Powder Tower

The Powder Tower (Prašná brána in Czech) is the monumental entrance to the Old Town, the historical heart of medieval Prague, and one of the most important late Gothic buildings in the capital.

It is difficult not to fall under the spell of this gate with its majestic tower. It was here that the Coronation Way, or Royal Way, began, the route that future Bohemian kings had to take on their coronation day to reach Prague Castle. But it is also the end point of one of the main roads coming from East Bohemia: the one that brought silver from Kutná Hora to Prague to be used for the precious jewellery of Bohemian royals.

Step through the gateway that will lead you straight into the heart of Prague and you too will walk the path that marked the destiny of princes, kings and emperors.

The History of the Tower

The Powder Tower (not to be confused with the Mihulka Powder Tower at Prague Castle) was built on the site of a decaying gate dating back to the first half of the 13th century: this was one of the original 13 gates of the Old Town.

Work began in 1475 but stopped in 1488 and was not resumed until the 16th century. At the beginning of the 18th century, the tower began to be used as a depot for gunpowder, hence its present name.

It was renovated in the 19th century by Josef Mocker. The tower currently houses an exhibition on the royal court and the towers that once propped up the walls of Prague, but tourists generally come here to enjoy the view from the viewing terrace.

Powder Tower in Numbers

• The Powder Tower is 65m high.
• The viewing terrace is located at a height of 44m.
• The spiral staircase consists of 186 stone steps