The photos here show a building in Prague that is decorated using the technique of sgraffito.    This building dates from about 1565.   The technique is not seen so much in the UK, although there are some examples, and it is mostly seen on mainland Europe.   A thin lime render is applied to the building.   Using a template for consistency of the pattern, the lime is then etched off to reveal the contrasting colour of the stone underneath.   From a distance, the patterns are both imposing and striking.