The Powder Gate

Enter Prague's Old Town like a Czech king! The Late Gothic Powder Gate was built as part of the fortifications and a monumental entrance to the Old Town. It was through this gate that the coronation processions of Czech kings entered the city. From the gallery of the tower, you can enjoy a view of the centre of Prague.

On your walks through the historic center, you cannot miss one of Prague's most significant monuments of late Gothic architecture dating back to 1475. The Powder Gate was one of the main roads leading into the city from East Bohemia, especially from Kutná Hora. The coronation processions of Czech kings also passed through here, thus the gate begins the Coronation or Royal Route to Prague Castle.

The 65-meter-high building is unique for its stone sculpture decoration - you can find kings, Czech patrons and saints on it. However, the Powder Tower has practical aspects as well. From the side of the Municipal House, you will notice a special bay window between the floors - it is a historical toilet. It is no longer functional, but the lookout at 44 metres above the ground is. You can reach it via a spiral staircase. The amazing view is definitely worth climbing the 186 stone steps!

And why is the gate called the Powder? The name dates back to the 18th century when it was a gunpowder storage.