Golden Lane Prague Castle

The Golden Lane: A Historic Gem

The Golden Lane Prague came into existence after the northern wall of the Golden Lane Prague Castle was built. Prior to that the northern bailey served as the lodging facility for the less fortunate ones, and now is the last remnant of the small-scale architecture of the Castle. The historical lane was inhabited by the caretakers and other workers like goldsmiths, and the marksmen who worked for the castle. Even though these houses were inhabited until World War 2, special care was already taken in order to maintain the picturesque character of the lane during the period of the First Republic. Another interesting fact is that house no 22 of the Golden Lane Prague belonged to Franz Kafka from 1916 to 1917.


You can explore house no 13, a Renaissance home that belonged to the member of the guard, known as the “Red Musket” which best describes how the 16th-century dwellings looked. Thereafter, feel free to make your way to house no 14, where lived a fortune teller named “Madame de Thebes” before World War 2. She had both local and international clients and died during the interrogation after getting arrested by the German secret police because of her predictions about the near fall of the Third Reich. The name of the lane originates from the goldsmiths who resided there. It was only after the 16th century that the name “Goldsmith Lane” was changed to the present “Golden Lane”.

Highlights Of The Golden Lane Prague Castle

Historical Exhibits

Golden Lane Prague Castle is renowned for its historical exhibits housed within the charming tiny houses that line this picturesque lane. These exhibits offer a beautiful journey through the rich history of Prague Castle, with each house presenting a distinctive facet of the past. You can marvel at medieval armor and weaponry that provides insights into the martial heritage of the city. Traditional crafts come to life as artisans display their skills while preserving age-old techniques for future generations to admire. For those intrigued by the mystique of alchemy, some houses on Golden Lane showcase alchemical laboratories, where the base metals turned into gold and the elixir of life captured imaginations.

Franz Kafka’s House

Residing at number 22 along Golden Lane, Franz Kafka’s House offers a unique window into the life of the esteemed writer. Stepping into his tiny house, you can immerse yourself in an exhibition devoted to the literary legacy and personal journey of Kafka. It is a chance to envision the prolific author seated at his desk, deep in contemplation, birthing the iconic characters and surreal worlds that would shape his works. This intimate glimpse into the living space and creative environment of Kafka provides an unparalleled connection to the mind behind masterpieces like "The Metamorphosis" and "The Trial."


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Daliborka Tower

Named after the legendary knight Dalibor, Daliborka Tower provides a thrilling journey of medieval incarceration. Located within the Prague Castle complex, this historic tower once served as a grim prison for those deemed adversaries of the crown. As you ascend its ancient spiral staircase, the weight of history bears down, and you will find yourself immersed in an eerie world of captivity. The dimly lit chambers of the tower still bear witness to the harsh realities of the past, with original jail cells and ominous torture devices on display. Although stepping inside the tower is a haunting experience, it will allow you to feel the palpable tension of its bygone era.


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Traditional Crafts and Souvenirs

The Golden Lane in Prague Castle invites you to indulge your inner shopaholic with a delightful array of traditional crafts and souvenirs. Here, you can peruse a treasure trove of handcrafted wonders amidst the charming tiny houses, each telling a story of Czech craftsmanship. You can also admire the intricate beauty of handcrafted jewelry that holds the essence of the local culture. It even lets you explore the world of ceramics, where skilled artisans have transformed clay into works of art. No matter whether you are in search of a unique memento or a special gift, you will find it all here.


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Mysteries & Legends

The Golden Lane Prague Castle weaves a tapestry of Mysteries and Legends that intrigues all who walk its cobbled path. At this place, you can listen closely to the enchanting tales of famous residents who once dwelled within its charming houses, like the renowned writer Franz Kafka. However, it is not just the inhabitants who contribute to the mystique but the very stones of this street seem to hold secrets of their own. Each step you take unveils a new layer of intrigue, making this picturesque lane not only a historical gem but a portal into a world of captivating legends and enigmatic stories.


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Charming Atmosphere

The Golden Lane Prague Castle acts as a fairytale-like world that has been frozen in time. Lined with colorful historical houses, this picturesque street stands as a testament to centuries of history and culture. Even the cobblestone paths underfoot evoke the echoes of countless footsteps from the past that create an enchanting ambiance that is unlike any other. As you stroll along the diminutive houses it is easy to imagine a bygone era, where knights and alchemists once roamed in these very lanes.


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History Of The Golden Lane Prague Castle

  • The Golden Lane Prague Castle was constructed in the late 16th century during the reign of Emperor Rudolph 2.
  • The lane opened to house the castle's marksmen and some other workers like goldsmiths.
  • The name of the Golden Lane was derived from the goldsmiths who lived here and it was only after the 16th century that the name was changed from Goldsmith Lane to Golden Lane.
  • The great writer Franz Kafka lived here in house no 22 from 1916 to 1917.
  • In the 20th century, these tiny houses were converted into shops selling puppets and other traditional Czech products.


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Why Visit The Golden Lane Prague Castle?

  • Colorful Tiny Houses - Get ready to be mesmerized by the colorful tiny houses that were constructed for the marksmen of the Golden Lane Prague Castle in the 16th century. Since there were 24 marksmen in total, the houses were built extremely small because of the lack of space. Later in the 19th century, these tiny houses also served as shelters for criminals and beggars. It was only between 1952 and 1955 that these houses were brought back to life when they were painted in all pastels.


  • Exhibits and Souvenirs- The tiny colorful houses at Golden Lane Prague Castle that once served as accommodations for the marksmen of the castle are all now painted in happy pastels. These houses were modified into little shops selling trinkets like puppets, and various other traditional Czech toys, and products with the emergence of the 20th century. There are nine houses out of all the tiny houses with exhibitions that document and portray everyday life in this historic alley.


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Know Before You Go Golden Lane Prague Castle

Essential Information
Myths & Legends

Location - The Golden Lane Prague Castle is located in the extreme north-east of Prague Castle. You can find it in the easternmost part of the interior circumference of the northern wall of the castle. It’s right opposite the main entrance which is located in Hradcany Square.


Timings - The Golden Lane within the Prague Castle complex opens from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. between April and October during the summer tourist season. On the contrary, the opening hours during the winter tourist season are from 9 A.M to 4 P.M. between November and March.


Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Golden Lane Prague Castle is early in the morning on a weekday. This time allows you to avoid the large crowds and fully immerse yourself in the historical atmosphere. For a quieter experience, you can consider visiting during the off-peak winter months, from November to February, when you can enjoy a more serene and less crowded ambiance.


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  • The Golden Lane Prague Castle is often called ‘the street of the alchemists’ because it’s assumed that Emperor Rudolph’s alchemists occupied the houses. However, the Emperor’s alchemists always lived in rooms of the main structure and inside the castle, not in the tiny houses of the Golden Lane.


  • The Golden Lane Prague Castle has been home to many famous artists like Franz Kafka, film historian Josef Kazda and Nobel-prize winning poet Jaroslav Seifert.


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FAQ's

What is the Golden Lane in Prague Castle?

Nestled within the Prague Castle complex, the Golden Lane Prague is a charming historical street adorned with colorful houses. This attractive lane provides a fascinating insight into the daily lives of the inhabitants of the castle, ranging from guards to goldsmiths. Each tiny house along the Golden Lane has its unique story, thereby making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a glimpse into the rich history of Prague.

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Why is it called Golden Lane Prague?

Golden lane Prague is named after the goldsmiths who lived in the tiny houses. It was at first called the “Goldsmith Lane” in the 16th century and was later renamed to “Golden Lane”.

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What are the Golden Lane houses in Prague?

Dating back to the 16th century, the houses in Golden Lane Prague Castle were originally built as dwellings for the defenders of the castle, including goldsmiths tasked with safeguarding royal treasures. These quaint homes later housed a diverse array of occupants, from servants and craftsmen to alchemists and writers. After the Second World War, the houses underwent restoration and acquired their iconic pastel-colored facades in the 1950s.

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Who was the famous resident of the Golden Lane Prague Castle?

  • Franz Kafka: The world renowned author Franz Kafka lived in the Golden Lane Prague for almost two years from 1916. He resided in house no 22 which was originally his sister’s house.
  • Josef Kazda: This amateur film historian lived in house no 12 of the Golden Lane Prague Castle. He is known to have many copies of films hidden in his house when Nazis were destroying them during World War 2.
  • Jaroslav Seifert: This nobel-prize winning writer lived on Golden Lane Prague in 1929. Unfortunately, his house was one of the many houses that were demolished.

How long does it take to explore the Golden Lane Prague Castle?

You need approximately 2 to 3 hours to explore the Golden Lane Prague Castle, the Golden Lane and all the other sights.

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