Prašná brána — Attraction in Prague

Powder Tower (Prašná brána) is on Republic Square, Old Town, Prague 1, Czech Republic.

The Powder Tower can trace its origins back to the 11th century, when the original gate tower was one of 13 entrances to Prague's Old Town.

Work on the present structure began during the reign of King Vladislav II in 1475 and was modelled on the Old Town Bridge Tower, built a century earlier.

Originally known as the New Tower, its name was changed to the Powder Tower in the 18th century to reflect that fact that from around 1715 onwards it was used to store gunpowder.

The powder tower we see today is the work of the Victorian-era purist Josef Mocker, the author of much of Prague’s superb neo-gothic church architecture.

The window and some of the tracery are original, but much of the detail, including the winged angels and even the soaring pinnacled roof, are Mocker’s. His too are the enthroned monarchs of the 13th and 14th centuries: Premsyl Otakar II and Charles IV.

As with other historically important towers in Prague, the Powder Tower retains an appropriately sooty look that reflects its past. It reminds us of the medieval origins of much of the layout of Prague.

Visitors can climb the 186 stone-steps inside the tower to reach the viewing platform at 44m, for views over the Old Town. The whole Tower is 65m high.

Opening hours: January-February: Daily 10:00-18:00 March: Daily 10:00-20:00 April-September: Daily 10:00-22:00 October: Daily 10:00-20:00 November-December: Daily 10:00-18:00 (Last entrance 30 minutes before closing time)

Entrance fee: Basic: 150 CZK Reduced: 100 CZK (children aged 6-15, students under 26, seniors over 65, and holders of disability identification card ZTP) Family 350 CZK (valid for 2 adults and up to 4 children) Early Bird Discount initiative: 50% off the admission fee every day during the first hour after opening Free admission for children under 5

How to get there: Metro: Yellow B line to the stop“Namesti Republiky” Trams: No 4, 14, 26 to the stop...

The Powder Tower in Prague is one of the city’s most fascinating historical landmarks, and visiting it was an impressive experience. This gothic-style tower, with its intricate details and dark stone façade, immediately catches your attention and makes you feel like you are stepping back in time. The tower was originally part of the old city fortifications and served as a gateway to the city, which adds a strong sense of history to the visit. Walking around it and observing its architecture gives a real sense of Prague’s rich past and medieval atmosphere.

One of the most exciting aspects of the Powder Tower is the opportunity to climb to the top. The stairs are a bit narrow and steep, but the effort is well worth it. From the top, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Prague, including the Old Town, the river, and the surrounding rooftops. It is a perfect spot for photography and for appreciating the city from a different perspective. The detailed carvings and decorations on the tower itself are also fascinating, showing the skill and artistry of the architects and builders from centuries ago.

While it is a smaller attraction compared to some of the larger landmarks in Prague, it is full of charm and character. Visiting it feels like a step into another era, and it’s easy to imagine what life in the city was like hundreds of years ago.

Overall, the Powder Tower is a must-see for anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply enjoying a beautiful view of Prague. The combination of its gothic design, historical significance, and panoramic views makes it a unique experience. Although the tower can be busy with tourists at times, it is definitely worth a visit for those who want to explore a different side of Prague and gain a deeper understanding of its medieval past. I would highly recommend including the Powder Tower in any...

The Powder Gate, or Prašná brána in Czech, is one of the most iconic and historically significant Gothic monuments in Prague, Czech Republic. Standing at the edge of the Old Town, it marks the traditional entrance to the city and the beginning of the Royal Route, the path taken by Bohemian kings on their way to coronation at Prague Castle. Construction of the tower began in 1475 under the reign of King Vladislav II, designed in the late Gothic style by architect Matěj Rejsek. The Powder Gate was originally intended to be an ornate city gate that mirrored the grandeur of Charles Bridge’s Old Town Tower. However, its construction was interrupted by political unrest, and it was not completed until the 17th century.

The structure is composed primarily of sandstone and rises to a height of about 65 meters. Its richly decorated façade features statues, coats of arms, and intricate tracery typical of the Gothic period, though later renovations added some Baroque touches. The name “Powder Gate” was not given until the 17th century, when the tower was used to store gunpowder, changing its purpose from ceremonial to practical. Internally, the tower contains a spiral staircase leading to a gallery that offers panoramic views of Prague’s Old Town.

I visited this place with my team when we took a day trip to Prague from Vienna. It was truly amazing to see how majestically it stood near the old town.. Its darkened, weathered stone façade adds to its dramatic presence, especially when contrasted against the more pastel architecture nearby.

It remains a symbolic threshold between Prague's medieval heart and its more modern quarters, embodying the layered architectural and political history...