Golden Lane, Prague
One of the most fascinating corners within Prague Castle is undoubtedly Golden Lane, a charming thoroughfare adorned with brightly painted miniature cottages. Originally constructed in the 16th century to accommodate the 24 members of Rudolf II鈥檚 castle guard, the lane acquired its name from the goldsmiths who settled there a century later. By the 19th century, the lane had transformed into a sort of palace slum, attracting artists and craftsmen. Among its notable residents were Nobel Prize-winning poet Jaroslav Seifert and Franz Kafka, who frequented the lane in the evenings to craft his short stories during the winter of 1916.
Although the tiny houses were inhabited until World War II, efforts were made to preserve the picturesque character of the lane during any renovations. Today, the eleven preserved houses have been meticulously restored and repainted, serving as venues to exhibit medieval armor, weapons, textiles, as well as housing souvenir shops and snack bars. The lane culminates at the prison tower known as Daliborka, which features displays of historical torture instruments, providing a chilling yet integral glimpse into the past.
Why You Should Visit:
To experience the last vestige of Prague Castle's small-scale architecture. While there may not be a literal golden pathway, the lane's cobblestones, vibrant facades, quaint windows, and rich histories offer ample fascination.
Tip:
Purchasing a ticket grants access to other sections of the Prague Castle complex. Alternatively, you can stroll through Golden Lane after 5 PM without a ticket, though most establishments are closed by then.
Although the tiny houses were inhabited until World War II, efforts were made to preserve the picturesque character of the lane during any renovations. Today, the eleven preserved houses have been meticulously restored and repainted, serving as venues to exhibit medieval armor, weapons, textiles, as well as housing souvenir shops and snack bars. The lane culminates at the prison tower known as Daliborka, which features displays of historical torture instruments, providing a chilling yet integral glimpse into the past.
Why You Should Visit:
To experience the last vestige of Prague Castle's small-scale architecture. While there may not be a literal golden pathway, the lane's cobblestones, vibrant facades, quaint windows, and rich histories offer ample fascination.
Tip:
Purchasing a ticket grants access to other sections of the Prague Castle complex. Alternatively, you can stroll through Golden Lane after 5 PM without a ticket, though most establishments are closed by then.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Prague. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Golden Lane on Map
Sight Name: Golden Lane
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Prague, Czech Republic
Create Your Own Walk in Prague
Creating your own self-guided walk in Prague is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Old Town Souvenir Shopping
Strolling through the Old Town of Prague, souvenir shopping becomes a delightful adventure. Indeed, it would be a pity to leave Prague without having explored its specialty shops and bringing home something truly original and unique to the city.
One of the prime spots for such endeavors is the Municipal House, a majestic Art Nouveau building that houses various shops and boutiques. Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
One of the prime spots for such endeavors is the Municipal House, a majestic Art Nouveau building that houses various shops and boutiques. Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Lesser Town Walking Tour
Mala Strana (or "Lesser Town") is a district in Prague situated on the left bank of the Vltava River. Renowned for its architectural beauty, this is one of the capital's most historically significant neighborhoods. Back in the Middle Ages, it was predominantly populated by ethnic Germans and, in later years, despite the prevalence of Baroque in its architecture, largely retained its... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Prague Introduction Walking Tour
Nicknamed 鈥渢he City of a Hundred Spires,鈥� Prague is home to a wealth of attractions, including more than ten major museums, numerous theatres, galleries, and plethora of historic sights.
The Czech name Praha derives from an old Slavic word pr谩h, which means "ford" or "rapid", referring to the city's origin at a crossing point of the Vltava river. The legendary... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The Czech name Praha derives from an old Slavic word pr谩h, which means "ford" or "rapid", referring to the city's origin at a crossing point of the Vltava river. The legendary... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour
The Star茅 M臎sto (Old Town) of Prague is a former medieval settlement that is now a lively cobblestoned hub with landmark attractions.
The area was once separated from the outside world by a semi-circular moat and a wall, hugged by the Vltava river. The moat is now covered up by streets, which form the official boundary of the Old Town. One of them, called Na P艡铆kop臎 (literally 鈥淥n the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
The area was once separated from the outside world by a semi-circular moat and a wall, hugged by the Vltava river. The moat is now covered up by streets, which form the official boundary of the Old Town. One of them, called Na P艡铆kop臎 (literally 鈥淥n the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Hradcany (Castle District) Walking Tour
Hradcany, or the Castle District, is a historical neighborhood in Prague brimming with cultural landmarks and architectural marvels.
The area is centered around Prague Castle, reportedly the biggest castle complex in the world. Dating back as far as the 9th century, the castle has been the residence of Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors, leaders of socialist Czechoslovakia, and currently the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
The area is centered around Prague Castle, reportedly the biggest castle complex in the world. Dating back as far as the 9th century, the castle has been the residence of Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors, leaders of socialist Czechoslovakia, and currently the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
The Jewish Quarter, also known as Josefov, is a part of the Old Town (Star茅 M臎sto) of Prague.
The area breathes history and is a captivating blend of ancient synagogues and other monuments that collectively reflect centuries of Jewish life in the city. Some synagogues are still acting, and others have been converted into art galleries and museums.
One such is the Spanish Synagogue, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
The area breathes history and is a captivating blend of ancient synagogues and other monuments that collectively reflect centuries of Jewish life in the city. Some synagogues are still acting, and others have been converted into art galleries and museums.
One such is the Spanish Synagogue, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
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