- Address: Mahlerovy sady 1, 130 00 Praha 3, Czech Republic
- Phone: +420 210 320 081
- Website: towerpark.cz
- Years of construction: 1985-1992
- Material: concrete
- Height: 216 m
- Architectural style: Structural Expressionism
- Author of the project: Ing. arch. Václav Aulický, Dr.Sc. Ing. Jiří Kozák and Ing. Alex Bém
The modern architecture of the Czech capital can surprise as much as the medieval one. One of its brightest objects is the Zizkov Television Tower, located in the Prague area under the name of Zizkov. What is interesting about this building, how do the people of Prague feel about it and thanks to what the tower attracts foreign tourists - read in our article.
History of the television tower in Prague
The building was designed in 1985, when the city felt the need for a new tower for radio and television broadcasts. From the very beginning of construction, citizens were outraged that the place for him was chosen directly in the ancient Jewish cemetery. However, the tower was still built: after the collapse of Czechoslovakia, in 1992, the Zizkov district was crowned with a 216-meter construction. Until then, the highest building in the city was Petrshinskaya relay tower .
The tallest building in the Czech Republic
The Zhizhkovskaya tower differs in many respects from other television installations of the world - in particular, its construction in the form of three columns, fastened by platform-cabins. One of the columns is continued by the TV tower itself. For its unusual appearance immediately after the construction of the tower was showered with unflattering reviews. As soon as her critics were not called - and "Zhizhkov's finger" and "the most ugly structure of Prague" ... The townspeople even joke that the best view of the capital opens from here, since you can not see the TV tower itself.
Those who are impressed by the non-standard architectural solution, find some similarities with the launching rocket. One way or another, one thing is certain: the Zizkov television tower in Prague officially belongs to the Federation of high-rise towers of the whole world, being the highest construction of the capital of the Czech Republic . It reaches 216 m.
Unusual decor
Sculptor David Cherny, scandalously known for his work on the monument "Wenceslas on an Inverted Horse", which is located in the gallery of Lucerne , contributed to the decoration of the television tower of Prague. In order for the building to appear more attractive, he placed on his metal supports small sculptures of crawling babies ("10 Little Indians"). This somewhat softened the attitude towards the Zhizhkovskaya TV tower, and Prague itself added charm to the eyes of the whole world.
It is interesting to see the tower at night: it is beautifully illuminated, and the shades of lighting are chosen very symbolically: they correspond to the colors of the Czech flag.
A viewing platform and not only
Of course, the tower does not only interest tourists as an original sight . First of all, it attracts the guests of the city with the opportunity to climb to the main observation platform of Prague with a 360 ° view. From a height of 93 m, a breathtaking view of the urban surroundings (up to 10 km) opens. From here you can see Prague Castle, the green gardens and parks of the capital, and the districts of Zizkov and Vinohrady are generally visible in the palm of your hand. The site is open for visits from 11 am to 11 pm. Entrance to the circular panorama is paid: ordinary ticket, children's and student's will cost $ 9.17, $ 5.5 and $ 6.42 respectively.
In addition, the television tower in Prague offers to those wishing:
- stay at the hotel at a height of 70 m (although there is only 1 room, and very expensive, and the hotel itself is conditionally considered to be "six-star");
- climb to the top on an elevator, which rushes at a speed of 4 m / s;
- sit in a cozy chair-cocoon, enjoying the views of Prague;
- visit the restaurant and lounge bar under the general name "Clouds" (the prices here are also quite sky-high).
From the restaurant to the hotel leads a spiral staircase. At each of its steps the names of other high-altitude television towers of the world are written - only about 20. It is interesting that Ostankino among them is not.
How to get to the Zhizhkovskaya TV tower?
By public transport, you can reach the tower by the green branch line. Coming out at the station Jiřího z Poděbrad, you will immediately see the tower, but it will have to walk a couple of blocks to the northeast. The nearest tram stop is Lipanská (routes Nos. 5, 9, 26 lead to it).