Prague’s Powder Tower celebrates 550 years
Thursday marks exactly 550 years since the foundation stone of Prague’s Powder Tower was laid. This grand Gothic gateway, once the entrance for coronation processions of Czech kings, remains one of the city's most iconic medieval landmarks.
Built on the site of the 13th-century Horská Gate, the tower stood along an important trade route from Kutná Hora, where silver was mined for the royal treasury. The foundation stone of the structure, meant to serve both as a defensive stronghold and an entry point to the Old Town, was laid on March 20, 1475.
Karel Kučera, curator of Prague’s towers at Prague City Tourism, shares more:
“It was a gate tower that closed off access to the Old Town and was also used to collect customs and tolls. Today, visitors can explore the architecture from both the late Middle Ages and the late 19th century, when it was finally completed.”
Originally called the New Gate, it was built to a height of 42 meters, while its foundations reach almost nine meters below today’s ground level. However, construction was never fully completed, leaving the tower with only a provisional roof.
By around 1715, it was said to have been used as a gunpowder storage facility, giving it the name Powder Gate—though historians continue to debate this claim. During the Prussian siege of Prague in 1757, the tower suffered significant damage.
Its current neo-Gothic appearance is the result of extensive renovations carried out between 1875 and 1886 by architect Josef Mocker, who sought to restore and complete the structure in a style reminiscent of its original design. Mr. Kučera explains:
“There was no gallery, the roof trussing was different, and there was a clock. When Mocker carried out the reconstruction, or rather a completion, he added a gallery and redesigned the roof trussing to resemble the Old Town Bridge Tower.”
Today, the Powder Gate marks the beginning of the Royal Route, the historic path leading to Prague Castle. Those who climb its 44-meter-high gallery are rewarded with spectacular views of the city’s rooftops and spires. Inside, history comes to life, says Mr. Kučera:
“Inside, visitors have a unique opportunity to see the vault from the reverse side, from above. Normally, it forms the ceiling of a room so you cannot see it from the other side. You can also see the medieval stonework, later finished with brick by Mocker in the 19th century.”
For much of the 20th century, the tower appeared dark. Now, however, it has returned to its original beige hue, the natural colour of limestone. Mr. Kučera explains:
“Since the 1960s, the tower was intentionally blackened to hide pollution. Recently, we cleaned it to evaluate the cost of restoring its exterior. The dark coating had concealed cracks and fissures, but it also revealed the original beige sandstone.”
To celebrate the anniversary, Prague City Tourism has organized a series of special events, including a discounted entry fee allowing visitors to explore all of Prague’s towers for a fraction of the usual price, guided tours, and additional activities showcasing the Powder Tower’s rich history and architectural significance.
