Hidden beneath Prague Castle’s imposing walls stands U Raka a charming hotel with a rich history. This isn’t just any building. It’s a living testament to Prague’s past.
Imagine a time long ago 1739 to be exact. Butcher Simonis purchased land near the Maria Ramparts. He paid 80 Rhine-gold Ducats for the privilege of building stables. These weren’t just any stables. They would become the foundation of U Raka.
Later Mr Libický another butcher expanded the property. Official records from 1774 still listed only stables. But in 1794 something changed. Josef Schaller’s description of Prague finally included the name U Raka. The Libický family transformed the stables into a residential building. They added a second house next to it.
The original building was timber-framed with a shingle roof. Many similar log houses once dotted Prague’s outskirts. Yet U Raka stood the test of time. It remains Prague’s only surviving timbered building. It’s a registered cultural monument.
The current owners purchased the dilapidated houses in 1987. The wooden structures were ravaged by fungus. The upper house precariously rested on ancient pillars. Water damage was extensive. A complete reconstruction was needed. After 1990 U Raka was reborn.
Today natural materials create a warm inviting atmosphere. Lush greenery gurgling water and birdsong invite relaxation. U Raka is a small hotel perfectly integrated into its surroundings. It’s a place where history and comfort meet. It’s a hidden gem a romantic escape in the heart of Prague. A place where the past whispers secrets in the gentle rustle of leaves.