- Address: nám. Republiky 5, 110 00 Staré Město, Czech Republic
- Phone: +420 725 847 875
- Website: muzeumprahy.cz
- Opening hours: 10:00 to 18:00
- Height: 65 m
Practically all sightseeing tours around Prague start with the Republic Square , the decoration of which is the Powder Tower, or the Powder Gate. This unusual building, erected in a pseudo-Gothic style, draws attention from afar, pushing the thought of the life of the nobles several centuries ago.
History of the appearance of the Powder Tower
During the reign of Vladislav II in the XV century to strengthen the city erected numerous structures, among which was the Powder Tower. Its foundation goes underground by 9 m, which indicates the seriousness of the intentions of the builders. The tower was to become one of the 13 gates to the Old Town . This case was never brought to an end, since such a defensive structure lost its significance. Subsequently, the construction ended in the shelter of an unfinished tower with a temporary roof, and it was handed over to the gunpowder warehouse, where the name came from.
After several centuries of desolation, an unremarkable structure received a new life. She was breathed into the Powder Tower by the architect Yosef Motzker, who gave the tower the present pseudo-Gothic style, somewhat similar to the tower on the Charles Bridge . Subsequently, it was connected by a covered passage with the Public House .
What is interesting about the place of interest?
The Powder Tower in Prague is one of the mandatory places for pilgrimage of tourists. Only one view of the city, opening from the 44-meter platform, enthralls. Upward there is a long spiral staircase, which was used even in times immemorial, and it is used now.
In addition, here you can see:
- Unique decoration of the facade. Virtually all of them have a Christian theme, and also affect the life of the royal dynasty. The most famous sculptors of the country were involved in decorating the tower. The first floor is decorated with historical subjects on the theme of monarchical way of life. The second floor shows the influence of the Czech crown by glorifying its borders. Inscriptions in Latin, statues of the baby Jesus and the Virgin Mary, biblical subjects - all these decorations can be seen in the photo of the Powder Tower in Prague.
- The internal premises. All the furniture is subordinated to the Gothic style-each subsequent floor is a logical addition to the previous one. In the center of the ceiling there is an engraving - the letter W is a symbol of Vladislav's rule.
- Stained glass. Amazing beauty is possessed by long stained-glass inclusions in the powerful walls of the tower. They are executed in the Romanesque style with the use of the same monarchical and religious themes.
How to get to the Powder Tower in Prague?
It is not necessary to know the exact address of the Powder Tower in Prague , because it is located on the map in the very center of the old capital, right next to the Public House. You can walk here as you walk, strolling around the city, and using public transport - for example, the metro (station "Area of the Republic") or a tram (№№91, 94. 96).