Prague and its Towers

Jindrisska Tower Jindrisska Tower (Jindrisska Vez) in

Prague dates from the late Gothic era. It was constructed in 1472–1476, although has had several

rebuilds and alterations since.Following a major fire in 1745,

Jindrisska was rebuilt in the Baroque style. Then, in the 1870s it was reconverted back to the Gothic

style by the famous architect Mocker.

Finally, in 2002 extensive reconstruction transformed

Jindrisska into a wonderful multi-level attraction. Jindrisska is the

highest separate belfry in Prague at 66m high and now has ten floors.

KlementinumKlementinum

Founded in 1232, the Klementinum in Prague is the largest and most historic Founded in 1232, the Klementinum in Prague is the largest and most historic complex of buildings in the Old Town. It covers over two hectares, and is complex of buildings in the Old Town. It covers over two hectares, and is located close to the river, near Charles Bridge.located close to the river, near Charles Bridge. The Klementinum boasts a rich The Klementinum boasts a rich architectural evolution. Since the middle ages, many of Europe's great architectural evolution. Since the middle ages, many of Europe's great astronomers, scientists, musicians and philosophers have worked here, astronomers, scientists, musicians and philosophers have worked here, significantly influencing the development of its wonderful array of buildings.significantly influencing the development of its wonderful array of buildings.

Major buildings in the Klementinum

- Mirror Chapel: a truly beautiful, unique chapel built in 1724, with extensive frescos and carvings. Houses two 18th century organs, one played by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart on his visits to the Klementinum.- Baroque Library Hall: the stunning home

of the Czech National Library, with 20,000 books dating back as far as the 16th century.- Astronomical Tower: 172 steps lead to the top

of the tower for amazing 360° views over Prague.

Lesser Town Bridge TowerLesser Town Bridge TowerThe Lesser Town Bridge Tower is The Lesser Town Bridge Tower is situated at one end of Charles situated at one end of Charles Bridge, and is the ancient gate to Bridge, and is the ancient gate to the Lesser Town (Mala Strana).For the Lesser Town (Mala Strana).For tourists arriving from the Old Town, tourists arriving from the Old Town, this is the main pedestrian entrance this is the main pedestrian entrance to the Lesser Town, a lovely quarter to the Lesser Town, a lovely quarter of Prague with restaurants, bars and of Prague with restaurants, bars and boutique shops.boutique shops.The Lesser Town Bridge Tower was The Lesser Town Bridge Tower was built in the second half of the 15th built in the second half of the 15th century under the rule of King century under the rule of King George of Podebrady. The model for George of Podebrady. The model for its construction was undoubtedly its construction was undoubtedly the Old Town Bridge Tower, the Old Town Bridge Tower, constructed earlier on the opposite constructed earlier on the opposite side of Charles Bridge.side of Charles Bridge.Connected to the Lesser Town Connected to the Lesser Town Bridge Tower by a walkway is a Bridge Tower by a walkway is a smaller tower, Judith's Tower, the smaller tower, Judith's Tower, the only remaining part of the original only remaining part of the original Prague bridge, the Romanesque Prague bridge, the Romanesque Judith's Bridge, which was destroyed Judith's Bridge, which was destroyed by floods in 1342.by floods in 1342.

Old Town Bridge TowerOld Town Bridge TowerThe Old Town Bridge Tower is a beautiful Gothic tower guarding one end ofCharles Bridge, and heralding entrance to the Old Town.This blackened, aged gate was completed in 1380 and forms part of the old fortification system of Prague, built to protect the Old Town against northern invaders.Although partially damaged by the failed attempt of marauding Swedes to occupy the Old Town in 1648, sculptures by Peter Parler (whose genius can also be seen in St. Vitus Cathedral) survive.Climb the 138 stairs inside the tower to reach the tower gallery, for a bird's-eye view over Charles Bridge, the Vltava River, the Old Town, the Lesser Town (Mala Strana) and Prague Castle.On the opposite side of Charles Bridge, guarding entrance to the Lesser Town, is the very similar looking Lesser Town Bridge Tower.

Old Town Hall Tower & Astronomical Clock

The Astronomical Clock, built in to one side of the Old Town Hall Tower, dates from the 15th century.To fully appreciate the clock's intricate construction, join the crowd in front of the tower to observe the procession of the Twelve Apostles: on the hour, every hour, a small trap door opens and Christ marches out ahead of his disciples, while the skeleton of death tolls the bell to a defiant statue of a Turk.Below the Astronomical Clock are 12 medallions with the signs of the zodiac, added by Josef Manes in 1865.

The Old Town Hall Tower, built in 1338, is one of the most striking buildings in Prague. Inside is a staircase and an elevator. For a fee, visitors can climb or ride to the top to experience terrific views over the Old Town Square and the rest of the Old Town.In 1364 the Old Town Hall Tower was joined to a private house adjoining it, which in turn was knocked into other houses beside that. This amalgamation of buildings became known as the Old Town Hall.

Extensive renovation in 1470 further integrated the various houses of the Old Town Hall, and refurbished the whole in the Gothic style.Today the Old Town Hall hosts civic ceremonies in its many rooms, and also houses the primary Prague Tourist Information Centre.

Petrin Hill & Observation Tower

A small version of Paris's Eiffel Tower, Petrin Observation Tower was built in 1891 for the Jubilee Exhibition.The tower is 60m tall, which doesn't sound particularly high until you add the fact that it sits on the top of Petrin hill, overlooking the whole of Prague.The view is magnificent and well worth the 299 step climb to reach the viewing platform. On a clear day it is possible to see the highest peak in the Czech Republic, Snezka, which is 150km from the tower.The Observation Tower is set in landscaped gardens that dominate the summit of Petrin hill. These make for a very pleasant stroll anytime of the year, as an excursion from the city centre.Added to this, there is an observatory and a hall of mirrors to explore (a small entrance fee applies).

Much of the stone used to build the major sights in Prague was quarried out of Petrin hill. Today, however, this is well hidden beneath the gardens and the trees that line the slopes.Petrin Hill is 318m (1043 feet) high. To reach the summit and the Observation Tower, take the funicular up Petrin hill from Ujezd street in the Lesser Town (Mala Strana). Alternatively, catch a taxi or take a 25-30 minute stroll up Petrin hill. The climb is fairly steep, but can be very pleasant, passing through gardens and an apple orchard.

Powder GateThe Powder Gate can trace its origins back to the 11th century, when the original gate was one of 13 entrances to Prague's Old Town.Work on the present structure began during the reign of King Vladislav II in 1475 and was modelled on the Old Town Bridge Tower, built a century earlier.Originally known as the New Tower, its name was changed to the Powder Gate in the 17th century when it was used to store gunpowder.As with other historically important towers in Prague, the Powder Gate retains an appropriately sooty look that reflects its past.

St. Nicholas Church Lesser Town St. Nicholas Church Lesser Town SquareSquare

There are three St. Nicholas There are three St. Nicholas churches in Prague. Construction of churches in Prague. Construction of St. Nicholas Church Lesser Town St. Nicholas Church Lesser Town Square began in 1703 on the site of Square began in 1703 on the site of the former Parish Church of St. the former Parish Church of St. Nicholas, the records for which date Nicholas, the records for which date back to 1283.St. Nicholas Church lies back to 1283.St. Nicholas Church lies at the centre of the Lesser Town at the centre of the Lesser Town Square (Malostranske namesti) and Square (Malostranske namesti) and is the largest of Prague's churches is the largest of Prague's churches founded by the Jesuits.founded by the Jesuits.

The church is the masterpiece The church is the masterpiece of Christoph and Kilian Ignaz of Christoph and Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer, a father and Dientzenhofer, a father and son duo who constructed son duo who constructed many buildings during the many buildings during the Baroque period. Baroque period. Unfortunately, neither lived to Unfortunately, neither lived to see its completion. The see its completion. The building was finished by building was finished by Kilian's son-in-law, Anselmo Kilian's son-in-law, Anselmo Lurago.Lurago.The interior of St. Nicholas The interior of St. Nicholas Church is decorated with Church is decorated with statues, paintings and statues, paintings and frescoes by leading artists of frescoes by leading artists of the day. Particularly the day. Particularly impressive is a fresco of the impressive is a fresco of the Celebration of the Holy Trinity Celebration of the Holy Trinity by Franz Palko, which fills the by Franz Palko, which fills the 70m high dome.70m high dome.

Over the Baroque organ is a fresco of St. Cecilia, patron saint of music. The organs were played by Mozart in 1787.The belfry was the last part of St. Nicholas to be built, constructed by Anselmo Lurago in 1751-56. 

St. Vitus Cathedral At Prague St. Vitus Cathedral At Prague CastleCastle

To many people, St. Vitus Cathedral is To many people, St. Vitus Cathedral is Prague Castle. While the huge Prague Prague Castle. While the huge Prague Castle complex includes many fine Castle complex includes many fine buildings, St. Vitus is the one that dominates buildings, St. Vitus is the one that dominates the city's skyline.St. Vitus is the spiritual the city's skyline.St. Vitus is the spiritual symbol of the Czech state, and a Gothic symbol of the Czech state, and a Gothic masterpiece.masterpiece.Work on the cathedral was commissioned by Work on the cathedral was commissioned by Charles IV and began in 1344 upon the site Charles IV and began in 1344 upon the site of an earlier 10th century rotunda. In all, it of an earlier 10th century rotunda. In all, it took nearly six centuries to complete.took nearly six centuries to complete.Its first builders, Matthias of Arras and later Its first builders, Matthias of Arras and later Peter Parler, built the chancel with a ring of Peter Parler, built the chancel with a ring of chapels, St. Wenceslas Chapel, the Golden chapels, St. Wenceslas Chapel, the Golden Portal and the lower part of the main Portal and the lower part of the main steeple.steeple.

The final phase of construction only ended during the period 1873-1929.As well as being the largest and most important temple in Prague, St. Vitus Cathedral also oversaw the coronations of Czech kings and queens.In the chancel of the cathedral, in front of the high alter, is the royal mausoleum. Below this, in the crypt, there are the royal tombs. Czech kings and queens and patron saints are interred here.St. Wenceslas Chapel is decorated with frescoes and semi-precious stones. A door in the south-western corner of the chapel leads to the Crown Chamber in which the Bohemian Coronation Jewels are stored.

by: Darina by: Darina