House at the Minute, Prague

Originally constructed as a late-Gothic building in the 15th century, the House at the Minute underwent a transformation in 1564 when it was rebuilt in the high Renaissance style. Its distinctive appearance is owed to the addition of numerous black-and-white 'sgraffito' decorations on the facade in 1610. These intricate designs, whitewashed and later revealed in 1919, feature depictions of notable Habsburg rulers such as Philip II of Spain, Rudolph II, and Maxmilian II, alongside scenes from Greek mythology, references to biblical and Renaissance themes (including the allegorical representation of the three sons vying for their father's inheritance), and various alchemical symbols. Well worth a photo or two!

Over its long history, the house has served various purposes and been known by different names. Once functioning as a pharmacy, it was referred to as the "House at the White Lion", a nod to the lion sculpture still adorning its corner. However, the current moniker is believed to stem from its time as a tobacconist shop that specialized in selling small (or 'minute') pieces of tobacco.

Despite facing the threat of demolition in the early 1900s, along with neighboring structures, the house was spared and is now integrated into the complex of buildings that comprise the Old Town Hall. Situated adjacent to both the Pecoldovsky and the Cockerel, it holds historical significance as the former residence of the Kafka family; from 1889 to 1896, Franz Kafka spent his childhood years on the second floor. Today, the ground floor is occupied by an Italian restaurant, adding to the eclectic mix of uses that have shaped the house's storied past.