spectators on its 63,500 m² field, making it the largest sports stadium in the world by area.

Today, Strahov serves primarily as the training centre for AC Sparta Prague’s football academy and hosts occasional concerts and guided heritage tours, having been listed as a Czech cultural monument since 2003. Unfortunately, Strahov Stadium has long been awaiting renovation and is now in a sorry state. Despite that, there are still tournaments and other sports events that are held there. You might remember that the protagonist of the novel has taken a dip in the Stahov Stadium swimming pool to clear his head.

Charles Bridge: Historic Foundation and Enchanting Legends

Charles Bridge, originally called the Stone Bridge, spans 515.8 m across the Vltava River, linking Old Town with the Lesser Town. Construction began on July 9 1357 at 5:31 am—chosen by Emperor Charles IV’s astrologers for its numeric palindrome 1-3-5-7-9-7-5-3-1—to imbue the bridge with mystical strength. Completed in 1402, it replaced the flood-destroyed Judith Bridge and features 15 Gothic arches and two fortified towers at each end.

Steeped in folklore, the bridge is famed for the bronze statue of St. John of Nepomuk, who was martyred and thrown into the river from the bridge in 1393. Tourists often stop next to his statue to make a wish or simply because of the legend of the saint’s martyrdom. Other tales speak of eggs and milk added to the bridge’s mortar for extra durability and of pacts with demons to repair collapsed arches, making every stone a whisper of Prague’s magical past. Robert Langdon was also impressed by the rich history of this site, even though he got distracted from his philosophical thoughts during a strange encounter…

Clementinum Library, Prague — Clementinum Library

Clementinum Library: Advance Reservations Required

Crossing the bridge leads us to Clementinum, the second largest building coplex after Prague Castle that used to house the Jesuit order and even Albert Einstein’s office! The Baroque Library Hall, completed in 1722 by architect Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer, is the most famous and spectacular part of the Clementinum. The hall has remained largely unchanged since its foundation and features frescoes by Josef Hiebl, depicting allegories of Wisdom, Knowledge, and Divine Providence. The ceiling’s central painting, known as the Temple of Wisdom, adds to the hall’s grandeur. Inside, over 20,000 books, including early editions of seminal works by Copernicus and Galileo, line the tall wooden shelves on either side, primarily theological works in various European languages. No wonder Robert Langdon chose to hide in there…plenty to read! Large globes and historical scientific instruments occupy the central aisle, recalling the Clementinum’s scientific heritage, as its Astronomical Tower has been used to record the movement of stars and trace the weather since the 18th century.

Clementinum Library is not as easy to visit as the novel might suggest. Priority goes to online reservations, so book tickets in advance. Tours include the Astronomical Tower with a breathtaking view of the city center and library, but be careful—no entry to the actual library is permitted. You'll only get time to snap a photo at the doorstep before moving on to preserve humidity levels. Library tours are extremely popular, especially 9 AM ones offering 50% early bird discounts. Don't bother lining up—they'll likely be sold out. Make reservations ahead of time!

Old Town Square: The Heart of Prague Life and Plot Twists

Old Town Square, founded in the 10th century as a bustling market at the crossroads of European trade routes, became the political and ceremonial heart of Prague by the 14th century, hosting coronation parades to Prague Castle and the public executions of 1621, commemorated today by 27 white crosses set into the pavement before the Old Town Hall. Flanked by architectural marvels—the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn, Baroque St. Nicholas Church, and the 14th-century Old Town Hall with its famed Astronomical Clock (first installed in 1410, the world’s oldest still-operating orloj)—the square’s underground dungeons and medieval façades whisper centuries of intrigue and celebration.

Dominating one corner is the Rococo Golz-Kinský Palace, built 1755–1765 by Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer, whose pink-and-white stucco façade and classical statuary now house the National Gallery’s Czech art exhibitions. This is where the protagonist shared a kiss with his love interest. At the square’s center stands the Jan Hus Monument (erected 1915), honoring the martyred reformer whose legacy shaped Czech identity. Hidden beneath the U Prince Hotel lies Black Angel’s Bar, a 1930s-style speakeasy created from original 20th-century bartender Alois Krcha’s notes, its Gothic cellar walls and curated cocktails evoking the romance and secrecy of Prohibition-era Prague.

Jewish Quarter and the Golem

The Jewish Quarter (Josefov), once a walled ghetto incorporated into Old Town in 1850, preserves six synagogues, the Old-New Synagogue (1270–1380), Europe’s oldest active, and the Old Jewish Cemetery, established in the 15th century with over 12,000 visible tombstones layered in soil up to three meters deep. The quarter’s labyrinth of narrow streets and Renaissance façades sets the stage for Golem—a clay guardian animated by Rabbi Loew in the 16th century to protect Prague’s Jews—who was laid to rest in the attic of the Old New Synagogue, according to a popular legend. Dan Brown portrayed the Golem as somewhat grumpy and cynical, while the original depictions do not attribute any human emotions to him. He is a manmade creature, a sort of robot, who simply responded to the Rabbi’s commands.

Prague Jewish Museum, which operates all the historical sites in the quarter, offers a unique perspective on the city’s history. Each synagogue exhibition is meant to provide insight into Jewish culture and the past, often tragic and at the same time fascinating. The museums are open daily except on Shabbat.

Prague Castle: The Most Visited Site

Founded around 880 AD with the Church of the Virgin Mary, Prague Castle has served continuously as the seat of Bohemian dukes, kings, Holy Roman emperors, and today the Czech president. Recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest coherent castle complex globally—spanning almost 70,000 m², 570 m long and averaging 130 m wide—it dominates the Hradčany hill and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing over 2.5 million visitors annually.

Within its vast courtyards and gardens lie architectural treasures from the Romanesque basilica of St. George, through Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, to Baroque palaces and Joseph Plečnik’s 20th-century renovations. Dan Brown’s symbolic mysteries come alive in Golden Lane, the narrow alley of 16th-century guard dwellings later (mis)named for alchemists—now colorful tiny houses where Franz Kafka lived in No 22—reflecting Prague’s blend of legend and lived history.

The novel explores this famous part of the Czech capital, and so can you! Check out our Free Prague Castle Walking Tour and Complete Prague Castle Tour, which includes tickets to the interiors!

The Mysterious Dripstone Wall

The Dripstone Wall in the Wallenstein (Senate) Garden was created between 1623 and 1630 under the orders of Albrecht von Wallenstein as an artificial grotto façade designed to mimic natural stalactite formations. Composed of layers of dripstone-like rocks, it conceals grotesque human and animal faces—frogs, snakes, lions, and other monsters—meticulously arranged to surprise and entertain palace guests.

The Secret of Secrets claims that the Grotto wall has a strange effect on people, making them feel nauseous and disoriented. While the passages behind the artificial stalactites do indeed exist, the inexplicable dizziness is most likely the product of the writer’s imagination. I agree that the Dripstone wall seems very eerie, especially in comparison to the beauty of the Senate Garden, with its manicured bushes and random peacocks that stroll on perfectly trimmed lawns. Nevertheless, there is a dark side to the Senate Garden, which was not mentioned in the thriller. The fate of its founder, Albrecht of Wallenstein, the richest man of his day, is hardly enviable. He drowned in quarrels and misfortunes until his assassination, far from the comfort of his new palace.

Folimanka Bunker’s air vent – R2D2, Prague — Folimanka Bunker’s air vent – R2D2

Folimanka Bunker: Cold War Secrets Underground

Folimanka Bunker represents one of Prague's few surviving WWII bunkers, used as a hideout during American and British air raids. Transformed into a nuclear fallout shelter in the 1950s at a cost of 5.9 million crowns, it served the Czechoslovak Army during the Cold War as one of 22 secret bunkers.

The bunker contains several wells, two toilets, a sanitation room, an infirmary, two oxygen rooms, three filtration and ventilation units, two dust chambers, two provisional morgues, a communications center, and an energy center. The energy center houses a three-cylinder 32 kW diesel generator from 1955, providing lighting, water, electricity, and ventilation when needed. The bunker features armored doors, one main entrance, two emergency exits, several escape hatches to the dome, and an observation post.

Covering 1,332 m² (single-story), it's Prague 2's largest underground structure. The bunker's capacity accommodates 1,300 people who could survive 72 hours if necessary. It remains in good technical condition—lit, heated, ventilated (due to humidity), and mostly barrier-free. In case of danger, it could immediately serve its original purpose.

Bastion U Božích Muk, Prague — Bastion U Božích Muk

The Hidden Bastion U Božích Muk (Crucifix Bastion)

Bastion U Božích Muk, known in Dan Brown's novel as the "Crucifix Bastion". Very dramatic naming in the true spirit of Dan Brown's thrillers! This bastion stands on Gothic fortifications erected by Charles IV between 1348 and 1350. The city walls that once stretched around the entire New Town area were later strengthened after the Thirty Years' War. The bastion's current appearance results from a 2011 architectural project.

What used to be Prague's very edge now overlooks the so-called "Valley of Tears"—today's Nusle area—with its monumental and morbid Nusle bridge, plus Vyšehrad, which used to serve as a royal residence and a military fortress at some point.

Nowadays, the bastion serves as an open-air gallery of modern sculptures as well as an event venue. There is also a fancy restaurant where you can quench your thirst after a sweaty climb up. It is a nice hidden spot for relaxing and perhaps rereading some of your favourite chapters.

John Lennon Wall, Prague — John Lennon Wall

Other Notable Locations from the Book

John Lennon Wall - a symbol of free speech and rock’n’roll
Franz Kafka Bronze Statue - surrealist sculpture bridging Old Town and Jewish Quarter
American Embassy – a large Schönborn Palace
Signal Festival - an annual light festival featured in the closing scenes
Memorial to Victims of Communism - described as "Europe's most moving work of art"
Vyšehrad - a former military fortress and royal residence
Petschek Villa - The house of the US ambassador
Bubeneč - a villa quarter of Prague 6

These locations offer the perfect blend of Prague's real history with the thrilling fictional adventures that make exploring the Czech capital even more exciting. We thank the renowned author Dan Brown for visiting the city ;)

Author: Valeriia Zahradnikova, a Prague guide certified by the Prague City Tourism agency. Valeriia and Vaclav have worked in tourism for over 8 years and have guided thousands of Prague visitors.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal opinions of the author and is not intended to discourage visitors to Prague from purchasing tickets to the attractions and tours mentioned above.