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The Powder Tower

Rising proudly at the gateway to Prague’s Old Town, **The Powder Tower** is a medieval marvel that has watched over the city for more than 550 years. Originally built in 1475 as an ornate city entrance for royal coronation processions, this Gothic landmark still dazzles families and curious travelers with its storied past and striking architecture. Once called the “New Tower,” it marked the boundary between Old and New Town, and its design was inspired by the famous Old Town Bridge Tower. Throughout the centuries, the Powder Tower served many purposes—from collecting customs and tolls to its legendary (though debated) role as a gunpowder storage facility, which gave it its evocative name. Today, visitors can climb its winding staircase to enjoy panoramic city views, explore exhibits detailing Prague’s history, and marvel at intricate neo-Gothic sculptures added during its 19th-century restoration. Kids and adults alike are drawn to its dramatic façade and the stories etched in every stone—making it a perfect spot for family photos and historical adventures. Stepping inside, you’re not just entering a tower, but journeying through Prague’s royal, artistic, and architectural legacy.

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Did you know this tower is stuffed with 400 TONS of gunp

Did You Know?

  • The Powder Tower was originally named the 'New Tower' and served as a ceremonial gateway for Czech kings during their coronation processions, with the foundation stone laid by King Vladislaus II in 1475—a tradition revived in 1836 when monarchs once again passed through it on their way to St. Vitus Cathedral for coronations.
  • The tower’s striking Gothic architecture was inspired by the work of Peter Parler, the master builder of Prague’s famous Charles Bridge, and features intricate stonework and sculptures, many of which were replaced in 1876 after damage during the Prussian siege of 1757.
  • Despite its name, historians debate whether the Powder Tower was ever actually used to store gunpowder; the legend persists, but some records suggest it may have simply been a colorful nickname that stuck after the 17th century.
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