When it comes to its history, the Golden Lane has a lot of myths and legends behind it that make it all the more enchanting. The most popular story is that Emperor Rudolf II lived in the Lane and that it was also home to alchemists, astrologists, and magicians, who regularly visited the Emperor’s palace. It is also said that, because of the secrecy of their work, the Emperor ordered the cottages to be built to fit their needs. Historians believe that the Lane was never meant to provide any kind of housing, instead it was a place of work exclusively for the Emperor’s staff.
Although the Golden Lane is an important part of the city’s history, its present day popularity is due to its charming atmosphere and aura of romance. Little has changed since the 16th century, and the cottages and their painting-perfect windows are the mainstay attraction. Visitors can also find several souvenir shops and cafés to enjoy. But what makes the Golden Lane really special are the stories of its past – stories of magicians, alchemists, and fortune tellers, which are still passed down from generation to generation in Prague. It is said these people all had a common purpose: the attainment of the philosopher’s stone, which was believed to grant immortality and turn lead into gold.
To this day, many visitors come to the Golden Lane looking for hints of these magical stories and hoping to experience the enchantment of the place. Captivated by the historical stories and the picturesque scenery, their imagination runs wild. The curious tourists take in the vibrant colors of the cottages, the colorful flags, and the flowers that are everywhere. They walk past the cobblestone streets, listening to the sounds of life in Prague, from the locals to the tourists snapping photos.
These days, Golden Lane is still as romantic as it was centuries ago. It is especially popular with couples who come to re-enact the legends and experience the magical love spell that the place is still said to cast on whoever visits. It has become a destination for proposal and even marriage photoshoots, which is the perfect opportunity for couples to create memories that will last a lifetime. As day turns into night, the beauties of the Little Street of Gold come alive. The place awakens with the lights of its cottages, and the spells of its enchanted tales take visitors away on a journey through the past.
