Powder Gate
Encyclopedia
The Powder Tower is a Gothic
tower in Prague
, Czech Republic
and one of the old city gates. It is one of the symbols of Prague, leading into the Old Town.
Dating from 1475, the Powder Tower was built as one of 13 gates to the city of Prague. When construction began, it was connected (via the small bridge at the right of the photo) to the royal palace. Before construction was completed, however, King Vladislav Jagellonský moved his residence to Prague Castle
in 1485. Nevertheless, the Powder Tower remained important to the Bohemian kings - until 1836, the Bohemian monarchs would pass through the Powder Tower on their way to St. Vitus Cathedral
for their coronation.
As the city grew beyond its old walls, the Powder Tower grew less and less important (except on those rare occasions when a new king was being crowned). By the 17th century, it was being used as a gunpowder storage facility - it was at this time that it developed its name. The tower was severely damaged in 1757 when Prague was occupied by the Prussians, but was eventually restored to its former glory in the 1870s and 1880s.
The Powder Tower was designed by master builder Matěj Rejsek
based on plans by Peter Parler
for the Old Town Bridge Tower at the foot of Charles Bridge
. It is now one of the few remnants of the fortifications that once surrounded the city.
Gothic architecture
Gothic architecture is a style of architecture that flourished during the high and late medieval period. It evolved from Romanesque architecture and was succeeded by Renaissance architecture....
tower in Prague
Prague
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Situated in the north-west of the country on the Vltava river, the city is home to about 1.3 million people, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of over 2.3 million...
, Czech Republic
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest....
and one of the old city gates. It is one of the symbols of Prague, leading into the Old Town.
Dating from 1475, the Powder Tower was built as one of 13 gates to the city of Prague. When construction began, it was connected (via the small bridge at the right of the photo) to the royal palace. Before construction was completed, however, King Vladislav Jagellonský moved his residence to Prague Castle
Prague Castle
Prague Castle is a castle in Prague where the Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors and presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic have had their offices. The Czech Crown Jewels are kept here...
in 1485. Nevertheless, the Powder Tower remained important to the Bohemian kings - until 1836, the Bohemian monarchs would pass through the Powder Tower on their way to St. Vitus Cathedral
St. Vitus Cathedral
Saint Vitus' Cathedral is as a Roman Catholic cathedral in Prague, and the seat of the Archbishop of Prague. The full name of the cathedral is St. Vitus, St. Wenceslas and St. Adalbert Cathedral...
for their coronation.
As the city grew beyond its old walls, the Powder Tower grew less and less important (except on those rare occasions when a new king was being crowned). By the 17th century, it was being used as a gunpowder storage facility - it was at this time that it developed its name. The tower was severely damaged in 1757 when Prague was occupied by the Prussians, but was eventually restored to its former glory in the 1870s and 1880s.
The Powder Tower was designed by master builder Matěj Rejsek
Matej Rejsek
Matěj Rejsek was a famous Czech gothic architect, scholar, and philosopher. He is also known as Matyáš Rejsek.There is probably incorrect year of born 1449 on his memorial plaque in Prostějov.Works:...
based on plans by Peter Parler
Peter Parler
Peter Parler, , Schwäbisch Gmünd – July 13, 1399, Prague) was a German architect, best known for building Saint Vitus Cathedral and Charles Bridge in Prague, where he lived from about 1356....
for the Old Town Bridge Tower at the foot of Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge
The Charles Bridge is a famous historic bridge that crosses the Vltava river in Prague, Czech Republic. Its construction started in 1357 under the auspices of King Charles IV, and finished in the beginning of the 15th century...
. It is now one of the few remnants of the fortifications that once surrounded the city.