The City is the Story. You're Already in It.

Prague has always kept its secrets well. Cobblestone alleys that lead nowhere. Libraries sealed behind unmarked doors. A clock that tells far more than time. Dan Brown knew exactly what he was doing when he chose this city.

Released in September 2025, The Secret of Secrets brings Robert Langdon to Prague for the first time and the city doesn't disappoint. Brown takes readers through Prague Castle, St Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and the Klementinum, weaving fact and fiction so seamlessly that the streets outside feel like pages of the novel.

Prague has long drawn literary travellers. Kafka was born here. Kundera wrote about it. Rilke called it home. But rarely has a single novel placed so many of the city's most extraordinary locations into one compelling narrative. The Secret of Secrets is, in many ways, the ultimate literary tour guide.

The Julius sits at the centre of all of it.

The Locations

The Clementinum

The Baroque Library at the Clementinum is home to priceless ancient books, manuscripts, and maps. In the novel, it becomes one of the story's most pivotal settings. Visits are by guided tour only, book in advance and arrive early.

Old Town Square

The astronomical clock, the Jan Hus Monument, the Gothic tower of the Old Town Hall. One of Europe's great public spaces, and in Brown's hands, a stage for some of the novel's most memorable scenes.

Prague Castle & St Vitus Cathedral

The city's most commanding landmark and one of the most dramatic settings in the book. Allow at least half a day. The views alone are worth the climb.

The Jewish Quarter

The Old-New Synagogue is Europe's oldest active synagogue, dating back to the 13th century. The Old Jewish Cemetery nearby is one of Prague's most quietly powerful places and one of the novel's most atmospheric locations. Visit early for a more contemplative experience.

Golden Lane

The narrow alley of 16th-century dwellings where Franz Kafka once lived at No. 22 – a place where Prague's blend of legend and lived history is felt at its most intimate. For literary travellers, it is unmissable.

Black Angel's Bar

Hidden beneath Old Town Square, this dimly lit speakeasy appears in the novel as a place where dangerous information changes hands. In reality, it serves some of the finest cocktails in the city.

A few practical notes

• The Clementinum requires advance booking – we recommend doing this before you arrive

• Prague Castle is best explored in the morning before crowds gather

• The Jewish Quarter requires tickets, purchased as part of the Jewish Museum complex

• Black Angel's Bar is open from late afternoon – reserve a table for the evening

• Comfortable shoes are essential. Prague's cobblestones are beautiful and unforgiving in equal measure

The story is set here. So are you.

The Julius, Prague, in the heart of everything Robert Langdon came to find.

Ask our team for a personalised guide to the Dan Brown locations closest to the hotel.