In the north-eastern corner of Prague Castle lies the Golden Lane. The visit requires special admission.
Golden Lane
Here, Rudolf II employed alchemists who should produce gold and the Philosopher’s Stone in their laboratories. Under Rudolf III, the castle guards lived here.
Please watch the 4K UHD video
You are currently viewing a placeholder content from YouTube. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More InformationIn the 19th century, it was a residential area for poor people.
From 1916 to 1917, Franz Kafka lived and worked in house No. 22. Presumably, the medieval surroundings inspired him to his imaginations.
The houses in the Golden Lane form a permanent exhibition today.
They are partial set up as craftsman workshops and sometimes as residential buildings. The space available was very modest.
Via a narrow staircase, we reach the upper floor. Here on the wall-walk of the castle wall, one displays armors and weapons.
Daliborka Tower
The Daliborka Tower limits the Golden Lane in the east. It used to be a notorious prison where torture took place.
The name probably derives from the first inmate Dalibor of Kozojedy, who was also executed here. One accused him of acquiring foreign property.
After the Hussite wars, the subordinates of Adam Ploskovský of Drahonice refused to do any more drudgery under their previous lord and joined Daliborka. This was the reason for his conviction.
A steep staircase leads to a basement with the prison. Today, 4 cells are open to the public.
Underneath there is a dungeon with some torture devices on display.
In the middle of the room is a hole that leads to another even deeper dungeon. The prisoners were brought there by a metal crane.
Back in the open, we enjoy the beautiful view over Prague, the Charles Bridge, and the Wallenstein Palace.
Arriving at the bank of the Vltava River, we take the tram and drive back to our hotel.
Pin it for later
Text, photos and video: Copyright © myVideoMedia