WWII in Prague Tour & The Crypt of Operation Anthropoid

Explore Prague’s WWII Legacy with the WWII in Prague Tour & Operation Anthropoid Museum

This engaging 2 to 3-hour walking tour in Prague, Czech Republic, offers a detailed look into World War II’s impact on the city. For $41.71 per person, visitors join a small group—limited to 20 participants—to explore significant locations connected to the Operation Anthropoid covert mission and Czech resistance. The tour includes public transit tickets, making it easy to navigate the city’s historic sites comfortably.

The tour is highly recommended, with 96% of 631 reviews endorsing its value. It appeals to history enthusiasts, particularly those interested in WWII covert operations and Czech history. While most find the experience deeply informative and moving, some note challenges with the guide’s accent or pacing. This tour provides authentic insights and memorable visits to key WWII sites in Prague.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $41.71 covers multiple sites, tickets, and a knowledgeable guide.
• Small group size ensures personalized attention and a comfortable experience.
• The tour features visits to the crypt of Saints Cyril and Methodius Cathedral and a bomb shelter.
• Includes walking, public transit, and stops at notable WWII locations, including the Jewish quarter.
• Highlights the brutal sacrifices of parachutists involved in Operation Anthropoid and the resistance movement.
• Accessible and near public transport, suitable for most travelers.

Meeting in Front of the Powder Tower in Prague

The tour begins at the Powder Tower, located at 110 00 Praha-Praha 1. This iconic medieval landmark marks the central start point for the walk through Prague’s old town. The meeting point is easily accessible via public transportation, making it convenient for visitors arriving from various parts of the city.

The tour closes at Resslova 9 in Prague 2-Nové Mesto, near the National Memorial to the Heroes of the Heydrich Terror. The location of the ending point offers straightforward access to local transport options, ideal for continuing your exploration or heading back to your accommodation.

Discovering the Czech Resistance and WWII Origins

The tour’s narrative begins with the hotel of Czechoslovakia, providing context for the resistance movement in Nazi-occupied Prague. Visitors learn how Czech resistance organized covert activities against the Nazi regime, setting the stage for the Operation Anthropoid parachute assault.

This part of the tour covers secret resistance flats, giving insight into clandestine wartime activities. The guide explains how the German occupation impacted Prague’s population and led to the formation of resistance groups, setting a vivid historical backdrop for subsequent visits.

Visiting WWII Memorabilia and Artifacts at U Kunstatu

One of the tour’s highlights is a 15-minute visit to U Kunstatu, where a private collection of WWII artifacts is displayed. The collection includes documents, weapons, and memorabilia that bring to life the stories of resistance fighters and Nazi control.

This stop is free of charge and offers a tangible connection to the past, making history more accessible. Visitors get a close-up look at items that played roles in the resistance, providing a personal dimension to the broader narrative of WWII in Prague.

Exploring the Medieval Underground Air Raid Shelter

At U Kunstatu, the tour also enters a medieval underground space used as an air raid shelter in 1944. This 10-minute visit involves walking through narrow, historic corridors that served as protection during bombing raids.

The shelter remains included in the tour price, offering an authentic glimpse into the wartime conditions faced by Prague’s residents. The underground space enhances understanding of the city’s resilience during Nazi bombings, connecting past and present.

Visiting the Saints Cyril and Methodius Cathedral

The tour stops at the Saints Cyril and Methodius Cathedral, where the parachutists of Operation Anthropoid paid their ultimate sacrifice. This 10-minute visit allows for reflection at a site of profound historical significance.

While the guide does not provide an extensive narrative at this site, it’s a powerful location that commemorates the parachutists who played a crucial role in the resistance. Visitors can take in the architecture and absorb the somber atmosphere of the cathedral.

The Crypt and Operation Anthropoid Museum

The Crypt of Saints Cyril and Methodius Cathedral hosts the Operation Anthropoid Museum, located beneath the church. This 20-minute visit is a core part of the tour, presenting the last battle where resistance fighters fought and fell.

The crypt contains artifacts, documents, and exhibits that detail the planning, execution, and aftermath of the covert operation. It’s a moving tribute to the parachutists and resistance fighters, providing in-depth contextual understanding of this key WWII episode.

Memorials of the Prague Uprising

Another important stop involves visiting memorials dedicated to the Prague Uprising. These monuments commemorate the city’s courageous fight against occupying forces and the sacrifices made by Czechs during WWII.

The guide shares stories behind these memorials, highlighting how the uprising was part of the broader resistance effort. This segment adds a layer of local pride and remembrance to the historical journey.

Walking Past the Former Nazi Headquarters

The tour includes a walk past the former NSDAP (Nazi Party) headquarters, offering a stark reminder of Nazi control. While the building itself is not a focus of the visit, the guide provides contextual background on the Nazi leadership presence in Prague.

This stop emphasizes the power dynamics of occupation and resistance, helping visitors understand the environment in which WWII resistance efforts took place.

Exploring the Jewish Quarter

The tour concludes with a walk through Prague’s Jewish quarter, a historically significant area with deep ties to WWII history. While not specified if interior visits are included, walking through this district offers a broader understanding of Prague’s diverse history during the war.

The Jewish quarter remains an evocative reminder of the community’s experience during the Nazi occupation and the broader history of Prague’s cultural diversity.

The Guide’s Expertise and Storytelling Approach

Throughout the tour, a knowledgeable guide leads discussions, sharing insights about WWII in Prague, Operation Anthropoid, and the city’s resistance. Many reviews praise guides like Hannah and Paul for their passion and expertise, making complex history accessible and engaging.

Some travelers note that accent or pacing may affect understanding, but overall, the guides are considered passionate storytellers who enhance the experience with authentic records and artifacts. The tour’s small group size ensures more personalized attention and opportunities for questions.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The tour operates with mobile tickets, and confirmation is received at booking. It is suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed. The tour starts near public transportation and involves modest walking over cobblestones and some inclines.

Most participants find the pacing manageable, but those with mobility issues should be aware of the walking segments’ nature. The inclusion of public transit tickets helps ease movement between sites.

Final Thoughts on the WWII in Prague Tour & Operation Anthropoid Museum

This tour provides an immersive look into Prague’s WWII history, focusing on Operation Anthropoid and the city’s resistance. Its affordable price, small group setting, and deeply informative content make it a compelling choice for enthusiasts and casual history buffs alike.

While some may find the guides’ accents challenging or prefer more detailed narration at certain stops, the overall experience is highly praised for its authenticity, emotional impact, and expert storytelling. The visits to the crypt, bomb shelter, and WWII memorabilia leave a lasting impression, making this tour a meaningful addition to any Prague visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $41.71 per person, including public transit tickets and access to several key WWII sites.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 2 to 3 hours, allowing for visits to multiple locations without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins in front of the Powder Tower in Prague and concludes at Resslova 9, near the National Memorial to the Heroes of the Heydrich Terror.

Are tickets included?
Yes, public transit tickets are included, and some site entries, like the WWII artifacts collection and the crypt museum, are free of charge.

What are the main highlights?
Key highlights include visiting the crypt and WWII museum beneath the Saints Cyril and Methodius Cathedral, exploring a medieval underground air raid shelter, and learning about Operation Anthropoid and the Prague resistance.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues should consider the walking involved on cobblestones and inclines.

What makes this tour different from others?
The focus on Operation Anthropoid and the inclusion of authentic artifacts and crypt visits set it apart, offering a personalized and meaningful history experience.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is this tour accessible for service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed during the tour.

How knowledgeable are the guides?
Reviews consistently praise guides like Hannah and Paul for their expertise, passion, and storytelling skills.

Would you recommend this tour?
Absolutely, especially for those interested in WWII history, Operation Anthropoid, or Prague’s resistance movement. It’s a thoughtful, well-organized experience that offers a deep connection to Czech history.