One of the oldest streets in Prague, Celetna takes its name from the bakers who sold their wares here in the Middle Ages. Its appearance today is mainly baroque, though vestiges of its medieval past remain. The east end of Celetna is dominated by the Powder Tower.
The building with the wrought iron balcony and classical statues (no. 36) is the former mint. It operated as a mint from the 16th century until 1783. Later commandeered by the Austrians, it was the scene, in 1848, of the initial clash between the citizens of Prague and the troops of General Windischgratz. The ochre building, on the next corner, is House at the Black Mother of God, no. 34 designed by the Cubist architect, J Goaar in 1911-12.
Off to the right, down the side-street called U obecniho domu, is the recently restored Hotel Pati2. It was built just a few years earlier in the rival Art Nouveau style. The House at the Golden Vulture, no. 22 stands on the site of a medieval brewery and is now the restaurant U Supa.
The Buquoy Palace (no. 20) is named after Count Karel Buquoy, a distinguished general of the Thirty Years War. The present building dates from 1762 and belongs to the university. The Menhart House at no. 17 is now the restaurant U pavouka (At the Spider). The 18th century Hrzan Palace is at no. 12. Opposite, at Prague is a city of surprises. In the baroque elegance of Celetna the house at the Black Mother of God has an uncompromising modern facade no. 11, At the Golden Stag. The medieval banqueting hall still functions as one of Prague’s best known restaurants. Almost in the shadow of the Tyn Church is the presbytery (no. 5) and, at no. 3, House of the Three Magi. This fine example of Gothic building, with its striking roof gables, dates from the 14th century.