Daliborka Tower: A Glimpse into Prague's Dark Past

Explore Daliborka Tower in Prague Castle: a historic prison with chilling tales of imprisonment, torture, and the legend of Dalibor.

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Daliborka

Daliborka Tower, a cylindrical Gothic structure within Prague Castle, was built in 1496 as a fortification but quickly became a notorious prison. Named after its first inmate, Dalibor of Kozojedy, the tower offers visitors a chilling look into the lives of its prisoners and the history of justice in Bohemia.

A brief summary to Daliborka

Zlatá ulička u Daliborky 12, Prague 1-Hradčany, 119 00, CZ
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Local tips

Purchase tickets as part of the Prague Castle complex ticket for access to various palaces, rooms, and the cathedral.
Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds.
In winter the opening hours of the Golden Lane and the Daliborka Tower are slightly shorter: 9 am to 4 pm.

Getting There

Public Transport

To reach Daliborka Tower, take tram No. 22 to the Pražský hrad stop. From there, it's a short, uphill walk to the Prague Castle complex. Enter the castle and follow signs for the Golden Lane; Daliborka Tower is located at the eastern end of the Golden Lane. A single tram fare costs 30 CZK.
Walking

From Malostranská metro station (line A), you can walk to Prague Castle via the Old Castle Stairs. Follow the tram No. 22 for 100 meters, then turn left to the Old Castle Stairs and climb the steps up to the gate Na Opyši. Once inside the castle complex, follow signs to the Golden Lane; Daliborka Tower is at the end of this lane. Be prepared for a steep climb.

Discover more about Daliborka

Daliborka Tower, an integral part of the Prague Castle complex, offers a captivating, if grim, journey through Czech history. Constructed in 1496 during the reign of King Vladislaus II, the cylindrical Gothic tower initially served as a robust artillery fortification. Its strategic significance quickly evolved as it became a notorious prison, housing notable figures and common criminals alike. The tower is named after its first prisoner, Dalibor of Kozojedy, a knight who, according to legend, sheltered rebelling serfs. His story has become intertwined with the tower's identity, symbolizing the complex interplay between power, justice, and art in Czech history. Legend says that Dalibor learned to play the violin while imprisoned, his music evoking sympathy from the people of Prague. Visitors to Daliborka Tower can explore its storied past through various exhibitions. These include displays of torture instruments and prison cells, providing a tangible connection to the historical events that transpired within its walls. The tower's thick walls, narrow windows, and defensive architecture reflect the military engineering advancements of the late 15th century. The tower is open to visitors from 9 am to 5 pm daily.