Speculum Alchemiae: Prague's Alchemist Lair

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Explore Prague's secret alchemist laboratory: Uncover the mysteries of the underground world and the quest for eternal youth.

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Speculum Alchemiae

Descend into the intriguing world of alchemy at Speculum Alchemiae, a hidden museum in Prague's Old Town. Explore underground chambers and learn about the mystical practices of alchemists in the 16th century, seeking to transform base metals into gold and discover the elixir of eternal youth.

A brief summary to Speculum Alchemiae

Haštalská 1, Old Town, 110 00, CZ
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Monday 10 am-6 pm
Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
Thursday 10 am-6 pm
Friday 10 am-6 pm
Saturday 10 am-6 pm
Sunday 10 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Speculum Alchemiae.

Tours are guided and run every half hour, lasting approximately 30 minutes.
The underground chambers are accessed via a spiral staircase and are not wheelchair accessible.
Bring cash, as card payments may not be accepted for tours.
Check the times for tours in your preferred language.

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Getting There

Walking

Speculum Alchemiae is located at Haštalská 1 in Prague's Old Town, approximately a 5-minute walk from Old Town Square. From the square, walk north on Pařížská street, then turn left onto Dlouhá street. Turn right onto Haštalská street. The museum will be on your right.
Public Transport

The closest public transport stops to Speculum Alchemiae are Náměstí Republiky (Republic Square), Dlouhá Třída, and Petrské Náměstí. From Náměstí Republiky, it's about a 5-minute walk. Take bus lines 133, 135, 180, 207, or 194. A short-trip ticket valid for 30 minutes costs 30 CZK.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Prague's Old Town. A short ride from Old Town Square to Speculum Alchemiae will typically cost between 150 CZK to 250 CZK, depending on traffic and the provider. Be sure to confirm the fare before starting your trip.

Discover more about Speculum Alchemiae

Speculum Alchemiae, meaning 'Mirror of Alchemy', offers a unique glimpse into Prague's captivating history of alchemy and the occult. Located in one of the oldest buildings in Prague, dating back to 900 AD, the museum unveils a hidden underground laboratory that was rediscovered after a flood in 2002. The guided tour takes you behind an unassuming shop front and down into the secret world of alchemy. Visitors explore the underground vaults where alchemists once practiced their art, seeking to transmute ordinary metals into gold and create elixirs for various purposes. The laboratory is connected to Prague Castle and Old Town Square by underground passages, which served as escape routes. Emperor Rudolf II, a keen collector of curiosities and a patron of the dark sciences, invited famous alchemists to Prague in the 16th century. Alchemists believed they could change matter into something beyond its original state. The tour showcases alchemical texts, tools, and elixirs, providing insights into their mystical practices. One of the highlights is a replica of a 16th-century pharmacy where elixirs are still sold today. Speculum Alchemiae offers a blend of historical facts and theatrical staging, making it an engaging experience for those interested in the history of science, magic, and the mysteries of Prague.