World Wars, Communism and Liberation: Audio Tour of Prague

Overview

The 1900s in Prague were defined by extraordinary upheaval: Nazi occupation, Soviet tanks, and a peaceful revolution that brought it all to an end. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll find out how totalitarianism, resistance, and an unlikely transformation shaped one of Europe’s most architecturally rich capitals. The tour begins at Republic Square, where the Art Nouveau Municipal House marks the spot where Czechoslovakia declared independence in 1918. You’ll walk through Celetná Street into the Old Town Square, passing buildings that survived war and communist neglect. You’ll find out how the city’s famous café culture was deliberately suppressed. I’ll tell you the story of František Stadler, whose fashion store was one of many private enterprises that was confiscated – first after the Nazi takeover, and later by the communist government. The tour ends at the statue of Saint Wenceslas, where playwright-turned-president Václav Havel addressed 200,000 people in the square.