Powder Tower Gate

In the 11th century, when Prague was protected by an immense surrounding wall, the Powder Tower formed one if the 13 entrances into the Old Town area of the city. It was rebuilt during the rule of King Vladislav II into its current form, to give it a more regal appearance, and was originally intended to be a major entrance to the Royal Court. The style and design of the Powder Tower matches that of the Old Town Bridge Tower, and looks strikingly similar, but when the royalty moved to the Prague Castle, the Powder Tower was relegated to just another entrance, albeit gloriously designed and constructed. The Powder Tower is 65m tall, and is open to the public to climb its 186 steps to the top of the tower for sweeping views of Old Town. Originally, the Powder Tower was known to the citizens of Prague as the New Tower, but later the tower was given its current name due to its purpose for storing gunpowder during the late 17th century, and the name has taken hold and remained since then.

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