This tower overlooking Prague is visible from almost every part of the city. It looks like a futuristic building that stands out against the backdrop of slender architecture.
Despite the fact that it is less often included in the programs of popular excursions and tourist routes than other city attractions, the Zizkov TV Tower in Prague with huge cast-iron babies crawling on it has long been one of the symbols of the capital, as well as an object many legends and conjectures.
What is Prague?
The capital of the Czech Republic is a large metropolis and one of the most popular European tourist centers, annually hosting many tourists and guests.
This is an elegant and friendly city that many people dream of visiting - those who are at least a little versed in architecture and beer. This city from ancient timesis considered one of the most magnificent in Europe, which is eloquently indicated by such beautiful names as "city of a hundred spiers", "stone dream" and "golden Prague".
These are cobbled narrow and cozy streets, the wonderful Charles Bridge and a huge variety of unique architectural and historical sights, as well as unforgettable local cuisine. And among the mass of magnificent architectural structures, this unusual and slightly unusual building for this metropolis stands out - the Prague TV tower, erected in Zizkov (a district of Prague) and named after the victory of the Hussites (a Czech religious movement named after Jan Hus) over the army of the crusaders. The commander is the desperate and fearless Jan Zizka, after whom this metropolitan area is named.
Zhizhkov Tower
The structure of the tower is three concrete pillars connected by transverse platforms. Television and radio broadcasting equipment are located at a height of 100 meters. The tower, which has a height of 216 (with antenna 260) meters, was built in 1985-1992. The original decoration of the TV tower in Prague - babies of enormous size (composition by David Cherny - "Infants", 2000), crawling up.
With the help of an elevator you can get to the restaurant (height - 66 meters) and to the observation deck (93 meters), from where unique urban landscapes open within a radius of 100 kilometers. The speed of the elevators is 4 meters per second. The tower has 3 observation halls, which are equipped with hanging cradles-armchairs that are very comfortable for relaxing and viewing panoramas. During this meditation,the city buzz comes together - the lapping of the waters of the Vltava River, the ringing of the bells of numerous cathedrals, the noise of public transport and the chimes.
Prague TV Tower Features
This architectural structure almost immediately received the nickname Baikonur, as its shape strongly resembles a rocket ready to be launched into space. There is still no general opinion about this tower. Some believe that it is a real decoration of Prague, others are of the opinion that this awkward concrete structure destroys the harmony of the patriarchal city. This tower has repeatedly appeared on the list of the ugliest architectural structures in the world, and at the same time, it has been repeatedly called an architectural monument.
A scandal erupted around its construction, as part of the Jewish old cemetery of the 17th century turned out to be on the building site. To this day, the inhabitants of the city say that this tower was built literally "on the bones."
Besides this, the appearance of the Prague TV tower has a sharp contrast to the traditional architectural structures of the Czech capital. On this occasion, among the locals there is one rather popular humor, which says that it is worth climbing it, even if only because this place is the only one from where it is not visible. And the huge babies crawling along the structure (the work of the scandalous sculptor D. Cherny) caused quite positive emotions among the residents and many guests of the city. Previously, these "kids" were removed from the tower for the winter, fearing that they might fall underthe weight of the snow. However, thanks to sponsorship, these sculptures were fixed, and now they delight the eyes of guests and local residents of the city all year round.
This tower is also used as a meteorological laboratory.
Tower establishments
Today, the TV tower is the main part of the Tower Park Praha complex, which is one of the favorite vacation spots for local youth. From the observation deck offers a breathtaking view of the city. It can be reached in 20 seconds on a high-speed elevator. Popular among residents of the city and tourists of the establishments of the TV tower in Prague are the high-rise restaurant and the bar "Oblaka", located at a 66-meter height.
Located in the tower and an unusual hotel, where there is only one room. This is a luxurious suite (80 sq. meters) with a beautiful panoramic view of the Czech capital. It is very popular with honeymooners who come here from all over the world.
How to get there?
Prague TV Tower is located at: Mahlerovy sady 1, 130 00 Praha 3. It should be noted that this area is very convenient, quiet and peaceful for living, and prices in restaurants and cafes here are much lower than in the historical center of the city. And getting to other most popular places from here is not so difficult. For example, it takes only 10 minutes to get to the Old Town Square by tram.
Public transport does not reach the tower itself, and therefore you have to walk several blocks (250 meters) to get to it. get thereyou can take the metro, reaching the station "Jiřího z Poděbrad" or by trams number 11 and 13 to the stop with the same name as the tower, as well as by trams number 26, 9, 5 from the stop Lipanska. However, you have to climb steeply from it. You can also use taxi services.
Reviews
The TV tower in Prague for many tourists is the most vivid impression of the Czech Republic. From its height, you can see not only all the unique beauty of the capital with its amazing architecture, but also taste the excellent local cuisine in the famous Prague establishments - in the Clouds bar and in the restaurant. The cuisine of these high-rise establishments is given a rather high rating, although the prices are not low.
Many tourists have a good experience visiting this attraction, especially at night, when all the lights are on, remain for life.
Prague TV Tower is open from 9 am to 12 pm.
Although the Zizkov TV Tower is not as popular as other historical sights of the city (for example, Charles Bridge), it is interesting in its own way. Guides are happy to tell the story of the construction of this unique facility.
In closing
One of the most outrageous sights of modern Prague - the Zizkov Tower - has caused a lot of criticism and public discussion. Despite all this, since 1992 the tower has become a familiar and inseparable part of the beautiful Prague landscape, proudly towering over low-rise buildings. It is especially liked by young people, as well as tourists,for whom it is a real pleasure to look at the capital of the Czech Republic from a bird's eye view.
