New World Street

A charming place to have attracted many artists and romantic souls for more than three centuries can be found near the Loreto and and Prague Castle. A narrow street lined by numerous small houses, the New World, or Novy Svet creates a romantic atmosphere any time of the year.

Houses

The houses were built in the mid-14th century to provide accommodation for castle workers or those who wanted to be close to the Prague Castle. This area has been damaged by fire twice, the last time, by the most destructive fire in the history of Prague, in 1541. Most of the small houses were rebuilt in the 17th century. Even though the local people were not wealthy, they were fortunate enough to have a roof over their heads. They used to put house signs above doors to identify their houses. These interesting house signs have been preserved and can still be viewed today.

Famous Inhabitants

New World street is often associated with two famous people who used to live there. One of them is Tycho de Brahe, Rudolf II’s famous astronomer who lived in house no. 1 called At the Golden Griffin. The great Czech violin virtuoso Frantisek Ondricek was born in house no. 25 called At the Golden Plough.

House Signs

The house called At the Golden Grape is decorated with a predatory fish on the bay while the inner courtyard of the house At the White Lion is beautifully ornamented with ivy. You should also look out for the house signs A Golden Pear, a Grape, a Foot, a Bush or an Acorn hidden in New World Street.

The New World Street is only 15 minutes walk from our hostel, book one of our lovely apartments!