Prague Castle’s Famous Golden Lane Gets a Makeover
After 15 years, the colourful little houses of the world-famous Zlatá ulička are getting a refresh
Photo: Ceyda Çiftci | Unsplash
The historic, colourful little houses of Golden Lane at Prague Castle will be restored over the coming months. The work will be carried out in several stages, allowing the popular tourist attraction to remain open to visitors.
Golden Lane (Zlatá ulička) at Prague Castle is undergoing extensive restoration. Specialists have begun renovating the colourful façades. The aim is to preserve the historic appearance of the small houses and repair damage caused by weather conditions.
The last major restoration of Golden Lane took place 15 years ago. Since then, wind and weather have left visible marks on the façades. Larger cracks have appeared in some of the buildings.
“Thousands of visitors walk through the lane every day. We want them to have fond memories of their visit,” explains Pavel Vyhnánek, Director of Prague Castle Administration.
Photo: Pražský hrad
As part of the restoration, dirt and unsuitable layers of paint will first be removed from the façades. Specialists will then seal existing cracks using a special injection technique. Windows, doors and some chimneys will also be repaired.
Particular attention will be paid to the characteristic colours of the small houses. The restorers are taking inspiration from their appearance in 1955, when architect Pavel Janák redesigned the lane together with artist Jiří Trnka.
The work will begin at house number 12, near the Daliborka Tower, and gradually continue along the lane. House number 19 will initially be excluded. Due to structural problems, the Castle Administration is planning a separate renovation project for the building. The restoration is expected to cost around CZK 6.5 million. As the work will be carried out in several stages, visitor access should not be restricted.
One of Prague Castle's Best-Known Attractions
The history of Golden Lane dates back to the 16th century. In 1597, Emperor Rudolf II permitted the castle guards to establish small living quarters within the arches of the northern castle wall. Over time, these developed into the row of houses seen today.
After the castle guards were disbanded under Emperor Joseph II, the small houses were rented out and later remodelled several times. In 1952, they became state property. The lane was subsequently restored and presented as a historical example of the living conditions of poorer sections of the population.
Today, Golden Lane, with its colourful little houses, is one of Prague Castle's best-known and most photographed attractions.
