Where Did Franz Kafka Live in Prague?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re a fan of the renowned writer Franz Kafka and happen to be in Prague, Czech Republic, you might be curious about where he lived. Kafka was born in Prague and spent most of his life in the city. He lived in several different locations throughout his life, but some of them are more well-known than others.

One of the most famous places associated with Kafka is the building at 22 Golden Lane. This building is part of the Prague Castle complex and was once home to Kafka’s sister, Ottla.

Kafka himself never lived there, but he did visit frequently. Today, the building is a museum dedicated to Kafka’s life and work.

Another notable location is the house at 10 Dlouhá Street. This is where Kafka lived with his family from 1889 to 1896 when he was a child. The building still stands today and has a plaque commemorating its connection to Kafka.

Later in life, Kafka moved around quite a bit within Prague. He lived in various apartments and houses throughout the city, including one on Dejvická Street and another on Náměstí Franze Kafky (Franz Kafka Square). Many of these locations have since been destroyed or renovated beyond recognition.

Despite this, there are still plenty of places around Prague that pay tribute to Kafka’s legacy. For example, there’s a statue of him located near the Spanish Synagogue in Josefov, which was unveiled in 2003. The statue depicts Kafka sitting on top of an empty suit that looks like it could come to life at any moment.

Additionally, there are several cafes around Prague that claim to have been frequented by Kafka during his lifetime. One such place is Café Louvre on Národní Třída, which has been open since 1902 and boasts a long list of famous patrons.

In conclusion, while many of Franz Kafka’s former residences have been lost to time, there are still plenty of places in Prague that pay tribute to his life and work. From the Kafka Museum at Golden Lane to the statue near the Spanish Synagogue, there are many ways to experience his legacy in this beautiful city.