Speculum Alchemiae: Secret Underground Alchemy Lab Discovered in Prague During Flood

The city of Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is known for many things. But one aspect of its history is often overlooked – it was a major center of the occult and the dark arts in the 16th century. Evidence for this side of Prague emerged with the discovery in 2002 of an old building that appears to have been an alchemy lab – the Speculum Alchemiae.

Discovering the Speculum Alchemiae

In 2002, the city of Prague was struck by a devastating flood which left up to 30,000 people homeless and at least 16 people dead. During the clean up after the flooding, a house was found in the Jewish quarter containing numerous underground laboratory facilities dating to the 16th century. Further examination of the building led those who found it to believe that it was an alchemical laboratory.

The discovery consisted of alchemical workshops with equipment and an underground network of tunnels that connected three important sites in Prague – the Old Town Hall, the Barracks, and Prague Castle.

The house is now the site of the alchemical museum, Speculum Alchemiae.

‘Alchemy.’ The Speculum Alchemiae museum in Prague shows the city’s occult side. Source: CC0