Vinohrady Water Tower: A Neo-Renaissance Landmark
Explore Prague's Vinohrady Water Tower: A historical landmark blending neo-renaissance architecture with future water education initiatives.
The Vinohrady Water Tower, or Vinohradská vodárna in Czech, is a prominent landmark in Prague's Vinohrady district. Constructed in 1882 by architect Antonín Turek, the tower initially housed steam engines and a reservoir, pumping water from the Vltava River and later from Káraný to supply drinking water to the surrounding areas of Strašnice, Žižkov, and Vršovice. The tower's neo-renaissance architecture is a sight to behold, featuring statues of angels at each corner and clock faces between them. The seventh floor originally held a tank with a capacity of 200 cubic meters. Although no longer used for water supply since 1962, the building was converted into apartments and offices in 1993 and declared a National Cultural Monument in 1991. Currently, the City of Prague is undertaking a major project to transform the tower into Hydropolis, a modern water education center. This initiative aims to educate the public about water management through interactive exhibits and displays, with plans to open a viewpoint on the roof and a café. The project is expected to be completed by mid-2026.
Local tips
- Explore the surrounding Vinohrady district, known for its beautiful residential buildings, parks, and fin-de-siècle atmosphere.
- Visit nearby Jiřího z Poděbrad Square, home to the Church of the Sacred Heart of the Lord and a popular farmers market.
- Check out the Vinohradský Pavilion, a nearby shopping center with fin-de-siècle architecture and art nouveau style.
A brief summary to Vinohrady Water Tower
- Korunní 66, Vinohrady, 101 00, CZ
- Visit website
Getting There
-
Public Transport
From the city center, take Metro Line A to Jiřího z Poděbrad station, which is a short walk from the Vinohrady Water Tower. Alternatively, several trams and buses stop near the tower. A 30-minute public transport ticket costs 30 CZK, and a 90-minute ticket costs 40 CZK. A 24-hour ticket is available for 120 CZK.
-
Walking
The Vinohrady Water Tower is located at Korunní 66, easily accessible by foot from various points in Vinohrady. From Náměstí Míru, walk northeast along Korunní street for approximately 10 minutes. Enjoy the neighborhood's architecture and atmosphere along the way.
