Footprints of Outstanding Personalities

Accept our invitation to walk around the places that are connected with the lives of outstanding people while you are in Prague. You will see the places that once bore witnesses to the fascinating lives of notable personalities who went on to become an internal part of the Czech and World cultural heritage and memory.

Almost everything in historical Prague is within easy walking distance, so we invite you to explore the city and try to capture the spirit of historical events and great minds!

W.A. Mozart

Take the opportunity to see one of the places in Prague where the genius composer lived. For more information please go to www.bertramka.com.

Franz Kafka

The exhibition takes you into the world of Franz Kafka (1883–1924), one of the greatest figures of 20th century world literature.

Albert Einstein (1879–1955)

In April 1911 Einstein was appointed as a full time professor of theoretical physics at the German part of Prague's Charles University. Einstein moved from Zurich to Prague together with his first wife, Mileva, and their two young sons, Hans Albert and Eduard. The Einsteins lived in quarter Smíchov which was not considered the smartest part of the city, but their flat was modern (in contrast with Zurich there was already electricity installed there) and Einstein liked to recall his walks to the Physics Institute in Vinicna Street - over the Vltava river. Also, in Einstein's words, the Institute was excellent with a beautiful library.

Although Einstein did not feel a very strong affection to Prague, he admired the romantic historical city. He associated himself with a group of Jewish intellectuals who gathered in the evenings at Berta Fanta’s home where philosophy was discussed and music played. Here he met Hugo Bergmann, Max Brod and Franz Kafka. While in Prague, Einstein was invited to the first legendary Solvay congress where he met Planck, Lorentz, Madame Curie, Poincaré, most of them for the first time. Scientists also came to Prague to visit Einstein. One of the most important visitors was Paul Ehrenfest.

Rabbi Löw ben Bezalel

He is widely known for his Golem, a made creature - homunculus, which he created using mystical powers to defend the Jews of the Prague’s ghetto. By the way, the story of Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein is thought to have originated in the Prague’s Golem legend. Visit The Rabbi's grave in Prague's Jewish cemetery.

Czech Art Nouveau artist Alfons Mucha (1860–1939)

The world´s first Mucha Museum, dedicated to his life and work, is housed in the Baroque Kaunický Palace in the very heart of Prague. Alfons Mucha lived at Thunovská Street 25.

Jaroslav Seifert (1901–1986)

The first and to date the only Czech winner of the Nobel prize for literature (1984). Jaroslav Seifert was born and spent most of his life in Žižkov, historically a working-class district. Today, due to its specific atmosphere, Žižkov became the part of Prague, with many artists living or performing there. Žižkov is said to have the highest number of pubs in Prague.

You can find Seifert’s Birth House at Bořivojova Street. A memorial tablet commemorating the famous poet was erected here.

Madeleine Albright

Just a few steps from Prague Castle, majestic Černín Palace, the seat of the ministry of Foreign affairs imposes its heavy classic style presence. The father of Madeleine Albright used the work there. Born in Prague 1937 she moved with the family to the United States in 1948. She became the first female United States Secretary of State.

Václav Havel

Do not miss to have a look at the secession house built in 1904 owned by Czech playwright and former president Vaclav Havel. Address: Rašínovo nábřeží 2000/78

Miloš Forman, Oscar-winning director

Miloš Forman recorded his first Oscar success with the film One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest based on the book by Ken Kesey starring Jack Nicholson in the lead role. He won a second Oscar for the film Amadeus, of which a large part was shot in Prague.

Berta von Suttner-Kinsky (1843–1914)

A First Nobel Peace Prize winner (1905). She was born at the Kinsky Palace and lived at Vodičkova 697.