New World Street, Prague

A Romantic Lane Near Prague Castle

This hidden sight is actually a small lane tucked away near Prague Castle. Running west/east, the street starts at the base of a mammoth fortification wall and runs to the green Stag Moat of the castle. See the map below.

New World Street is beautifully
cobbled and for the most part has an old wall on one side and cute buildings and homes on the other.

Their low doorways, arched ceilings and interesting touches have certainly kept their storied history.

The quiet atmosphere here is just breathtaking. It's simply a taste of old Prague away from the tourist crowds and bustle.

History

New World Street was originally founded in 1320 and was considered to be outside the city of Hradčany with the castle at its center. The name came from the fact that it was newly inhabited - a little like urban sprawl I guess. By 1360 though, Charles IV included the street. 

The area was burned in 1420 during the Hussite War and then again during the great fire of 1541 that included much of Malá Strana and Prague Castle.

Afterwards, the street was only inhabited by the poor. Ironically, their addresses were quite deceiving. There's the House at the Golden Ram, the House at the Golden Sun, etc. Of course, by today's standards these homes are surely valued more.

The astronomers Tycho de Brahe and Johannes Kepler are said to have spent time at the House at the Golden Leg - which is number 76-1 today. They collaborated during a vibrant science and art period under Rudolf II around 1600. Imagine what the night skies looked like then!

What's Here?

Like many of my hidden Prague sights, you might not find a lot of tourists. This is a small quiet street making it a great place to stroll and admire the buildings. And, there are no stores and souvenir shops - thank goodness.

But you can combine a visit here with a few other interesting attractions all on your way to Prague Castle. On your way, you'll find the huge Černín Palace. This huge 18th century building was once the headquarters for the SS. 

Across from Černín Palace is the Loreta (left). This pilgrimage site is a very interesting.

Inside is a 17th century replica of Santa Casa - the Sacred House of the Virgin Mary. Legend says that angels carried the original Santa Casa to the Italian town of Loreto before invading Turks came to Nazareth.

The Loreta also includes the 18th century Church of the Nativity of Our Lord, an interesting treasury of valuable objects and the Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows featuring the bearded Saint Starosta. Give yourself about an hour to see everything here.

Where is it?

Like a lot of hidden Prague sights, a little extra effort to find them helps. The map below is an overhead view of New World Street (marked in blue) and its surroundings. You can see the edge of Prague Castle on the eastern edge.

You can combine a visit to the castle with a few other sights including this romantic street.

Here's one way to visit:

Take tram #22 to the Pohorelec stop. Get off the tram and cross the street going into the arched hallway. Follow the sidewalk for about 100 metres. Just after the parking lot, turn to the left. Above you on the left will be the impressive Cernin Palace. Keep going down the hill and the Church of Our Lady of Loreto will be on your right.

From here, New World is very close. Turn to the left after the church. And, follow this street down the hill. At the bottom of the hill is New World Street going to your right. You can't miss it. Before you turn, peek at the lovely Romantik U Raka Hotel (seen above). It's a charming and romantic hotel with rustic charm. Really :-)

When to Visit

This is a public street so it's always open. But, if you visit Prague during the months of April to October, you can combine your walk here with a visit to Prague Castle's Stag Moat. It's one of Prague's seasonal green spaces.

The Stag Moat (Jelení Příkop) offers a natural, almost hidden entrance to the castle. Turn left at the eastern end of New World Street and cross the street. A few metres down on the right is the secluded gate.

Take the steps down and follow the pathway all the way to the castle. Or, from here you can access all kinds of other paths and sights. Or, just keep walking straight through the tunnel and all the way down to Malostranská metro station. It's a wonderful walk, we guarantee it :-) 

Other Hidden Prague Sights

We are slowly expanding my hidden Prague sights. Here are a few other hidden sights that might interest you.

Wallenstein Garden

Vojanovy Sady

Pisecka Brana

Brevnov Abbey

Prague Castle's Stag Moat

Church of Saint Michael