Nerudova 9

Nerudova 9 stands on one of Prague's most recognizable streets — Nerudova, in the Malá Strana district, just a few hundred meters below the gates of Prague Castle. Unlike most of its Baroque neighbors, the building itself is a 20th-century addition, and it's precisely how well it blends in that makes it worth a second look on the walk uphill.

What makes this building interesting?

The house at Nerudova 254/9 was built between 1937 and 1938, designed by architect Otakar Homoláč. That makes it noticeably younger than the surrounding streetscape, which is dominated by Baroque and Renaissance façades several centuries old. Homoláč shaped the building's proportions and rhythm to match its neighbors so carefully that most passersby never realize it's a modern insertion rather than a historic one. The building is today registered as a cultural monument in Malá Strana — a reminder that interwar architecture in Prague could engage respectfully with its historic surroundings rather than break from them.

How do you get to Nerudova Street?

Nerudova Street begins at Malostranské náměstí and climbs steeply toward Hradčany, ending right at the gates of Prague Castle. The easiest way to reach it is by tram to Malostranské náměstí, or on foot from Charles Bridge — the walk takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The street itself is cobbled and fairly steep, so comfortable shoes are worth packing.

What will you see nearby?

Nerudova formed part of the old Royal Route (Královská cesta), the ceremonial path Czech kings once followed from the Old Town to their coronation at the castle. The street is famous for its Baroque house signs — a legacy of the era before 1770, when Prague had no street numbering system and buildings were identified by carved or painted emblems instead. Walking uphill from Nerudova 9 toward the castle, you'll pass houses such as the Red Eagle (No. 6), the Golden Horseshoe (No. 34), the Green Lobster (No. 43), and the White Swan (No. 49). The neighborhood around Nerudova 9 lets you take in this atmosphere without the crowds typical of Charles Bridge or the Old Town Square.

When is the best time to visit?

Nerudova is photogenic year-round, but the most pleasant time to walk it is early morning or late afternoon, when tourist traffic thins out and the light flatters the façades. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures — in summer the steep, cobbled climb can be tiring in the heat, and in winter the stones can turn slippery.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the inside of Nerudova 9? No — it's a residential apartment building, privately owned. Its appeal for visitors lies in its location and exterior architecture, best appreciated while walking the street.

How long does it take to walk the whole of Nerudova Street? From Malostranské náměstí to the castle gates is roughly 500–600 meters, which usually takes 10 to 15 minutes given the incline, without stopping.

Is it worth looking for house signs on the way up past number 9? Absolutely — the house signs are one of the street's main attractions. Walk slowly and look above the shopfronts, where the old emblems are mounted.

Is walking up Nerudova the easiest route to Prague Castle? It's one of the most popular pedestrian routes, but due to the incline and cobblestones it isn't the easiest option — an alternative is the Old Castle Stairs (Staré zámecké schody) from the Malá Strana side.