This short lane, named after goldsmiths who used to live here in the 17th century, belongs among the most picturesque streets of Prague. Originally, the lane had been occupied by shooters of Rudolf II towards the end of the 16th century. Later, it used as home for the poor. However, the Golden Lane used to be the residence of several famous writers, for instance writer Franz Kafka, who lived in the house no. 22 in 1916-1917 or Nobel-laureate poet Jaroslav Seifert. The name of the street gave rise to the legend that the lane had been occupied by alchemists who attempted to make gold for Rudolf II. In reality, the alchemists had their workshops in Vikářská Street, between St. Vitus Cathedral and the Powder Tower in Castle complex.