Old Town Bridge Tower: A Gothic Gateway to Prague's History

4.8 (13295)

Ascend Prague's Old Town Bridge Tower for breathtaking Gothic architecture and panoramic city views. A historic gateway to the enchanting Old Town.

Home
Czechia
Prague
New Town
Old Town Bridge Tower

The Old Town Bridge Tower, a stunning Gothic structure, marks the entrance to Prague's Old Town from the Charles Bridge. Built in the 14th century under Emperor Charles IV, it served as a triumphal arch for Bohemian kings and a crucial part of the city's defenses. Climb the 138 steps for panoramic views of Prague Castle and the Vltava River.

A brief summary to Old Town Bridge Tower

Karlův most, Prague 1, 110 00, CZ
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 10 am-7 pm
Tuesday 10 am-7 pm
Wednesday 10 am-7 pm
Thursday 10 am-7 pm
Friday 10 am-7 pm
Saturday 10 am-7 pm
Sunday 10 am-7 pm

Local tips

Climb to the top of the tower for stunning sunset views over Charles Bridge and Prague Castle.
Check out the statue of the Keykeeper, who is lifting his skirt, near the top of the staircase.
Visit the small museum inside the tower to learn more about its history and construction.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Charles Bridge Museum

Charles Bridge Museum: Unveiling Prague's Iconic Landmark

Prague Venice Boat Trip

Prague Venice Boat Trip: A Unique River Experience

Story of Prague - Museum

Unveiling the Past: The Story of Prague Museum

Getting There

Walking

From Old Town Square, walk south towards Charles Bridge. Pass the Astronomical Clock and continue down Karlova Street. The Old Town Bridge Tower will be directly in front of you at the entrance to Charles Bridge. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs involved.
Public Transport

Take Metro Line A to Staroměstská station. From the station, walk south on Kaprova Street towards Charles Bridge. The Old Town Bridge Tower will be directly in front of you as you approach the bridge. The walk is approximately 3 minutes. A single public transport ticket costs 30 CZK.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services can drop you off near Křižovnické náměstí, right next to the Old Town Bridge Tower. Be aware of potential traffic delays in the Old Town area. A short taxi ride from Wenceslas Square will typically cost between 150-200 CZK.

Discover more about Old Town Bridge Tower

The Old Town Bridge Tower (Staroměstská mostecká věž) stands as a majestic Gothic monument, guarding the Old Town end of the iconic Charles Bridge. Its construction began in 1357, commissioned by Emperor Charles IV, and was completed in 1380. Designed by the architect Petr Parléř, the tower is considered one of the most beautiful Gothic structures in Europe. Originally, the tower served a dual purpose: as a triumphal arch for the coronation processions of Bohemian kings traveling the Royal Route to Prague Castle, and as a vital component of Prague's fortification system. The tower's architecture is rich with symbolism, divided into sections representing terrestrial, lunar, solar, and celestial spheres. The eastern facade once displayed the severed heads of 12 Czech rebels for a decade following their execution in 1621. Visitors can ascend the tower's 138 steps to reach the viewing gallery, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of Charles Bridge, the Vltava River, Prague Castle, the Old Town, and Lesser Town. Inside, a small museum displays artifacts and information about the tower's history. Keep an eye out for the statue of the Keykeeper near the top of the staircase. The tower's western facade bears scars from a Swedish attack in 1648 during the Thirty Years' War, a testament to its resilience. Today, the Old Town Bridge Tower remains a captivating landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into Prague's rich history and stunning beauty.