The gate was constructed on this place in the 11th century and was one of the 13 gates of the Old Town. The newly constructed tower's foundation stone was placed in 1475 by King Vladislav II. The gate is based on Peter Parler's Old Town Bridge Tower design. The gate's defensive value was low. The sculptural design referred to the surrounding royal palace. Construction ceased after eight years when the king was forced to depart the city. When he returned in 1485, he wanted a more secure residence.
The gate received its current name in the 17th century, when gunpowder was stored there. The sculptural decoration was damaged during the Prussian occupation in 1757 and later completely removed, only to be rebuilt in 1876.
The Powder Tower, along with the Old Town Bridge Tower, is the only intact fortification in Prague's ancient Old Town. In the nineteenth century, architect Josef Mocker renovated, redesigned, and adorned the tower, giving it a neo-Gothic appearance. The tower gained its name from the 18th century when gunpowder was stored there. Today, the tower is beautifully ornamented with statues of Czech rulers, patrons, and saints.
The spiral staircase has 186 steps and a 44-meter-high gallery that is open to the public and provides a breathtaking view from the summit. There is an interesting permanent exhibition about Prague's towers.
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