Dům U Zlatého jednorožce Building complex

Welcome to the very heart of Prague, Prague one, where each stone tells its own story. Stop for a moment, take a breath and feel the atmosphere of this magical place. You're standing in front of the Golden Unicorn house. It's more than just a townhouse. He is a true witness of the centuries in which the entire history of our capital is reflected. Now, when you look at the building in front of you, you see the result of a long process of transformation that followed the house from the early Middle Ages to the modern times.

Let's go back together in time, deep into the past, to understand how this place came to be. Imagine Prague in the second half of the twelfth century. At that time, there was an original Romanesque stone house. It was a sturdy, firm building, with typical vaults that provided a sense of security and stability. At that time the architecture was focused mainly on resistance and functionality. Although the house has changed dramatically over the years, it is these Romanesque foundations that form the invisible but solid foundation of everything you see today. The first written report that tells us about this house dates back to a thousand three hundred and fifteen. In it are mentioned Nicolas Geunher and his comrades, which gives us a clear idea that the house was already an important point in the city's tissue at that time.

Now I ask you to pay attention to the overall appearance of the house and try to recognize different layers of time. The architecture of this complex of buildings is a fascinating record of changes in the taste and style of various epoch. If you think about how the house evolved, you'll get to a thousand four hundred ninety-six. It was this year that a major Gothic Renaissance reconstruction was completed, behind which was Master Matej Rejsek. Sheikh was one of the most important creators of his time and his hand house gained its elegance then. The goth with its desire for height and Renaissance with its return to harmony met here in one construction.

Let's move a little further in time. In the year one thousand five hundred twenty-three the house went through another transformation. It was rebuilt into a late Gothic style and at this time also a court wing was created, which extended the space of the house and changed its internal availability. Notice how the house gradually grew and adapted to the needs of its owners. Later František Maximilián Kaňka joined the modifications, who brought baroque elements into the house. Baroko brought to Prague dynamics, playfulness and certain feeling of luxury. It is thanks to Kaňek and his baroque perception of architecture that the house gained its final, balanced form, which unites the Romanesque foundation, Gothic skeleton and Baroque subtlety. Look at the facade and see how these different worlds coexist in one building.

In addition to stones and mortar, human destinies are connected to the Golden Unicorn house. This building was not only a cold building, but a home and shelter for people who formed Czech culture and thinking. Think about the fact that between a thousand and eight hundred and thirty-eight to a thousand and eight hundred thirty-nine Karel Havlicek Borovský worked here. Imagine him spending his days here, writing his sharp comments and thinking about the fate of the nation at the time of the national revival. The atmosphere of the house must have been filled with intellectual tension and desire for freedom at that time.

Only ten years later, in the year one thousand eight hundred forty-eight, Bedrich Smetana stopped here. It was a year of turbulent events and revolutionary moods. It is fascinating to think that these walls may have had the first tones or ideas of future musical works known to the world today. The cream was not alone, accompanied by the company of František the German. Together with him they spent time here, shared their visions and perhaps discussed art at a time when the city of Prague became the centre of European cultural events. When you're standing outside the house today, try to imagine these personalities going through the same space you're looking at now.

Now I want to impress you with one interesting thing that gives the house a certain framework in modern times. Dům U Zlatého jednorožce is not only a private property or a residential building, but is protected as a cultural monument since the year one thousand nine hundred fifty-eight. This means that the state has recognised its extraordinary value for the whole company. It's a recognition that the house is basically an open book of events. From the Romanesque vaults of the twelfth century to the Gothic details of Matìj Rejsek to the Baroque modifications of František Maximilian Kaňka. All together it creates a unique whole that reminds us that Prague is a city of layers. No building here is only from one period, but each is the result of constant dialogue between the past and the present.

The mystery remains many details of the early period, when the house was merely a Romanesque stone house. Although we know of its existence from the sources and architecture of the vaults, many stories from the time of Nicolaus Geunher remained hidden in time. Who slept in these walls, who traded here and who sought shelter in the dark streets of medieval Prague? It is these secrets that give the Golden Unicorn home its special attraction.

Now that you know the story of this house, I suggest you look at its exterior for a while. Feel the light reflected from the walls and how the house fits into the surrounding building of Prague one. It's a place where history can't be overlooked because it's carved into stone.

Thank you for accompanying me on this short journey through time. I hope the story of the Golden Unicorn House inspired you to explore the hidden corners of our city. Now, let's invite you to further explore the area. Let yourself be guided by curiosity and look for further clues of history that await you on these streets. I wish you a pleasant continued walk through Prague. Goodbye.