Golden Lane
The Golden Lane is located within Prague Castle and derives its name from the 16th-century alchemists who, under the reign of Emperor Rudolf II, sought to turn base metals into gold. This is the romantic interpretation of the name; the true origin, however, might be somewhat less glamorous. You can visit the Golden Lane with a ticket during the opening hours of the houses and the weapons exhibition. Outside of these hours, entry to the Golden Lane is free.
The Golden Lane is a unique series of small houses with beautifully coloured façades, located within the fortress walls between the White Tower and Daliborka Tower.
Legend has it that alchemists once lived here, attempting to turn base metals into gold under the orders of Emperor Rudolf II. However, it appears that the name actually stems from the fact that the area was often strewn with urine and excrement, with only two toilets available for all the residents. Another explanation for the name refers to the goldsmiths who once resided here.
The houses remained inhabited until the Second World War, but even during the First Czechoslovak Republic (1918-1938), efforts were made to preserve the picturesque character of the lane during renovations.
Personal Tip
"Visit the Golden Lane and the rest of the Prague Castle when it is dark, but before 10 pm. You'll have it for yourself."
The Origins and Inhabitants
What to see now
In 1597, the "archers at the castle gates" (what we now refer to as the castle guards) requested permission from Emperor Rudolf II to build arches in the northern defensive wall and to create rooms within them.
These red shooters, named for the colour of their uniforms, were granted permission and began constructing new houses at their own expense. Sixteen modest cottages were built, each featuring clay floors, a hall with a fireplace, and a room with a single window. The furnishings typically consisted of only a table, chairs, and a bed.
Alley for the Poor
Initially, the cottages were exclusively inhabited by the archers. Gradually, however, poorer castle employees began to move in: guards, bell-ringers, and innkeepers. The owners of these miniature homes soon started contemplating ways to enlarge their houses.
Despite a ban on alterations, walls were broken through to create new windows facing the Deer Moat. They added vestibules, rabbit hutches, and wood sheds, and eventually new buildings emerged on the opposite Romanesque wall and the wall of the castle's burgrave.
As a result, the alley became so narrow in places that it was less than a metre wide. Jan Neruda (a Czech writer and poet, 1834-1891) remarked that the alley was less than half a second wide. It wasn’t until 1864 that all the outbuildings were removed, along with the structures on the opposite side of the alley, restoring it to its original state.
No Residents After 1955, but a Tourist Attraction
Since 1955, the houses have retained their current appearance and house an exhibition about life in the alley over the past centuries. Each house represents a different period and function. Some of the houses can be entered to glimpse life in 1750 or 1920.
What to expect?
One house showcases the home of the earliest residents of the alley, the so-called "red shooters," who served as guards at the castle gates. Other rooms represent the workshop of a goldsmith, an alchemical laboratory, a tavern, the home of a herbalist, and the residence of Matylda Průšová. In one of the last houses, you can catch a glimpse of the home of an amateur film historian who hid copies of Czech films from that era from the Nazis in the alley.
Weapons Exhibition
Above the houses, accessible via a staircase (left of house number 23), there is an exhibition featuring weapons, armour, and torture methods from the 16th and 17th centuries. This offers a fascinating insight into the technological development of weapons, armour, and shields.
It captivates the imagination of both adults and children alike.
The space for the weapons exhibition, a long corridor, connects the White Tower and the Daliborka Tower.
With a ticket for the Golden Lane, you also gain access to the towers and the exhibition.
Opening Hours and tickets for the Golden Lane
The Golden Lane is free to visit before and after opening hours. During this time, you can stroll through the lane, but the houses and the weapons exhibition will be closed.
From 9:00 AM to 4:00/5:00 PM, a combined ticket is required. This combined ticket provides access to St. Vitus Cathedral, the Golden Lane (including the weapons exhibition), the Old Royal Palace, and St. George's Basilica.
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