Around 1597, the emperor Rudolph II ordered to built a street within his castle complex lined up on one side with small and colourful houses for the castles guards. Later when alchemists and goldsmiths moved into the houses, the street got its new name “Golden Lane”.
By living in the castles they didn’t have to pay guild dues and were protected by the high walls. Franz Kafka and his sister have been the most f
amous residents, occupying the blue house number 22. It was here where he started writing his famous work “The Castle” and when you walk through the narrow streets with its dead ends, you will understand why he got the inspiration for the book.
amous residents, occupying the blue house number 22. It was here where he started writing his famous work “The Castle” and when you walk through the narrow streets with its dead ends, you will understand why he got the inspiration for the book.
Today the little busy lane is probably the most crowded street in the entire city, packed with visitors from all over the world, and these tiny, brightly painted houses host gift shops selling paintings and other arts and crafts to attract the tourists. If you follow the eastern lane and climb up the stairs at the end, you’ll reach a spot from where you’ve a magnificent view of Prague.
