More than 100 spirits inhabit the historical parts of the Czech capital
Prague is filled with ghosts, at least according to popular legends. But just how many is an open question. Books of legends agree on several, and others just appear in a single source. Some legends seem to have split so that very similar ghosts live right next to each other.
We have mapped out the ghosts, demons, skeletons and popular legends and found that the ghosts flow through the city like a river, coming from around Prague Castle and going down through Malá Strana, going across Charles Bridge to Old Town Square and Celetná Street, and then down to Emausy and Vyšehrad.
THE INTERACTIVE VERSION OF THE MAP CAN BE SEEN HERE. It can be bookmarked on most smartphones and used on the go when exploring the city. But remember that many houses are private residences or businesses, so look from a respectable distance.
Taken altogether, various books of legends have about 135 apparitions, and some people involved with old buildings insist there are even more. One ambassador claims the historical building that serves as the embassy has a ghost in its basement that staff swear to have seen for at least the last 40 years. The ambassador, though, would rather stay off the record so visiting dignitaries won’t be afraid to stop by.
Some theater workers also claim their venues are haunted but don’t want to scare the audience. But keep one eye on the empty box seats, if you dare.
Some are caught up an endless task, seemingly unaware of the passage of time and unconcerned with modern life and people. Others look for someone to seduce into a dance so they can be spun to death.
Some popular legends are a bit supernatural, but not exactly ghosts. These include the Golem, a clay figure that comes to life when a sacred text is put in its mouth. There are hidden armies waiting to be led by magic swords, and treasures that can just be found on certain days when mystic flames appear.
Another popular one is the Proud Countess, who made shoes out of bread when there was a famine. Demons dragged her to hell and ever since, she haunts the Černín Palace, which is now the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Further ghosts can be found by exploring the map, which is a work in progress. More ghosts and more links to ghost stories will be added as time goes by.
An article by Baba Studio with Raymond Johnston. Copyright Baba Studio, all rights reserved. Please contact us if you would like to syndicate or otherwise use this article.