If everything goes according to plan, Golden Lane will be re-opened for tourists next April or May. This is, however, just an estimate as nobody can predict what hidden secrets will be uncovered or how fast the workers will proceed under the eagle-eyed supervision of conservationists, nor what historical treasures archaeologists will stumble across.
Sewer system, reinforcement etc.
The main reason for the restoration is the unsatisfactory state of the sewer system which causes the seepage of rain water into the foundation of the local houses. There is a potential danger that the whole lane could simply slide downhill lock stock and barrel into Jeleního příkop (Deer Ditch) at some point in the future. However, don’t panic, based on current measurements, there is no immediate threat; still, there is no doubt that the risk should be eliminated.
Renovation will take place not only of the lane itself, but also the supporting structures of some adjacent houses are going to be reinforced. Golden Lane will take a leap in technology and looks forward to new phone and computer networks as well as modern style security systems.
Excited archaeologists
Archaeologists are excitedly buzzing about the fact that the builders are going to dig as deep as six metres. For the first time they will be given the golden opportunity to carry out extensive subterranean research of this part of the Castle. It is on the cards that they are going to stumble upon some interesting discoveries as Golden Lane was built on the backfill of the Castle’s rubbish.
Shops may disappear
Based on the current plans, the restoration of the lane should alter its character with the place becoming more of a kind of a historical exhibition rather than the ‘assembly of shops’ it is at the moment. Prague Castle Administration is planning to open a permanent exhibition in several of its houses, themes will focus on everyday life in the street between 1600 and 1956. The Castle has allocated approximately CZK 40 million for the renovation, including the archaeological research.
Servants and Kafka
The Golden Lane was built after the development of the northern fortification of the Castle had been completed. The area of the northern fortification (parkan) was used for the more humble types of domestic shelters which are currently the last remnants of their kind at Prague Castle. They were home to castle servants, possibly also to goldsmiths and castle riflemen. Legends connect the lane with alchemists working at the Emperor Rudolf II’s court and its picturesque character lured many artists. In one of its houses the writer Franz Kafka lived for a short while.
Rožmberk Palace as a consolation
As of April, Rožmberk Palace with its exhibition will be open which will be some solace to those who will miss Golden Lane. In the middle of the 18th century, during the reign of Marie Terezie, the Palace was converted into Ústav šlechtičen (Institute for Aristocratic Women). The place will be permanently open to the public for the first time. Until now visitors were able to see it only when concerts and exhibitions were held on its premises.
How aristocratic women lived
A splendid highlight of the palace is the grand chapel with its richly frescoed decoration and the wonderful renaissance style Rožmberk Hall. The new exhibition will include a display demonstrating the life of the women who used to live in the Institute for Aristocratic Women. Visitors will be able to admire about sixty items from depositaries of Prague Castle; most of them come from the biedermeier and rococo era.
