House "By the minute"

The building on left of Town hall called "House by Minute". It’s old Czech name. Previously here used to be a shop with tobacco, which was selling by weight. In old Bohemia was said " To buy tobacco for a minute" , what means - to buy by weight.

The facade design technique is called sgraffito. This is when layers of plaster were placed on top of each other, from dark to light colors, and then the design was scratched. The facade of this building depicts allegorical scenes and scenes from life. This facade design was very fashionable in the 16th century. Today a temporary exhibition is held inside the building, that belongs to the state.

Photo: Alesia - guide in Prague