Daliborka

"Daliborka, the cannon tower located at the end of Golden Lane (Zlatá ulička), was constructed by Benedikt Ried in 1496. Initially taller, the tower now features five stories, with the top story notably lacking a roof. The basement of the tower contains four vaulted cells and a round opening that leads to a dungeon where prisoners were lowered using a pulley system. The tower is named after its first prisoner, Dalibor of Kozojedy, who was incarcerated in 1498 for his involvement in a serfs’ uprising. According to legend, he learned to play the violin while imprisoned, earning a modest living through music. Another notable inmate was Count František Antonín Sporck, a well-known patron of the arts. In the basement, visitors can see the dungeon's walls, which are impressively thick at 2.6 meters. Additionally, there's another level beneath the dungeon that also served as a prison. After 1781, Daliborka ceased to function as a prison, marking the end of its use in that capacityut Daliborka and its historical significance."

"To the right of the fence, at the end of Golden Lane, you will see a huge quadrangular keep. Looking to the left, you will see a cylindrical tower somewhat more modest than the previous one: the Daliborká Tower. This structure formerly served as a prison. Legend has it that its first prisoner was a knight named Dalibor (hence its name). It is said that Dalibor was starving in his cell. He then hatched a cunning plan to play the violin from inside the prison. Such was the beauty of his music that the people of Prague would come up to the castle to hear him play. Using a string, he lowered a basket from an opening in his cell, and the public below rewarded him for his sad and beautiful recital in the form of food. Finally, the prisoner was released."