Prague Communist History Tour

Discover the history of Prague behind the Iron Curtain with a local historian
From US$343 privately
Book a Tour
Tour Details
Duration
3 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
  • National Memorial on Vitkov Hill
  • Vitkov neighborhood
  • Wenceslas Square
Photos & Highlights
  • Learn about local life under Communism
  • Led by a historian or scholar
Select a date
Tour Description
Step behind the Iron Curtain on this 3-hour Prague Communism tour. In the company of a historian, we'll dig into the history of 20th century Prague and the enduring influence of the USSR. As we cross the city with our local guide, from the memorial at Vitkov Hill to Wenceslas Square to the unassuming side streets of Prague's Old Town, the stories of life under Communism will come alive again. Together, we’ll discover how the legacy of the Iron Curtain is embedded in the fabric of Prague today.

Prague Communism Tour

Tracing history on our Prague Communism tour, we'll begin at Vitkov hill, where the gigantic equestrian statue of Jan Zizka, a symbol of Czech independence since the 15th century, looks down over the city. Nearby, we'll visit the Mausoleum of Klement Gottwald, the first communist Czechoslovak president, and discuss its over-the-top decoration and symbolic location here, meant to connect Communist Prague with Czech pride and identity.

"This is a story that needs to be told."

Public Spaces

From here, we’ll hop on a streetcar that will take us into central Prague, using that time to look at maps, archival images, and other supporting historical information to supplement our mental portrait of Communist Prague. We'll spend some time in Wenceslas Square, a critical gathering place during the 1968 Prague Spring revolt and the Velvet Revolution of 1989 that eventually ended Communist control. Here we'll search out key sites of these political events, such as the Jalta Hotel, National Museum, and former Communist Parliament. As we cast our imaginations back to 1968, we’ll piece together the events that lead to the Soviet crackdown and subsequent period of Normalisation.


(Looking for a more general look at Prague's history? Try our Introductory Prague Walking Tour.)

Remembering the Cold War

Our course may also take us to nearby Narodny Street, where student demonstrations in 1989 added ideological fuel to revolutionary fires, eventually bringing down Communism and restoring Czech democracy. We’ll explore the dynamics of the revolution and the many prominent artists and writers who played a role as it unfolded (which can be further explored on our Prague Cafe Tour).


Over the course of the tour, we'll have the opportunity ask plenty of questions and engage in a dialogue with our historian guide. Using Prague’s monuments and civic spaces, we’ll finish our time together with a firmer grip on how the Cold War played out and how it affects the city today.

FAQ

Is it possible to adapt the route for people with limited mobility? 
The Memorial on Vitkov Hill is central to this tour and has limited accessibility for people with mobility issues. The memorial itself is not accessible by car and involves climbing a very steep hill with steps at two points. Therefore, the tour is unfortunately not recommended for people with limited mobility. Please contact us if you would like to discuss alternative options.
Experts
Pavel Pavel
Historian
Jakub Jakub
Theologian
Hana Hana
Historian
Katerina Katerina
Professor
Marek Marek
Art Historian
Elen Elen
Architectural Historian
Andrey Andrey
Local Guide
Where You'll Start
(4.73) 100 Reviews

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

Very special tour. So much information and insight. Just couldn’t get enough. Absolutely amazing, the military museum, especially the basement. Mind boggling. So much history, so many historical events took place that make Prague what it is today. Probably can’t go anywhere without taking one of your tours now.
Jakob was very knowledgeable and prepared. He took us where most tourists would not go and was powerful. Be prepared to walk and use crowded buses.
The tour met all of our expectations. Those of us knowledgeable about the Communist era learned interesting details and those with less knowledge learned enough about the broad outlines to remain engrossed. Our guide Katrina was able to weave in information about Czech culture and her own experience living under Communism as a young girl.

Discover Prague’s Communist Past: A Historical Tour from the Iron Curtain to the Velvet Revolution

Explore the turbulent history of Prague’s 20th century with our Prague Communist History Tour, including a visit to the Communist Museum Prague. This tour delves into the city’s experiences under Communist rule, from the imposition of the Iron Curtain to the peaceful Velvet Revolution that brought change. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll visit key sites that reveal the impact of Communism on Prague’s people and culture, offering a deeper understanding of this pivotal era.

For further exploration, check out our blog, where we provide tips on visiting Prague’s Jewish Museum and other historical sites.

This Communist Museum Prague tour not only uncovers the past but also connects you with the enduring spirit of resistance and resilience that defines the city today. Book your tour now and step back into a time of political upheaval and cultural transformation.