prague
If you're a filmmaker, you immediately recognize Prague as the home of Barrandov Studios and many other production and post-production facilities. Fantastic locations, great crews, all that.
But the capital of the Czech Republic is also one of Europe's most picturesque cities. Prague's extensive historical centre is a UNESCO heritage site, a time capsule of every architectural style dating back to the Middle Ages. The city's historic look has allowed the city to stand in for dozens of other locations and time periods, from medieval Europe to modern America.
Prague is highly accessible, with every imaginable amenity within arms' reach. There are more than two dozen 5-star hotels and world-class restaurants; museums, galleries and theatres seemingly on every corner; opera, ballet and the symphony; peaceful parks and exciting night-life. Prague is also exceptionally safe for a city of 1.2 million people and remarkably easy to get around. Using trams and the metro, visitors can zip across the city in just a few minutes.
It's known as the City of a Hundred Spires, the Golden City, and Praga mater urbinum — Prague, the Mother of Cities. In itself, Prague is among the 12 richest regions in the European Union. The city's per capita GDP is more than double that of the Czech Republic as a whole.
Prague is divided into 57 self-governed municipal districts which are grouped into 22 numbered administrative districts, much like the arrondissements of Paris. At the centre you will find Prague 1, Prague 2 and Prague 3, and so on. Shooting permits are issued at this district level, while additional permits are needed to shoot in historic locations. The city lies in the center of the country, giving film crews easy access to locations in nearby regions or in even neighboring countries. You can find details about shooting permits among our filming guidelines.
The Czech Film Commission and the City of Prague have created a special film map of the city which shows where scenes from some recent major films were shot. If you would like a copy, please contact us.
famous places and people in prague
prague castle
One of largest medieval castles in the world, Prague Castle is the seat of the Czech president. It has been a location for many films, including Les Miserables and The Brothers Bloom.
charles bridge
Work on this emblematic bridge over the Vltava began in 1357. It has appeared in numerous films, including Mission: Impossible and XXX.
orloj
Prague's famous astronomical clock dates back to 1410. It displays not only the time but also the positions of the moon and sun, the months and days, and an hourly parade of mannequins representing the 12 apostles.
old town square
The central square of Prague's Old Town features some of the city's most iconic architecture, including the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn, the Old Town Hall, and a monument to religious reformer Jan Hus. It's also home to seasonal markets and festivities.
jewish quarter and cemetery
Josefov was once a Jewish ghetto within the Old Town. Despite harsh restrictions and violent pogroms, its residents persevered and maintained their identity and culture within its confines until they were allowed to settle outside the city in 1781. It is home to six historic synagogues and the oldest surviving Jewish cemetery in Europe.
famous residents
Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel, Tycho Brahe, Johannes Kepler, Franz Kafka, Rainer Maria Rilke, Albert Einstein, Vaclav Havel, Shirley Temple Black
famous visitors
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Frederick Chopin, Hector Berlioz, Richard Wagner, Thomas Edison, Albert Schweitzer, Renee Descartes, Dalai Lama, Mother Theresa of Calcutta, Pope John Paul II, Barack Obama
