Bechyňská brána a věž Kotnov

About the museum

The Kotnov Tower is the only preserved part of the Hradiště castle, founded in the second half of the 13th century during the reign of Přemysl Otakar II. According to newer research, the castle had two cylindrical and two square towers. It was destroyed by a fire in 1532, and in 1612 to 1613 a brewery was built on its remains, which was rebuilt until the 20th century. The surviving tower was strengthened during the Hussite period and adapted for artillery batteries; the ventilation chimneys in the gun embrasures are remarkable.

The Bechyně Gate adjoins the tower; it is the only town gate of Tábor still standing. Unlike the tower, it has survived almost in its original state from the High Gothic period. Today the 25-metre tower is accessible as a viewing tower, reached by 155 steps.

In the area of the gate is the permanent exhibition of the Husitské muzeum Tábor (Hussite Museum Tábor), Tábor – pevnost spravedlivých i královské město, which was created for the 600th anniversary of the Hussite founding of the town in 2020. It takes visitors through the history of Tábor from prehistory to the end of the Thirty Years’ War, shows objects from the museum’s collections, models, dioramas and digital kiosks, and part of the Táborský poklad (Tábor Treasure), and it also remembers children with interactive elements.

Highlights

• Exhibition Tábor – pevnost spravedlivých i královské město, from prehistory to the end of the Thirty Years’ War
• Kotnov viewing tower, 25 metres high, with 155 steps
• Bechyně Gate – the only surviving town gate from the High Gothic period
• Part of the Táborský poklad and a Celtic boar figurine as evidence of prehistoric settlement
• Model of the Hradiště castle and an interactive model of a burgher’s house

Permanent exhibition

• Tábor, pevnost spravedlivých i královské město – Permanent exhibition on the history of Tábor from prehistory to the end of the Thirty Years’ War, with objects from the museum’s collections, models, dioramas and digital kiosks; includes the ascent to the Kotnov viewing tower.

Operated by

Husitské muzeum v Táboře

Admission & discounts

Free admission: According to the Hussite Museum’s website, every third Sunday of the month (from 19 April 2026, project Dostupná kultura pro všechny [Accessible Culture for All]) gives access to the currently accessible permanent exhibitions.

The admission applies jointly to the exhibition in the Bechyně Gate and the ascent to the Kotnov viewing tower. Free admission for accompanying teachers (1 person per 10 children), holders of AMG, ICOM and similar cards, and citizens of Ukraine.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

155 steps lead to the viewing tower; the website gives no information on the accessibility of the exhibition in the Bechyně Gate. Holders of a WC card may use the toilets in all accessible buildings of the Hussite Museum free of charge.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

The exhibition engages children with interactive elements, for example a model of a burgher’s house that visitors can touch. Children under 6 enter free.

Getting there & parking

The gate and tower stand in Klokotská Street on the edge of Tábor’s historic centre.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit