Surviving the 20th Century

 

This tour provides a fascinating insight into the major events of the 20th century in our country. Travel back through time and discover the most important sites that witnessed our turbulent modern past. Listen to the stories about struggle for independence and freedom, great suffering and sacrifice, courage and pain, hope and crushed dreams. Learn how the life was under the yoke of communist dictatorship and how thorny was the path towards democracy. Visit Národní třída and Wenceslas Square, the main places of the Velvet Revolution of 1989 and many, many more - all this with a knowledgeable local guide!

Meet your guide in the heart of the Old Town – on a threshold of the Old Town Bridge Tower and sett of on a fascinating journey to the past. After you enjoy a panoramic view of the Prague Castle – the proud seat of Czech rulers and presidents - you learn that not far from it once stood the largest statue of Joseph Stalin in the world! Step by step your guide will cover all the major events. Learn about what led the Czech nation from the grip of the Austrian monarchy to an independent Czechoslovak democratic state – one of the strongest economies of its time and also the last functioning democracy in Eastern and Central Europe after 1933.

Find out about the suffering during the 2nd World War under the Nazi “Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia“ and about the Operation Anthropoid which was the only successful assassination of a senior Nazi leader during World War II. Reveal the methods and strategies of the communist regime, and the enduring influence of the USSR, as it seized power and transformed the formerly democratic state into a tough dictatorship where human life meant less than nothing. Imagine the euphoria of Prague Spring followed by Soviet tanks invading Prague in 1968, shooting at the building of National Museum on Wenceslas Square. On the very same square we honour the memory of young students who burnt themselves alive in order to unite the nation against the common enemy in 1969. As the history rushed towards the 70’s and 80’s you can see its reflection in the streets you pass.

Your guide will reveal the long and thorny past that led to the Velvet Revolution of 1989 – the ultimate victory of democracy after more than 40 years of communism. Hear the stories about Václav Havel, courageous students, brutal police forces and the clashes at Narodní třída. Your tour would not be complete without some humorous and obscure stories from the times of newly gained freedom.

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Voucher type: E-Voucher
E-voucher. Show the voucher on your mobile device to enjoy the activity..

Location
Start point:
Křižovnické square, statue Charles IV
We meet by the statue of Charles IV. Look for a orange umbrella.

End point: City center

Schedule
Opening dates
01/04/2019 - 31/03/2020, 10:00 - 12:00

Duration: 2 Hours

Guide options
Guide type: Guide