Kafka's Prague

Franz Kafka was born in Prague in 1883 and was a writer in the “Prague German literature” circle. Prague, the city in which he lived for most of his life, inspired works such as The Trial, containing existential elements and set in mysterious, magical surroundings. Today, Prague and Kafka belong together, and that is why you will come across his likeness in many parts of Prague.

Places in Prague where you can remember Franz Kafka.

• Prague Castle

When you pass Golden Lane, visit house number 22, where Franz Kafka lived for a short time with his sister. Some of his best works were written here in his sister’s stone cottage tucked away within the castle walls.

• Kafka Museum

See the life and work of Franz Kafka, which is displayed in photographs, manuscripts and diaries of Kafka’s works, and audio-visual programmes.

Location: The Herget Brickyard Building, Cihelná 2

Open: daily 10am-6pm.

• Franz Kafka Exhibition

A sculpted relief marks the site of the house where Franz Kafka was born in 1883. Only the doorway of the original building, At the Tower, remains following a fire in 1887. Kafka’s love-hate relationship with Prague is reflected in his novels, The Trial and The Castle, where the city’s menacing presence looms over the characters. Kafka died in 1924. A photographic exhibition of his life can be found on the ground floor.

Location: Náměstí Franze Kafky 3, Old Town

Open: Tue-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10 am-5pm.

• Old-New Synagogue

Franz Kafka’s bar mitzvah was held in this synagogue. On the west wall of the main hall, there is a glass case formed like the two stone tablets on which Moses wrote The Ten Commandments. Tiny light bulbs fill the case, lighting up on the anniversary of someone’s death; one of the lights is dedicated to Franz Kafka.

• Wenceslas Square

Franz Kafka worked here as a clerk in some of the former insurance offices on the corner of Jindřišská from 1906 to 1907.

• Old Town Square

This is not only a place where you can find numerous cafés, restaurants and architecture gems. Franz Kafka went to school here in the 1890s.

• Café Louvre

Franz Kafka used to discuss philosophy here in the early 1900s.

Location: Národní 20, Old Town

• Café Franz Kafka

This café might not be related to Kafka but definitely serves tasty apple strudel and good coffee.

Location: Široká 12, Josefov

• Olšany Cemeteries

This cemeteries contain tomb of Franz Kafka.