The House at the Minute

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A Renaissance gem in Prague's Old Town Square, adorned with intricate sgraffito and once home to Franz Kafka.

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The House at the Minute

Located in Prague's Old Town Square, The House at the Minute is a stunning example of Czech Renaissance architecture, adorned with intricate sgraffito decorations depicting mythological and biblical scenes. Once home to Franz Kafka, this historical landmark offers a glimpse into Prague's rich cultural past.

A brief summary to The House at the Minute

Staroměstské nám. 3/2, Old Town, 110 00, CZ
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Local tips

Take your time to admire the intricate sgraffito decorations on the facade, depicting various historical and mythological scenes.
Visit the Old Town Hall Tower for a panoramic view of the square and a closer look at the House at the Minute's detailed artwork.
Explore the ground floor, which houses an Italian restaurant, to experience the building's modern-day use.

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Getting There

Walking

The House at the Minute is located in the Old Town Square, easily accessible by foot from most central Prague locations. From the Old Town Square, locate the Old Town Hall. The House at the Minute is adjacent to the Old Town Hall complex, next to the House at the Golden Horn. No costs are associated with this approach.
Public Transport

The closest metro station is Staroměstská (Line A), a short walk to the Old Town Square. Numerous trams and buses also stop at or near the square. From the tram or bus stop, walk towards the Old Town Hall. The House at the Minute is adjacent to the Old Town Hall complex, next to the House at the Golden Horn. A single 30-minute public transport ticket costs 30 CZK, while a 90-minute ticket costs 40 CZK.
Taxi

Taxis can drop you off directly at the Old Town Square, a short walk from the House at the Minute. Be aware of potential scams from unofficial taxis in the area. The House at the Minute is adjacent to the Old Town Hall complex, next to the House at the Golden Horn. A short taxi ride in the city center typically costs around 60 CZK as a base fare, plus 36 CZK per kilometer.

Discover more about The House at the Minute

The House at the Minute (Dům U Minuty) is a captivating building in Prague's Old Town Square, showcasing the beauty of Czech bourgeois Renaissance architecture. Originally built in the 15th century as a late-Gothic house, it was transformed in 1564 into the High Renaissance style. The house is hard to miss, thanks to its elaborate sgraffito decorations added around 1610. These black-and-white ornaments depict Habsburg rulers, Greek mythology, biblical scenes, Renaissance themes, and alchemical symbols. The sgraffito was hidden during a Baroque reconstruction but rediscovered and restored in 1919. Over the centuries, the house has served various purposes. It was once a pharmacy called "At the White Lion," a name inspired by the lion sculpture that still adorns its corner. The current name, "At the Minute," likely comes from its time as a tobacconist shop that sold small pieces of tobacco. From 1889 to 1896, Franz Kafka and his family lived on the second floor, adding to the building's historical significance. Today, the ground floor houses an Italian restaurant. The House at the Minute stands as a protected cultural monument, integrated into the Old Town Hall complex.