dům U Černého slunce House
The House of the Black Sun is a remarkable historical object located in Celetná street on the Old Town in Prague. It's house number 556 / I, which stands between White Lion and White peacock houses. The house is protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic and its history dates back to the second half of the 13th century.
The house has a rich history that stretches from the early Gothic period to the late Baroque reconstruction. The site of today's house is evidenced by an early Gothic object from the second half of the 13th century, which preserved a torso of two rooms in today's cellar. The core of today's house dates back to the 2nd half of the 14th century, when the highest Gothic house was built here. The first written report of the house dates back to 1360, when it was the owner of the Ulu Plaier house. In the years 1406-1429, Petr Meziřičský was the owner of the house, who paid 250 kicks of grosches for the house, which is indicative of its exhibition condition.
The house has been remodeled. The first Renaissance reconstruction took place around the middle of the 16th century, another around 1600. Late Baroque reconstruction took place in the 2nd half of the 18th century. In 1770 he lived in the house of Filip Watzke, one of the first chocolate producers in Bohemia. The Celetná Street facade is early classical.
The house is remarkable with its architecture. It's a four-wing three-story house on the F floor plan with two doors. The main building was extended to two-way during the classical design. The Baroque building stage includes the main portal of the house and the black sun relief on the golden background in the Baroque cartouche. Court wings are single-tractable. The longitudinal courtyard wing has three odd arcades on the ground floor and a classicist bunk on the floors. The transverse wing has a right broken arch of the original passage, over which in the semi-circular cartouche is the painting of St. Ludmila.
The house is an important monument in the Old Town in Prague. It is protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic and is worth a visit.
Then and now
Drag the slider to compare how the landmark may have looked when it was built with the view today.
Then
Now
The historical appearance on the left is an AI-generated visualisation and serves as inspiration only.
Historical milestones
- 1360
- first written report of the house
- 1406
- the owner of the house was Petr Meziřičský
- 1770
- lived in the house of Filip Watzke
- 1856
- built walled west courtyard wings
Architectural development
The house was remodeled in two phases - around the middle of the 16th century and around 1600. Another reconstruction, late Baroque, passed the house in the second half of the 18th century. In 1856, the walled west wing was built.
Historical events
1360 - first written report about the house
1406-1429 - owner of the house was Petr Mezričský
1770 - lived in the house of Filip Watzke
Owners
Ulu Plaier
Mr Petr Interričský
Philip Watzke
Points of interest
- The house is a remarkable historical building located in Celetná street on the Old Town in Prague. - The house is protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic. - The house has a rich history that extends from the early Gothic period to the late Baroque reconstruction. - The house has the architecture of a four-wing three-story house on the ground plan F with two doors. - The house is remarkable with its architecture.
Guide
Show guide text
This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
Welcome to the heart of old Prague, a place where every brick and every stone seems to whisper stories from ancient times. You're standing on one of the most important roads of this royal city on Celetná Street. Feel the atmosphere surrounding you right now. You hear the footsteps of the walkers on the old sidewalk and feel the weight of history floating around in every corner. In front of your eyes is an impressive building that carries its interesting and mysterious name - dům U Černého slunce. Look around you and notice his position. This house is not lonely, it stands firmly anchored in a series of historic neighbors, right between the White Lion and White Peach houses. This whole part of the old town emits a special calm and nobility, which you will hardly find in modern parts of the world.
Now I want to take you on a journey deep into the past so you can understand what this object has in it. The house at the Black Sun is not just a brick building, it is a living witness to history that has gone through countless changes. Its roots go much deeper than it might seem. If you look at the very foundations of this place, you'll find that in the second half of the 13th century there was some early Gothic object. Although today's appearance of the house looks different, in its depths, in today's basement, there are still two torso rooms from that time. These remnants are like the fingerprints of ancient builders, which remind us how old the foundations on which this whole neighborhood stands.
Let's move forward in time to the period when the very core of today's house began to be built. It comes from the second half of the 14th century. This is a fascinating time when Prague flourished and became the centre of European events. The first paper trail that tells us about this house appeared in a thousand three hundred and sixty. Imagine the era, the energy that flowed into the city. A hundred years later, in the year one thousand four hundred and six, Peter the Meziřičský was the owner of this house. Who was this man? What kind of life did he lead on these streets? Maybe he was a rich businessman or an important citizen who sought security and prestige in this house. Although his name is only a short line in history, his presence here was real and tangible.
Now pay attention to the architecture itself, which you are now observing. The house is very interesting and extensive. It's a four-wing building that stretches to three floors. It is a construction that is very important with its size and scope. Feel the complexity of its structure. The history of this place is not one-dimensional. The house has undergone a constant transformation, which extends from the early Gothic period to the late Baroque reconstruction. This means that when you look at his face, you see in it the layering of different styles, different tastes and different times. Every era has put something of its own into the building, creating this unique whole.
Note also how the house changed in much newer times. In the middle of the nineteenth century, namely in the year one thousand eight hundred fifty-six, walled wings were built in the western part of the court. This work added its scope and closure to the building today. Although we do not know the names of the particular architects who designed these walls and floors, their championships are visible in the overall structure of the building. It is a work that required great knowledge and patience.
If we keep looking at the people who lived here, we'll find another name. In a thousand seven hundred seventy, Philip Watzke lived here. Imagine the Baroque Prague, a city full of lights, procession and life in which this man moved. Each of these inhabitants, from medieval owners to 18th-century people, brought their own souls into this house. The house at Black Sun was not just a place to sleep, it was a home, a center of family life, and a place where fates were created.
What is really remarkable about this place and what you should be interested in is the constant link between what you see now and what was hundreds of years ago. The house is protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic, which gives us a clear signal that its value is immense for all of us. It's like time didn't stop in this place, but it was more like he was throwing himself around like a layer of earth. Do you feel that under your feet, deep in the ground, still beating the heart of the old Gothic Prague? The mysterious connection between today and the distant past is almost tangible here.
You might be told why the house is called that. The name Black Sun carries a certain mystery you can keep in your mind as you pass through the streets. It's a name that raises questions and makes us stop and think about what's changed in the history of the city and what's remained the same.
Now I won't hold you any longer. You have an old Prague waiting for you with an infinite number of other stories. I suggest you continue along Celetná Street and observe other houses that are here. Each of them has its own name, its own face and its own mysterious past, which you can reveal in the next observation. I wish you a beautiful and inspiring walk in history and enjoy every moment you spend in this wonderful and historic city. Goodbye.
Tips for visitors
Best time to visit
The Black Sun House is open to visitors all year round, but the best time to visit is from April to October when the weather is the hottest and most sunny.
What to take with you
Visitors are advised to take with them cameras and telescopes to better capture the historical details of the house.
Photography
The best places for photography are before and on the sides of the house where it is well seen by its historical facades.
What to visit in the area
In the vicinity of the house there are other historic houses and monuments such as the White Lion House and the White Peacock House.
Tips for families with children
For families with children we recommend visiting dům U Černého slunce at the time when the weather is the hottest, and taking with you children's tables and chairs for a comfortable tour.
Frequently asked questions
Can the monument be visited?
This is a residential or farm building, not a museum with opening hours. Please view it from public space and respect the owners' privacy. We have no information about access to the interior.
Where is the monument?
Location: Praha 1, Hlavní město Praha. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
Why is the monument protected?
It is listed in the Central List of Cultural Monuments of the Czech Republic as a cultural monument (register no. 1000150638).
Businesses nearby
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Events nearby
Zdroj akcí: otevřená data měst a obcí ČR (Národní katalog otevřených dat) a kalendář akcí Národního památkového ústavu.
Nearby
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Accommodation nearby
Trips and activities nearby
Guided tours, tickets and activities nearby from GetYourGuide
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Search tours and activities →Themed route
Thematic cruise route: House U Black sun and surroundings
1. House at the Black Sun (house) Type: Historical House Why is it worth a visit: This Baroque house in Prague 1 is not only a beautiful architectural monument, but also a place full of history. In the past, the Czech Academy of Sciences and Arts was based here, which makes the house the centre of culture and science.
2. Old Town Square (Square) Type: Historical Square Why is it worth a visit: After a short walk from dům U Černého slunce you can reach one of the most famous places in Prague. The Old Town Square is full of historic buildings such as the Marian Column and Týn, which attract millions of tourists every year.
3. Old Town Hall (Town Hall) Type: Historical Town Hall Why is it worth a visit: This beautiful Gothic-Renaissance building is home to the Prague City Council. Its view from the tower offers unique views of the Old Town and its surroundings, making it necessary for every visitor.
4. Old Town Hall Tower (Tower) Type: Historical tower Why is it worth a visit: To rise to the top of this 65-metre tower is a real adventure. Here you can enjoy panoramic views of the whole Prague, an experience that is not easily forgotten.
5. Old Town Square - Marian Column (Column) Type: Historical column Why is it worth a visit: This column, built in time after the Battle of White Mountain, is a symbol of Baroque architecture and an important monument. His statue of St. John Nepomuk is an iconic symbol of Prague.
This route will guide you through beautiful historical places of Prague 1, offering a view of the architectural richness and cultural heritage of the capital of the Czech Republic.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring: In spring, dům U Černého slunce is radiant due to the warm and soft sunlight of the sun, which is reflected in its historic facades in an excellent way. Flowers begin to bloom around the monument and add a vivid color to it. At this time the visit may be slightly burdened, but it is still a quiet time to explore without an ubiquitous summer crowd. It is recommended to arrive at the beginning of the day when the temperature is milder and fewer people. Put on a suitable outfit with the possibility to add a layer, because spring weather can suddenly be cold.
Summer: Summer in Prague is the perfect time to visit dům U Černého slunce. Sunshine and warm weather bring a lively atmosphere that complements the historical character of the monument. This season, however, is expected to increase traffic, especially on Wednesday. We recommend visiting a memorial in the morning or later in the afternoon when the sun is less intense and the temperature is more acceptable. Don't forget to wear sun protection and plenty of drinking water.
Autumn: In autumn dům U Černého slunce becomes a unique atmosphere when the leaves of the trees become golden and coloured. The sunlight is less intense, which contributes to a calm and reflective feeling during a walk. This period is ideal for visiting because they often avoid a large number of tourists, which means shorter fronts and quieter pavements. We recommend to bring warm clothes because autumn weather can suddenly be cold.
Winter: Winter visit dům U Černého slunce offers an exceptional atmosphere with icy coloured streets and lighting lamps that dazzle historical buildings. The weather is cold and can be snowy, which adds to the impression of romance and calm. The monument remains open with shorter hours, so it is recommended to visit it on early days. Don't forget to wear warm clothes, protective shoes and perhaps an umbrella if the weather is uncertain.
Visualizations and artistic views
The visualisations are generated by artificial intelligence and serve as inspiration.
Photos from the area
Real photos taken near the monument
Zdroj a licence jsou uvedeny u každého snímku.
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Sources and literature
Photos: Michal Kmínek / CC BY-SA 3.0 — Wikimedia Commons. The author and licence also appear when you hover over the image.
Faktickým podkladem tohoto textu byl článek na Wikipedii, jehož autory jsou přispěvatelé Wikipedie. Článek je dostupný pod licencí CC BY-SA 4.0.
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