Prašná brána

About the museum

The Powder Gate stands on the site of the old Mountain Gate, known as Odraná, from the first half of the 13th century, through which the road from eastern Bohemia, especially from Kutná Hora, entered the Old Town. The foundation stone of the new gate was laid in 1475 during the reign of Vladislaus II Jagiello. Construction was first led by the builder Václav and from 1478 by Matěj Rejsek, who also contributed to the rich sculptural decoration. From 1488 the gate remained unfinished, probably because the royal court moved back to the Castle; work resumed only in 1592.

The name Prašná (Powder) has been in use since the 18th century, but there is no evidence that gunpowder was stored in the tower. In 1757 the gate was damaged by Prussian shelling. Its present pseudo-Gothic form was given to it in 1875–1886 by the architect Josef Mocker in cooperation with leading Czech sculptors. The tower is 65 metres high; the viewing gallery at a height of 44 metres is reached by a spiral staircase with 186 stone steps.

The gate is the start of the Royal Route, along which Czech kings rode to St Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle before their coronation; the first to do so, in 1438, was Albert II of Habsburg, and the last, in 1836, Ferdinand V the Benevolent. The tower's façade bears statues of rulers, including Přemysl Otakar II, Charles IV, George of Poděbrady and Vladislaus II Jagiello. The building is owned by the City of Prague and managed by the company Prague City Tourism.

Highlights

• Viewing gallery at a height of 44 metres with a view of the centre of Prague
• Spiral staircase with 186 stone steps
• Pseudo-Gothic sculptural decoration with statues of Czech kings and patrons
• Start of the Royal Route to the coronation at Prague Castle

Founded

1475

Operated by

Prague City Tourism (správce); majitel: hlavní město Praha

Admission & discounts

Holders of the Lítačka card pay CZK 180. Tickets are sold only by Prague City Tourism at its own ticket offices and online; tickets bought elsewhere may not be valid.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• 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

The building is not step-free; the viewing gallery can be reached only by the spiral staircase with 186 stone steps.

Kids & families

The family ticket is valid for 2 adults and up to 4 juniors (aged 6–15).

Getting there & parking

The gate stands at Republic Square, at the start of Celetná Street and Na příkopě.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

The administrator offers unusual tours outside opening hours, private tours for corporate events and individuals, wedding ceremonies, and rental of the tower for private and corporate events.

Plan your visit