Cities
Czech Republic Prague Staré Město Museum

Speculum Alchemiae

Speculum Alchemiae
About

Speculum Alchemiae in Prague is a hidden gem that offers a glimpse into the mystical world of alchemy. Located in one of the city’s oldest buildings on Haštalská Street, the museum was discovered during post-flood renovations in 2002, revealing underground chambers dating back to the 16th century. These secret laboratories, once used by alchemists under Emperor Rudolf II, were designed for experiments in transmutation, elixirs, and the pursuit of eternal youth. Visitors enter through a discreet shopfront and are guided through reconstructed rooms filled with period furnishings, coded manuscripts, and curious artifacts—including a mummified crocodile once believed to guard magical secrets. A hidden door behind a bookshelf leads to the subterranean labs, where glass-blowing chambers and potion-making stations evoke Prague’s esoteric past. The museum blends theatrical storytelling with historical detail, offering a 30-minute guided tour that captivates the imagination. Speculum Alchemiae is a must-visit for those intrigued by the intersection of science, mysticism, and legend in Prague’s rich cultural tapestry.

Prague Czech Republic
Location

Speculum Alchemiae is located at Haštalská 1, in Prague’s Staré Město (Old Town), within the historic Jewish Quarter and just a five-minute walk from Old Town Square. Housed in one of the city’s oldest buildings, this unique museum reveals secret underground alchemical laboratories dating back to the 16th century, discovered only after the 2002 flood. The museum immerses visitors in the world of medieval alchemy, with guided tours through atmospheric rooms and hidden passages once used by alchemists under Emperor Rudolf II. Nearby, you’ll find the Old Town Square with its Astronomical Clock, the Church of St. James, and the historic streets of the Jewish Quarter, including the Old-New Synagogue and the Jewish Museum. The area is easily accessible from the Náměstí Republiky metro stop (line B), making Speculum Alchemiae a fascinating stop for those exploring Prague’s rich blend of history, science, and legend.

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