This tower, towering over Prague, is visible from almost any part of the city. It looks like a futuristic building that stands out against the background of harmonious architecture.
Despite the fact that it is less often than other city attractions included in the programs of popular excursions and tourist routes, the Zizkov TV Tower in Prague with huge cast-iron babies crawling along it has long been one of the capital’s symbols, as well as an object of 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, which annually receives many tourists and guests.
This is an elegant and friendly city, which many people dream of visiting - those who have a little understanding of architecture and beer. This city has long been considered one of the most magnificent in Europe, which is eloquently spoken by such beautiful names as “the city of a hundred spiers”, “stone dream” and “golden Prague”.
These are cobbled narrow and cozy streets, the wonderful Charles Bridge and a huge number 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 (district of Prague) and named after the victory of the Hussites (the Czech religious movement named after Jan Hus) over the crusader army. The commander is the desperate and fearless Jan ižka, in whose honor this metropolitan area is named.
Zizkov tower
The construction of the tower is three concrete pillars connected by transverse platforms. Television and radio broadcasting equipment are located at an altitude of 100 meters. The tower, having a height of 216 (with an antenna of 260) meters, was built in 1985-1992. The original decoration of the Prague TV tower is huge babies (David Cherny's composition “Babies”, 2000) crawling up.
Using the elevator you can get to the restaurant (height - 66 meters) and to the observation deck (93 meters), from where unique city landscapes are opened within a radius of 100 kilometers. The speed of the elevators is 4 meters per second. There are 3 viewing halls on the tower, in which are suspended and very comfortable cot-chairs for relaxing and viewing panoramas. In the process of such meditation, the whole city rumble is united together - the splashing of the waters of the Vltava River, the ringing of the bells of numerous cathedrals, the noise of urban transport and the chiming clock.
Features of Prague TV Tower
This architectural structure almost immediately received the nickname Baikonur, since in its form it strongly resembles a rocket ready to launch into space. There is still no common 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 called the architectural monument more than once.
A scandal broke out around its construction, as part of the Jewish old cemetery of the 17th century turned out to be on the construction site. And to this day, city residents say that this tower was built literally "on the bones."
In addition, 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 to climb it, even if only because this place is the only one from where it is not visible. And huge babies crawling in design (the work of the scandalous sculptor D. Cherny) evoked quite positive emotions among residents and many visitors to the city. Previously, these "kids" were removed from the tower for the winter, fearing that they might fall under the weight of the snow. However, thanks to sponsorship, these sculptures were fixed, and now they delight the eyes of guests and local residents all year round.
This tower is also used as a meteorological laboratory.
Institutions of the tower
Today, the TV tower is the main part of the Tower Park Praha complex, which is one of the favorite vacation spots of local youth. From the observation deck offers amazing views of the city. You can get to it in 20 seconds on a high-speed elevator. Popular among residents of the city and tourists are the television tower establishments in Prague - the high-rise restaurant and the Clouds bar, located at a 66-meter height.
Located in a tower and an unusual hotel, where there is only one room. This is a luxurious suite (80 sq. Meters) with beautiful panoramic views of the Czech capital. It is very popular with newlyweds who come here from various countries.
How to get there
The 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 the prices in restaurants and cafes are much lower than in the historic center. And getting to the other most popular places from here is not so difficult. For example, a tram ride takes just 10 minutes to Old Town Square.
Directly to the tower itself, public transport does not reach, and therefore you have to walk to it for several blocks (250 meters). You can get there by metro, reaching the station "Jiřího z Poděbrad" or by trams with numbers 11 and 13 to a stop with the same name as the tower, as well as trams No. 26.9, 5 from Lipanska stop. However, she has to climb steeply up. You can also use taxi services.
Reviews
The 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 bar "Clouds" and in the restaurant. The kitchen of these high-rise institutions is given a fairly high mark, although the prices in them are not small.
Many tourists have good impressions of visiting this attraction, especially at night, when all the lights are lit, remain for life.
The opening hours of the Prague TV Tower are from 9 a.m. to 24 p.m.
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.
Finally
One of the most shocking sights of modern Prague - the Zizkov Tower - has caused a lot of criticism and discussion of society. Despite all this, since 1992 the tower has become a familiar and inseparable part of the beautiful landscape of Prague, proudly towering above low-rise buildings. It is especially appealing to young people, as well as tourists, for whom it is a real pleasure to look at the Czech capital from a bird's eye view.