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Prasná brána

Address: Nám. Republiky, Staré Mesto, Prague, Bohemia

Powder Tower

Category: Architectural Sites, Viewpoints
Location: Staré Mesto

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Fodor's Review:

Once used as storage space for gunpowder, this imposing dark tower—covered in a web of carvings—offers a striking view of the Old Town and Prague Castle from the top. Construction of the tower, which replaced one of the city's 13 original gates, was begun by King Vladislav II of Jagiello in 1475. At the time, the kings of Bohemia maintained their royal residence next door, on the site of the current Obecní dum, and the tower was intended to be the grandest gate of all. But Vladislav was Polish and heartily disliked by the rebellious Czech citizens of Prague. Nine years after he assumed power, fearing for his life, he moved the royal court across the river to Prague Castle. Work on the tower was abandoned, and the half-finished structure remained a depository for gunpowder until the end of the 17th century. The oldest part of the tower is the base. The golden spires were not added until the end of the 19th century.

Cost: 40 Kc
Open: Apr.-Oct., daily 10-6

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