In the 19th century, mathematician Bernardo Bolzano counted 103 towers in Prague, earning it the title „Prague of a Hundred Spires.“ Today, the city officially boasts over 500 towers, likely even more. The definition of a tower varies, but one thing is certain: the view of Prague’s towers is breathtaking.
Join me visiting the best ones:
1. Powder Gate Tower
Built in the 15th century as a gunpowder storage facility. It is one of the most significant monuments of late Gothic Prague from 1475 and the monumental entrance to the Old Town, through which the coronation processions of Czech kings entered the city.
The 65m high building has a unique stone sculpture depicting kings, patrons and saints. The 44m high gallery of the tower offers an exceptional view of the centre of Prague.
Find it at Republic square.
2. Old Town Hall Tower
Proudly gracing Old Town Square, the Old Town Hall Tower is one of the symbols of Prague. Ascend to its gallery for breathtaking views of the city and witness the medieval marvel of the astronomical clock.
The town hall was established in 1338 as the seat of the Old Town’s self-government. The oldest part of the complex is the south wing with a magnificent tower with a bay chapel and a unique astronomical clock on which the 12 apostles appear every hour (9 am – 11 pm).
Wheelchair accessible!
Find it at Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí).
3. Charles Bridge Towers
The gothic „Old Town Bridge Tower“ together with Charles Bridge, was designed by Petr Parléř and built by Emperor Charles IV in the middle of the 14th century.
The gate to the Old Town was also designed as a symbolic victory arch through which the Czech kings passed on their coronation journey. For an unforgettable view, visitors must climb 138 steps to the gallery.
Find it on the eastern side of the Charles Bridge.
Two different „Lesser Town Bridge Towers“ of unequal height connected by a gate form the entrance to the Lesser Town.
The smaller tower is Romanesque, dating back to the 12th century, the current Renaissance appearance dates back to 1591.
The taller tower from 1464 follows the late Gothic architecture of Parléř’s Old Town Bridge Tower. The view from its gallery is magnificent.
Find them on the west side of the Charles Bridge.
4. St Nicholas Bell Tower
The St Nicholas Bell Tower is part of St Nicholas Church. This Prague’s most famous Baroque church is one of the most valuable Baroque buildings north of the Alps.
Notably, the tower housed a surveillance outpost named „Kajka“ under infamous State Security from 1952 to 1989.
Find it on Lesser Town Square (Malostranské náměstí).
5. Petřín Lookout Tower
The Petřín tower was built as part of the Jubilee Exhibition in 1891 as a free copy of the Eiffel Tower in Paris (in the ratio 1:5), it is 58.70 m high. Its top is at the same altitude as the real Eiffel Tower and is reached by 299 steps.
The view from it shows not only the whole of Prague, but also, in clear weather, almost the whole of Bohemia.
Petřín Hill can be reached by funicular from Mala Strana or by walking from Prague Castle.
6. Žižkov TV Tower
The main landmark of Žižkov, with its 216 m it is the tallest building in Prague. Thanks to the 360° observation deck you will have a luxurious view of Prague from the height of 93 m.
The authors of the 1980s project are architects V. Aulický and J. Kozák. Czechs voted this building the ugliest building in Prague.
On the tower there are 10 giant sculptures of babiesby the Czech artist David Černý. One floor is dedicated to first-class gastronomy (make sure you make reservation to eat there).
Find it at Mahlerovy sady, Žižkov, Prague 3.
Sorry for so many stairs… I just love the towers and the views from them.
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I’m a professional guide and driver with 8 years of tourism experience, born in Prague, and specializing in Central Europe. With two 9-seat vans at your disposal, I’m ready to make your journey unforgettable. Read more in My story