Golden Alley

The Golden Lane (Zlatá ulička) in Prague is one of the most fascinating and historically rich streets in the city, located within the complex of Prague Castle. Built at the end of the 15th century, the street is famous for its picturesque colorful houses and its fairy-tale-like atmosphere. Originally, these houses were built to accommodate the guards of Rudolf II’s castle and later were inhabited by goldsmiths, hence the name “Golden Lane”. The street is named after the goldsmiths who resided there in the 17th century, but the houses, with their characteristic pastel colors, were repainted in 1955 by the artist Jiří Trnka. Today, many of the small houses host souvenir shops and exhibitions that reconstruct the daily life of the past. The street is an integral part of the tourist route of Prague Castle and access requires a ticket, although it is possible to walk for free after the closure of the castle’s interior buildings. One of the main attractions of the Golden Lane is the house at number 22, where the writer Franz Kafka lived and worked between 1916 and 1917. His short stay here has contributed to increasing the charm of the street, attracting visitors interested in discovering the places that inspired the author of works such as “The Trial” and “The Castle”. Kafka’s house is now a small museum displaying some of his writings and offering a glimpse into his work environment. Another house of particular interest is number 12, which housed the film collector Josef Kazda during the Nazi occupation. Kazda hid numerous Czechoslovak films here to protect them from destruction, an act of cultural resistance that adds another layer of historical significance to the street. Today, this house hosts an exhibition dedicated to the early days of cinematography in Prague, complete with a screening room. The Golden Lane is also linked to numerous legends and fascinating stories. One of these concerns the Daliborka Tower, located at the end of the street, used as a prison since the 15th century. It is said that the knight Dalibor of Kozojed, the first prisoner of the tower, learned to play the violin during his imprisonment, attracting the attention and sympathy of the people. This story inspired Bedřich Smetana’s opera “Dalibor”. In addition to its historical and literary significance, the Golden Lane also offers a glimpse into the craftsmanship of the past. The houses have been restored to showcase a variety of traditional crafts, from goldsmith workshops to alchemist shops. The alchemists, although they did not actually reside in this street, are an integral part of Prague folklore, thanks to the legend that sees them engaged in the search for the philosopher’s stone under the patronage of Rudolf II. The Golden Lane is part of a larger context within Prague Castle, one of the largest and oldest complexes in the world, which also includes St. Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace, and St. George’s Convent. This makes a visit to the Golden Lane a complete experience, where you can explore the historical and architectural richness of Prague in one place.