When a civilization ends, it does not leave behind a tombstone. Instead, it leaves stackings of stones (i.e. buildings.) We lose the remembrance of individual people, the things they said, did, and wrote, but we remember what they built because those things endure for much longer. The Ancient Greeks and Romans tell us about themselves through their Classical Architecture. We remember the Medieval period in Europe from its castles and Gothic Cathedrals. We remember the early 20th century from the Art Deco buildings it left behind. The style tells us something about their priorities, what they believed, what they knew, and what their hopes were. In a sense, the buildings a culture leaves behind are a kind of epitaph.
Let’s look through the structural epitaphs of our ancestors.
Powder Tower (Prague, Czech Republic)
| Type | Tower |
|---|---|
| Architectural style | Gothic |
| Location | Prague, Czech Republic |
| Coordinates |  |
| Construction started | 1475 |
| Renovated | 1876 |
I really like this building. The name implies that the tower has an association with gun powder, but it was never intended to be a place where gunpowder was stored. It was intended to be an impressive city gate. Perhaps the idea was that anyone approaching would be over-awed by its splendor and forego the use of firearms, or just surrender the idea of conquest altogether.
In any case, the Old Town in Prague had 13 city gates and this was one of them – and perhaps the most eye-catching. It really is a beauty, too. We don’t build enough Gothic Towers anymore.
(more on the Powder Tower, via wiki)
The Powder Tower or Powder Gate (Czech: Prašná brána) is a Gothic tower in Prague, Czech Republic. It is one of the original city gates. It separates the Old Town from the New Town.
Powder Tower, as with many historical sites in Prague, undergoes periodic preservation and restoration. The most recent treatment began Summer 2024 and is scheduled to be completed in October. Jiří Pospíšil, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Tourism stated, ”It is our duty to take care of Prague’s heritage buildings, which are a symbol of Prague and the legacy of our ancestors… Now, in cooperation with Prague City Tourism, we are starting the repair of the Powder Tower, and I am very happy that the tower will have a literal new coat.”
History
The Powder Tower is one of the original 13 city gates in Old Town, Prague. Its construction began in 1475. The tower was intended to be an attractive entrance into the city, instead of a defensive tower. The foundation stone was placed by Vladislav II. The city council gave Vladislav II the tower as a coronation gift. While it was being built, it was called the New Tower. The look of the tower was inspired by the work of Peter Parler on the Charles Bridge.
Vladislav II had to relocate due to riots, so the tower building stopped. He returned in 1485 to live back in Prague Castle, where he lived for the rest of his life, along with the rest of the Kings of Bohemia who lived in Prague. Kings would not return to use the tower or Royal Court until using it for coronation ceremonies starting again in 1836, where they would pass through the tower to go to St. Vitus Cathedral.
Despite its name the Powder Tower was never used to store gunpowder. The gate suffered considerable damage during the Battle of Prague. The sculptures on the tower were replaced in 1876.
This tower is definitely impressive at ground level and in person. As I cannot take you there myself, I think the following walking tour video is the best I can provide you, so that you can see it at its intended scale. It might remake you think what a gate should look like.
This next video is more focused on explaining the details of the building and its art, and more filled with the site’s history. I hope you enjoy it as well.
