Prague’s Allure Endures Beyond the Pages of Dan Brown’s ‘Secret of Secrets’
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC – The Czech capital, steeped in centuries of history and shrouded in myth, continues to captivate visitors even as interest surges following its prominent role in Dan Brown’s latest thriller, The Secret of Secrets. Beyond the novel’s fictional intrigue, Prague offers a tangible sense of mystery, woven into its architecture, its breweries, and hidden corners that beckon exploration.
For centuries, Prague has been a crossroads of European culture, a city of alchemists, emperors, and artists. Now, a new wave of travelers are drawn to its cobblestone streets, seeking to experience the atmosphere that inspired Brown’s narrative. But the city’s appeal extends far beyond literary tourism, offering a unique blend of historical grandeur and contemporary vibrancy.
One evening, a toast to the city is raised at the U Pinkasů brewery. Beyond the bustling main hall lies a hidden gem: a narrow beer garden nestled between the brewery and the 14th-century walls of Our Lady of the Snows church.Here, a beer from the nearby pilsner Urquell Brewery-renowned for its use of local water and Žatecký hops-provides a taste of Czech tradition.
The precise recipe for Pilsner Urquell’s golden lager remains a closely guarded secret, known only to ten brewmasters. This dedication to tradition and secrecy mirrors the enigmatic spirit of Prague itself,a city that reveals its treasures slowly,rewarding those who venture off the beaten path.
Visitors seeking a luxurious base for exploration can find accommodation at the Augustine, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Prague.