Golden Lane

Historic lane at Prague Castle – famous for its alchemy legends and charming colourful houses.

Golden Lane – also known as the Alchemists' Lane – winds along the inner wall of Prague Castle and is one of the most captivating spots in the Czech capital. Legend has it that Emperor Rudolf II settled alchemists here in the 16th and 17th centuries to produce gold and discover the philosopher's stone. In reality the tiny, colourful houses were home to craftsmen and castle servants. Franz Kafka briefly lived at number 22 while writing his early stories. Today the restored houses contain small exhibitions on castle history, alchemy and medieval crafts, giving visitors the feeling of stepping into another era.