Zizkov TV tower in Prague – photo, opening hours, address, how to get there, map
The Zizkov TV Tower is the tallest building not only in Prague, but in the whole Czech Republic, and the most controversial. She is scolded and admired. Someone believes that this is a real masterpiece, while someone, on the contrary, calls it squalor. But be that as it may, the TV tower is popular not only among tourists, but also among local youth.
History of the Zizkov TV Tower
Built in 1992, it is one of the few modern architectural masterpieces in Prague. Glass, metal and concrete in this warm old city are treated very wary, but in the age of scientific and technological progress, of course, you cannot do without them. Architect Vaclav Aulicki realized his most daring ideas and fantasies. The result was a complex that simultaneously resembles a spaceship, a Kalashnikov assault rifle.
Three pillars are united by the same number of viewing platforms, from where a fantastic view of the surrounding city blocks opens up. Especially at night when the lights are flickering all around. Beautiful at this time of day and the tower itself, illuminated by the colors of the Czech flag. No matter how negatively the locals treated the tower, it became one of the symbols of Prague. Today it is part of the Tower Park Praha complex and is not only a tourist and entertainment facility, but also a television center.
Babies on the walls
In order to reconcile the local residents and the Zizkov TV Tower a little, in 2000 they decided to decorate it a little. So ten bronze sculptures of crawling babies, made by the sculptor David Cherny, appeared on the supports. The 700-kilogram babies look very impressive. However, their role is not only aesthetic. The figures balance the structure, the places for them are chosen personally by the sculptor, moreover, in accordance with precise calculations. True, this moment is of little interest to tourists – after all, it is much more interesting to take a picture against the backdrop of the architectural masterpieces of modern Prague, which are not so many in the medieval city.
Restaurant and hotel in the TV tower
On one of the floors of the Tower, at a height of 66 meters, there is a restaurant and bar Oblaka. This is a popular place among local youth and tourists with rather high prices. However, finding such a place where you can drink a cocktail while admiring Prague from a bird's eye view will definitely not work in the Czech capital. In addition, you can take a break from the medieval color of the center and immerse yourself in the future – the interior is decorated in high-tech style and can be called futuristic.
Right in the center of the hall there is a small spiral staircase (on each of the 20 steps the names of other TV towers of the world are imprinted), which leads not just anywhere, but to the One Room Hotel. It consists of one single room, accommodation in which is not cheap. But from any room, including the bathroom, you can enjoy panoramic views of Prague. If you want to stay here, you need to book a room in advance, as it is simply wildly popular with newlyweds and just couples in love.
Opening hours and ticket price
The observation deck and a small interactive exposition of the Zizkov Tower are open from 08-00 to 24-00. An adult entrance ticket will cost 200 kroons, a child ticket will cost 120 kroons. There is also a discount for students (upon presentation of the relevant document, a ticket can be bought for 140 kroons).
How to get on your own
Public transport does not go directly to the tower itself. The nearest metro station, Jiriho z Podebrad (Green Line) and the tram stop of the same name, which runs lines 11 and 13, are 250 meters away.