The Powder Gate, also known as the Powder Tower (Prašná brána) is a tower and one of the most significant monuments of Late Gothic Prague.
There is an observation deck in the gallery of the tower.
The name "Gunpowder" (Prašna / Prashna) comes from the 18th century, but there are no supporting documents, respectively, and there are no sources reliably indicating that the tower really served as a storehouse of gunpowder.
The Powder Gate is located in the center of Prague. They are part of the ensemble of the Republic Square (Namesti Republiky) and mark the entrance to the Old Town of Prague (Stare Mesto).
A covered suspension bridge connects the Powder Gate with another outstanding and striking structure of Republic Square - Prague Public (Municipal) House (Obecní d?m), which is a majestic Art Nouveau building with halls, including Smetana, in which concerts, exhibitions and excursions are held.
In the photo below, the Powder Gate is on the left, the Public House is on the right
The first stone of the tower gate was laid in 1475. The gate was erected on the site of the dilapidated original Mountain Gate, called Odrana and dating from the first half of the 13th century.
The tower was laid at the bottom of the moat, about 9 meters below the modern level. Later, after the foundation of the nearby New City, the moat lost its purpose and was filled in, and the bridge that once led to the passage through the moat was dismantled.
The construction of the gate was supervised by the builder Vaclav, and since 1478 Matej Reisek, who also created a rich sculptural decoration of the gate. Since 1488, the gate has remained unfinished. Further construction work was not resumed until 1592, when a new entrance and a spiral staircase were built, which is still in use today.
During the history of the gate was restored. The current state of the gates dates back to 1875-1886, when they were restored and completed in a pseudo-Gothic style by architect Josef Moker in collaboration with famous Czech sculptors Bohuslav Schnirch and Ludwig Szymek.
Today, the Powder Gate is one of the most significant late Gothic monuments in Prague.
At the bottom of the tower is an arched passage with a mesh vault.
From the exterior decorations of the tower: statues of George Podebradsky and Vladislav II from the side of Tseletnaya Street, on the other side - statues of Przemysl Otakar II and Charles IV. Statues of kings are surrounded by the coats of arms of the countries they ruled, as well as winged angels. At the corners of the tower there are allegories of sovereign virtues; and on the four corner columns there is a lion with the coat of arms of the Old City of Prague. At the height of the second floor there are statues of Czech patrons and saints, in their center on the east side is Christ, and on the west side is the Virgin Mary with the Baby. On the facade leading to Tseletnaya Street there are statues of Adam and Eve, on the opposite facade there are statues of Saints Peter and Paul. Above the gate passage to the east there is a bust of a knight with a ribbon with a Latin inscription, on the west side there is a bust of Matej Reisk, who holds a ribbon with a plea in Latin.
On the side adjacent to the Municipal House, there are remnants of Gothic plastic decoration. On the side of the Municipal House between the floors there is a special bay window, which previously served as a toilet.
The slate roof with four six-meter corner turrets at the gallery is covered with various signatures of visitors, the oldest dating back to 1821 and 1844.
View of the Powder Gate from Republic Square (New City of Prague)
View of the Powder Gate from the side of Celetna Street (Old Town of Prague)
Observation deck in the Powder Tower of Prague
The powder gate has a height of 65 meters.
The gallery of the tower, located at a height of 44 meters, offers panoramic views of the center of Prague and you can admire the resonance of old and new Prague from a bird's-eye view.
Exhibitions are held in the premises of the tower.
The ascent to the observation deck is paid. The ticket office is located in the tower.
Practical information
From the Powder Tower, and then through the Old Town, along Charles Bridge and the Small Town in Prague Castle, Czech kings passed the coronation path (The Royal Way), established by Charles IV.
The address of the Powder Gate: Naměstí Republiky 5, 110 00 Stare Město, Czech Republic.
Coordinates of the Powder Gate: 50°05'13.9"N 14°25'40.1"E (50.087200, 14.427800).
All accommodation facilities in Prague (hotels, apartments, guest houses, etc.), including those in the city center and more remotely from it, can be view and book here
