Renaissance astronomy in Kepler's Prague: Czech Republic

15 September 2024 - 6 days for £2,139

Discover the giant legacy of the Renaissance period astronomers Johannes Kepler and Tycho Brahe in Prague, the city of a hundred spires, where astronomy, maths, music and art connect.

Kepler was one of the world’s most influential astronomers whose work on optics and the laws of planetary motion would influence the ground-breaking research of Galileo and Newton after him. He spent some of his most important years working with Tycho Brahe in Prague, whom he replaced in 1601 as imperial mathematician and advisor to Holy Roman Emperor Rudolph II. Prague in the 17th century was a melting pot of international artists, scientists and thinkers, attracted by the tolerant political climate.

Accompanied throughout by astronomer and historian Martin Griffiths, you will journey to the heart of early science, exploring Prague’s medieval marvels and walking the streets as Kepler and Brahe did whilst Martin and the local guides share tails of Renaissance history. Your tour includes the world’s oldest astronomical clock, Prague Castle and the Klementinum astronomical tower, then enjoy stargazing at the Stefanik Observatory. You will also explore the historically fascinating towns of Nelahozeves and Kutna Hora, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Martin will give four evening lectures and also lead the stargazing session.

In partnership with Kirker Holidays

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN PRAGUE

Flying direct to Prague, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the 4-star K+K Hotel Central in the heart of the city. The afternoon is spent at leisure and there's plenty to explore. In the early evening, you will meet Martin Griffith1s in the bar for a drink and an introductory talk on the work of Tycho Brahe and pre-telescope astronomy. Afterward, Martin will host dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 2: PRAGUE OLD TOWN

This morning, you will be met by an expert local guide who will give a guided walking tour of Prague’s medieval Old Town. Highlights include the Old Town Square where you will see the Prague Astronomical Clock, which is the oldest continuously functioning astronomical clock in the world. There will also be a visit to the National Technical Museum including its fascinating astronomical section and Kepler exhibit and to the Tyn Church where Kepler’s mentor Tycho Brahe is buried.

Martin will accompany the group throughout the day and give a second talk on Kepler and the three laws of planetary motion that he developed. Then onto dinner in a local restaurant.

DAY 3: THE KLEMENTINUM AND BENATKY CASTLE AND THE STEFANIK OBSERVATORY

In the morning, you will journey outside the city limits to Benatky Castle where Tycho Brahe lived from August 1599 to June 1600. This magnificently decorated Renaissance and Baroque palace was not only the site of Brahe’s observatory but was also home to the Czech composer Bedřich Smetana.  

In the afternoon, you will return to the city and continue exploring the scientific heritage of Prague with a private guided tour of the Klementinum led by Martin. Formerly a university, the significance and importance of the Klementinum's astronomical tower, Meridian hall and baroque library to science and astronomy cannot be understated. The Meridian hall was once used to determine when noon occurred each day, and both Kepler and Brahe developed their ideas here. 

In the evening, you will visit the Stefanik Observatory, where under Martin’s guidance and advice from the expert observatory team,  you can look beyond the boundaries of the solar system and observe selected stars, nebulae, clusters and galaxies.

DAY 4: THE CASTLE DISTRICT AND NELAHOZEVES

This morning is devoted to the Castle District of Prague, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest castle complex in the world at 70,000 square metres. It consists of several large palaces and ecclesiastical buildings which have been home to kings, emperors, religious relics and art treasures.  Starting at the Lobkowicz Palace, there will be ample time to explore the complex including a visit to the impressive St Vitus Cathedral.

Afterward, you will head out of the city to the village of Nelahozeves, the birthplace of the composer Antonin Dvorak and home to the fine Renaissance palace of the Lobkowicz family. As well as elegant historic interiors, the palace houses a collection of paintings including works by Brueghel, Rubens and Veronese.

DAY 5: KUTNA HORA

Today you will explore the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site of Kutna Hora, situated about 1 hour from Prague. One of the most fascinating historic towns in Central Europe, highlights include the spectacular Gothic St. Barbara Cathedral and the Sedlec Ossuary – the unique complex of the former Cistercian monastery, also known as the Church of Bones, which is decorated with the bones of 40,000 skeletons. 

Returning to Prague in the late afternoon, you will then have a farewell meal together in a local restaurant.

DAY 6: DEPART PRAGUE

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Prague airport for your return journey.  If you wish to stay a few more days, this can easily be arranged for you.