Platýz Palace is a relatively large complex of buildings between Národní třída and Uhelný trh (Coal Market). It`s accessible from both directions through a passage. The oldest part of the Platýz Palace dates from the time of Charles IV. (Remains of the Gothic ramparts are even preserved in the cellars of the house). The palace is named after Jan Plateys of Plattenstein, who bought this part of the later palace in 1585.
There are several nice cafes in the courtyard of the palace and fine art lovers will also find an amazing shop there (it smells like the stationery you used to go to when you were children).
Do you know what is it? An owl? Yes and no. It`s also the oldest traffic sign in Prague – more than 200 years old. People entering the courtyard of the Platýz Palace on Národní Street see a sculpture of an owl on the wall next to the passage – if they even notice it at that height. But few people know it’s a traffic sign. There were garages for horse-drawn wagons in the courtyard of the palace. If the owl sat straight, the coachman could drive in, park, and refresh the horses and himself. If the owl was hanging upside down, the garages were full and the coachman had to look elsewhere.
For example, in nearby Ungelt.
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