Powder Tower, Prague Museum

Address: Powder Tower (Prašná brána), Náměstí Republiky, Prague 1, Czech Republic

Website: https://www.prague.eu/en/object/places/93/powder-tower-prazska-brana

The Powder Tower (Prašná brána) is a Gothic city gate in Prague that originally formed part of the Old Town’s fortifications and the beginning of the historic royal route to Prague Castle. Construction started in the late 15th century and the tower is a prominent city landmark.

The richly sculpted façade and pointed Gothic pinnacles are key visual highlights, and visitors can climb to an upper gallery for panoramic views over the Old Town and the route toward the castle. Interior exhibits explain the tower’s role in city defenses and its later restoration.

Built in the late 1400s as one of the principal gates of Prague’s medieval defenses, the tower later acquired the name “Powder Tower” after being used for gunpowder storage in the early modern period. Restoration work in the 19th and 20th centuries preserved its Gothic appearance.

Located on the edge of Prague’s Old Town near the Municipal House and Palladium shopping centre, the tower sits at the start of Celetná street and is within easy walking distance of Old Town Square.

• Height and position: The tower stands approximately 65 metres tall and marks the historic transition between Prague’s Old Town and the former royal route to Prague Castle.

What to See#

• Observation gallery: An upper observation gallery provides panoramic views across Old Town Prague and the start of Celetná street, usually reached by a stair climb within the tower.
• Exhibition space: A small exhibition space present inside the tower covers its history as a medieval city gate and later uses through Prague’s urban development.

Take Prague Metro line B to the Náměstí Republiky station and use the exit toward the square - the Powder Tower stands directly on Náměstí Republiky, so it’s an immediate short walk (under 2-5 minutes) from the metro. It’s also a short walk (roughly 300-500 m) west from Old Town Square if you are arriving on foot through the historic centre.

• Go early in the morning or after sunset to avoid the daytime tourist rush on Náměstí Republiky; lines for the tower can build up midday.
• Buy your ticket at the base entrance on the square and climb the staircase for one of the best compact views of Prague's Old Town and New Town - the interior exhibition is small but worth a quick stop.
• If you have a Prague Card, check whether it covers entry to skip lining up for individual tickets during peak season.