The Golden Lane

The Golden Lane, in Prague

The Golden Lane is a picturesque row of colourful little houses, nestled within the enclosure of Prague Castle. The Prague audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this place full of charm and legends, where notably the writer Franz Kafka lived.

The colourful little houses of the castle

The Golden Lane is one of the most charming corners of Prague Castle. This narrow lane is lined with a row of tiny little houses with colourful façades, leaning against the enclosure wall. Built in the sixteenth century, they sheltered guards, then artisans and goldsmiths, which is said to have given its name to the lane, also surrounded by legends about alchemists in quest of the philosopher's stone. In the twentieth century, the writer Franz Kafka stayed and worked there for some time. Today, these restored little houses and their reconstructed interiors offer a picturesque journey into the past of the castle.

What to see

Here you wander in the narrow lane lined with tiny colourful little houses leaning against the enclosure wall, which sheltered guards and goldsmiths and where Franz Kafka stayed, with their reconstructed interiors. The Golden Lane is one of the most charming corners of the castle. It is a picturesque stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Golden Lane lies within the enclosure of Prague Castle, reachable on foot. The visit follows the hours and conditions of the castle, which vary with the season. It is best to check the arrangements before coming.

Who lived in the Golden Lane in Prague?

Guards, then artisans and goldsmiths; in the twentieth century, the writer Franz Kafka stayed and worked there for some time, in one of these tiny colourful little houses of the castle.

Where is the Golden Lane?

Within the enclosure of Prague Castle, in the Czech Republic.