Golden Lane
Street in Prague
One of the most enchanting and storied corners of Prague Castle is Golden Lane—a narrow, cobbled street lined with tiny, brightly painted cottages that seem to have sprung from the pages of a fairy tale. Originally built in the late 16th century to house Emperor Rudolf II’s castle guards, the lane earned its name in the following century when goldsmiths moved in, filling the air with the clinking of hammers and the glint of precious metals. Over time, it became a haven for artists, writers, and eccentrics. Among its most famous residents were Franz Kafka, who wrote in house No. 22 during the winter of 1916, and Czech poet Jaroslav Seifert, a Nobel Prize laureate.
By the 19th century, Golden Lane had become something of a bohemian enclave, its tiny homes occupied by craftsmen, fortune tellers, and scholars. Though life on the lane was modest, it was rich with creativity and community. The cottages were inhabited until World War II, after which careful restoration efforts sought to preserve the quirky charm of the lane while opening it to the public. Today, the houses have been transformed into evocative exhibitions and boutique shops, each one offering a window into a different facet of castle life—from medieval armor and alchemy to traditional textiles and early domestic interiors.
At the end of the lane stands the formidable Daliborka Tower, once used as a prison. Named after the knight Dalibor of Kozojedy, whose tragic tale became the subject of a Czech opera, the tower now displays chilling historical torture instruments and dungeon scenes, offering a stark contrast to the colorful cottages just steps away. The juxtaposition of whimsical charm and grim history makes Golden Lane all the more compelling.
Why You Should Visit: Golden Lane is the last remaining glimpse of Prague Castle’s humble, human-scale architecture. It captures the imagination with its storybook setting, vibrant façades, and the layered tales of those who once lived and worked there. Walking down this narrow path is like stepping into another era.
The Golden Lane appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Prague!
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Visiting Golden Lane
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