Tucked away off a small alley in Old Town Prague, is a famous portal to the unknown. This doorway leads to the courtyard and underground tunnels of the House of the Two Bears. In the 15th century, this alleyway was a den of theft, prostitution, and all around bad news. When the authorities had enough of reported trouble from this area, they would do a "surprise sweep" of the alley that sent people running for cover. Why?
Well, the punishment was tough. Cutting off of one's hand, ears, nose, et cetera or torture in the gallows were waiting for those caught....all depending upon the crime committed. To escape this fate, many ran through this doorway and down into the unknown of underground Prague. Deadly booby traps, dark mazes with seemingly never ending passages, and unknown wells that would lead you to a falling death were all possibilities in this "safe haven". Many met their deaths here and were never found again.
I still get the "creeps" when I go past this alley today.
It is hard to believe that this dark history remains just steps away from one of the busiest tourist areas in the city. There are many places like this in Prague. You just need to go exploring down these hidden alleyways where history comes alive. (Please excuse the pun) :-)
-Pete
Well, the punishment was tough. Cutting off of one's hand, ears, nose, et cetera or torture in the gallows were waiting for those caught....all depending upon the crime committed. To escape this fate, many ran through this doorway and down into the unknown of underground Prague. Deadly booby traps, dark mazes with seemingly never ending passages, and unknown wells that would lead you to a falling death were all possibilities in this "safe haven". Many met their deaths here and were never found again.
I still get the "creeps" when I go past this alley today.
It is hard to believe that this dark history remains just steps away from one of the busiest tourist areas in the city. There are many places like this in Prague. You just need to go exploring down these hidden alleyways where history comes alive. (Please excuse the pun) :-)
-Pete
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