U tří pštrosů, Renaissance residential building in Malá Strana, Czech Republic.
U tří pštrosů is a four-story residential building at Dradeckého náměstí 12 in Malá Strana that blends medieval foundations with Renaissance elements. The structure displays characteristic features of this transition period: stone details on the facade, handcrafted wooden ceilings inside, and small windows that reflect the building style of multiple eras.
The building was constructed in the 16th century as a residential house when Malá Strana was a preferred neighborhood for wealthy merchants and craftsmen. Over the centuries it adapted to different uses while retaining its core architectural features and was eventually protected as a cultural monument.
The name refers to three ostriches that once adorned the house emblem and reflect its link to the old town's trading traditions. Visitors can trace this historical naming in the building's architectural details and character.
The location sits very close to Charles Bridge, making access from the Old Town straightforward, and the area is easy to explore on foot. Visitors should note that the narrow medieval streets of Malá Strana are steep and the proximity to a major tourist attraction means the neighborhood can get crowded during warmer months.
The building has witnessed shifts between private residential use and commercial purposes over centuries, a pattern reflected in its current operational function today. This versatility shows how Prague keeps its historical buildings alive by actively using them rather than simply preserving them.
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