Old Town Bridge Tower

The Old Town Bridge Tower is one of the most noteworthy Gothic buildings in the world. The tower was commissioned to be built by Emperor Charles IV to a design by Master Ota (after his death, Michael Savoský continued his work, and after him, Peter Parler). The gate connecting with the Old Town of Prague was also conceived as a symbolic arc de triomphe through which Czech Kings passed on their coronation journey through the city, to St Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle. →

Its construction began soon after the foundation stone of Charles Bridge was laid in 1357. The builder placed the tower on the bridge pillar between the first and second arches of the bridge. The building was completed under Wenceslas IV, at the beginning of the 15th century. The distinctiveness of the building is highlighted not only by the rich sculptural decor, but also by its timber structures, especially the roof beams arrangement, from 1387. Let us not forget to mention the statue known as the ‘Towerman’ [Vežník] which, research suggests, may be the world’s earliest depiction of a syphilis sufferer. The figure exhibits in its time typical attributes of the third stage of this sexually transmitted disease. Given the date of the work’s creation, around the mid-15th century, this would indeed make it the earliest rendition. 
The tower has witnessed several momentous events. At the end of the Thirty Years’ War in 1648, Prague’s right-hand riverbank citizenry manged to fend off Swedish troops, partly thanks to the Old Town Bridge Tower. Nevertheless, as a result of Swedish cannon fire, the rich Gothic decorations of the west (river) side of the tower were extensively damaged. 
The tower made history for the second time during the 1848 uprising, when the rebels repelled Austrian troops trying to cross the bridge. More information can be found here.

Services on offer

Inspection tours

  • Individual tour of the historic tower with a view from the gallery and a tour of the permanent exhibition ‘The Tower’s Mystery’
  • Guided tours of the tower or special-occasion events

Renting the property:

  • Unconventional tours of the tower outside opening hours
  • Private tours of the tower for corporate events or individuals
  • Special tours for school groups or special-interest groups
  • Weddings
  • Rental of the tower for the purpose of holding private events (corporate meetings, events for the professional public, etc.)

Opening hours

January – March 26: Mon - Sun 10.00 am - 6.00 pm
March 27 - May: Mon - Sun 10.00 am - 7.00 pm
June - September: Mon - Sun 9.00 am - 8.30 pm
October - November: Mon - Sun 10.00 am - 6.00 pm
December: Mon - Sun 10.00 am - 7.30 pm

Admission

basic | reduced | family: CZK 190 | CZK 130 | CZK 380
Lítačka card holder: CZK 170
Combi-ticket – Old Town Bridge Tower + Lesser Town Bridge Tower: CZK 280 | CZK 190 | CZK 560
Multi-ticket "9 objects in 365 days": CZK 990 | CZK 690 |  –  |
Early Bird Discount initiative: 50% off the admission fee every day during the first hour after opening
10% discount on admission when buying an eTicket online

Free admission for children under 5. The reduced admission fee is intended for children aged 6-15, students under 26, seniors over 65, and holders of disability identification card ZTP. The family ticket is valit for 2 adults and up to 4 children.

Contacts

Karlův most
 Praha 1 - Staré Město

General information

Rentals, events

Operations manager