Powder Tower in Prague – photo, ticket price 2021, history, how to get there, map
Above the Republic Square, like a silent guardian and witness to many historical events, towers the Powder Tower – a beautiful Gothic building that has become one of the symbols of Prague. During its existence, it has seen a lot, and today tourists, climbing its steps, seem to travel into the distant past, moving several decades back with each step.
History of the Powder Tower
Formally, the history of the Powder Tower began in 1475, but it is not the first of its kind on this site. Its predecessor, the Mountain Tower, or as it was called at the end of the 15th century – Skinned, appeared here two centuries earlier. So, in the XIII century, Stare Mesto was reliably protected by fortifications with 13 towers, one of which was called Gorskaya. It was through it that a rather important road passed, connecting Prague with Kutná Hora. However, soon, in the middle of the XIV century, the Czech Republic and its current one began to literally shake changes. The successful ruler Charles IV began to expand literally everything that was possible, because the country prospered, the treasury was more full than ever and there was enough money for all undertakings. This is how Nove Mesto appeared, and the old fortress walls gradually lost their significance. The mountain tower, which fell into decay, became a place for collecting fees.
However, the royal residence, despite all the innovations, was still located on the Old Town Square and the rulers could not allow the devastation to settle next to it. It was decided to demolish the old tower and build a new one in its place, which was supposed to delight everyone passing or passing by. The author of the project was the architect Martin Reisk. However, it was not possible to complete the construction of the New Tower – the political and economic situation in the country was changing, there was no money, and the need for it disappeared. So it stood without a roof for almost 250 years, until in the 17th century this place was looked after as a powder warehouse. At the same time, the tower received its modern name, which quickly took root.
Facade decorations and interior decoration
The Powder Tower acquired its modern look in the 19th century. Unfortunately, most of the earlier facade decorations were destroyed during the Seven Years' War. The architect Josef Motsker, in the company of the best Czech sculptors, tried in every possible way to give it a neo-Gothic look and achieve similarity with the Old Town Tower of Charles Bridge, as it was originally intended. So the tower was decorated with coats of arms, sculptures of Czech kings, angels and saints, which today can be looked at endlessly, not believing that they are relatively young.
The highlight of the interior decoration is stained-glass windows in the Romanesque style with symbolic religious scenes. The ceilings of the second floor are decorated with enigmatic coats of arms, each of which appeared here for a reason. Tourists are also attracted by the opportunity to visit a small exhibition of armor and weapons and, of course, having overcome the 186 steps of the spiral staircase, enjoy the magnificent views of Prague from the 44-meter observation deck.
Opening hours and ticket prices
In the summer season, from March to October, the doors of the tower are open from 10-00 to 20-00. In winter, it is open from 10:00 to 18:00. A full adult ticket costs 90 kroons, a reduced ticket for children and some categories of citizens – 65.
How to get on your own
Getting to the Powder Tower, located on Republic Square, is easy. Nearby is the Namesti Republiky metro station (yellow line) and a public transport stop of the same name, through which tram lines 5, 8, 24 and 26 pass.