Kožná 499/8 ↔ Havelská Street, Old Town, Prague 1
The passage through the “Kožný” House is one of the oldest surviving covered walkways in Old Town. Located within the historic U Cortésů House, it directly connects Havelská and Kožná streets. Although it is not fully open to the public today, its architectural and cultural value remains remarkably well-preserved. The building itself is protected as an official Cultural Monument of the Czech Republic.
The passage’s origins date back to the 14th century, when it ran through two separate properties. In 1623, these were joined together by František Cortesi of Peregrim, a prominent burgher who later served as Mayor of Old Town.
Romanesque Elements: Preserved in the section facing Havelská Street.
Gothic Cellars: Located in the rear portion facing Kožná Street.
Commercial History: In the 18th and 19th centuries, Jewish merchants traded hides and leather here, giving Kožná (“Leather”) Street its name.
1847 Renovation: A fourth floor was added, and the original street-level arcade was removed.
The facade facing Havelská Street is Neoclassical with clean, simple lines and original shopfronts, while the rear wing facing Kožná Street retains its original medieval layout.
The building features a commemorative plaque dedicated to Artúr Görgei, a Hungarian military commander during the 1848–1849 Revolution. Before his military fame, he lived here between 1845 and 1848 while working as a chemist and lecturer at Charles University. The plaque commemorates both his scientific career and military legacy.
While the passage is no longer fully accessible to the public, its historical significance remains clearly evident:
Cultural Monument: A heritage-protected building blending Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements.
Historic Link: An ancient pedestrian connection between Havelská and Kožná streets.
Memorial Plaque: A lasting tribute to a prominent figure in European history.
The passage through the “Kožný” House is a living architectural witness to medieval Prague, seamlessly linking commercial trade history, burgher traditions, and the memory of key historic figures. Even though it is no longer open as a public shortcut, its unique genius loci remains very much alive—and well worth discovering.
