Powder Gate

Centuries ago, a Mountain Gate from the 13th century stood on the site of a Powder Gate. In 1348 the New Town was built around the Old Town. After that, the Old Town walls and gates were no longer carefully maintained, as any attacking army would have had to pass through the New Town first. By the 15th century, the Mountain Gate had fallen into disrepair and was commonly referred to as the ‘Ragged Gate.’ The town council therefore decided to construct a new entrance tower.

The new gate was supposed to perform a representative function rather than defensive. The construction began in 1475. lMaster Václav and royal architect Matěj Rejsek built the tower in the late Gothic style. Today we can see a sculpture of Matěj Rejsek at the corner of the Municipal House.

In the 18th century, the tower was used as a warehouse for gunpowder. Hence the name — Powder Gate. Gradually, the building fell to disrepair. At one point, it became unsafe for pedestrians to walk nearby. Parts of stone decorations sometimes fell off the tower. At one time, they were even going to demolish it. But in the second half of the 19th century, the restoration of old monuments came into fashion. The architect Joseph Mocker restored the tower. And today, we can enter the Old Town through this Gothic gate.

If you want to make the most of your visit to Prague, there are plenty of exciting activities and tours to explore the city’s history, architecture, and culture. From guided walking tours through the Old Town to boat trips along the Vltava River, you can discover hidden gems and iconic landmarks. Check out a curated selection of top Prague experiences on the GetYourGuide platform to plan an unforgettable trip.