Golden Lane

Golden Lane is a short historic street inside Prague Castle, where small, brightly painted houses sit against the castle fortifications. The homes trace the lives of castle workers and craftspeople, and their preserved interiors show how people lived and worked. Look for displays on armour and the castle’s defences, then visit the dungeon at the end of the lane. House No. 22 is linked to Franz Kafka, who worked there briefly; it was his sister’s home. Go early or on a weekday to explore with fewer crowds.

Homes built into the castle walls

Golden Lane runs along the inside of Prague Castle’s fortifications, between the White Tower and Daliborka Tower. Its houses were built into the arches of the walls from the late 16th century. Their small scale and bright colours set them apart from the larger buildings elsewhere in the castle.

The lane was home to castle guards and craftspeople. Goldsmiths, tailors, potters and makers of weapons are among the trades associated with its residents. Preserved interiors and displays help explain how the houses were used.

Kafka and the castle defences

House No. 22 is associated with Franz Kafka, who briefly worked on his writing there. The house belonged to his sister, not to Kafka himself, and now contains a bookshop specialising in his work.

Displays along the lane include armour and material about the castle’s defences. A dungeon at the end of the street is also open to visitors. Golden Lane is included in the main castle circuit ticket.