Powder Tower (Prašná brána)

The Powder Tower ( Prašná brána) is a Gothic tower in Prague, Czech Republic and one of the old city gates. It is one of the symbols of Prague, leading into the Old Town.

The Powder Tower (Prašná brána) is located at the edge of Old Town (Staré Město). A covered bridge connects the tower to the adjoining Municipal House (Obecní Dum).Originally a Gothic city gateway that was part of the fortifications of the Old Town (Stare Mesto).

The gothic Powder Tower was built in 1475 during the reign of King Vladislav II at the site of an 11th century gate, one of Prague's 13 original city gates. The master builder Matous Rejsek constructed an ornate tower based on the 14th century Old Town Bridge Tower. The tower was originally called “Horska” Tower, because of a road, that led from the Powder Tower to Kutna Hora. The future kings of Bohemia used to enter the town through this gate when they were on their coronation parade. This parade went on the traditional Royal Way to the Prague Castle, where the coronation took place. As the city grew beyond its old walls, the Powder Tower grew less and less important (except on those rare occasions when a new king was being crowned).

The Powder Tower bears its name because of the gunpowder, that used to be stored there since the 18th century. The monumental tower was severely damaged during the Prussian occupation in 1757. It was finally rebuilt between 1875 and 1886 by Josef Mocker. In the 1990s the Powder Tower, like many other historical buildings in Prague, was beautifully renovated.

There are still many decorations on the tower. The first floor is adorned with statues of Bohemian kings: you can see statues of George of Podebrady and Vladislav II. from the Celetna street and Premysl Otakar II. and Charles IV. from the other side. They are surrounded by symbols of countries, over which they reigned. In the level of the second floor, there are statues of Bohemian patrons and saints.

The Powder Tower is 65 metres high and there are 186 stairs in the spiral staircase. The gallery is 44 metres high and it is accessible to public. It provides a beautiful view over Prague. There is a permanent exhibition “Prague Towers” in the Powder Tower.