Description: The Powder Tower is the gateway to the Royal Route, which leads through the Old Town, over Charles Bridge to the castle. Until 1836, this route was used by the Bohemian Monarchs on the way to their coronation in the St. Vitus Cathedral at the Prague Castle.
The 65m tall Gothic Powder Tower was a surprise to me as I had not heard of it before going to Prague. It was built in 1475 during the reign of King Vladislav II at the site of an 11th century gate, one of Prague's 13 original city gates. The master builder Matous Rejsek constructed an ornate tower based on the 14th century Old Town Bridge Tower. Originally the tower was known as the Mountain Tower, but ever since the structure was used as a gunpowder storage space in the 17th century, it has been known as the 'Powder' Tower.
The monumental tower was severely damaged during the Prussian occupation in 1757. It was finally rebuilt between 1875 and 1886 by Josef Mocker. In the 1990s the Powder Tower, like many other historical buildings in Prague, was beautifully renovated and I now regard it as a ‘must-see’ on a Prague visit.
The Municipal House Concert Hall & Exhibition Centre, which is right next to the Powder Tower, is Prague's most prominent Art Nouveau building and is worth a visit on that score alone. Situated on the site of the former Royal Court Palace, this impressive building is a frequent stop for visitors drawn in by the art nouveau gold trimmings, stained glass, sculpture, and the regular exhibitions and concerts.
Historically, the Municipal House had been used as a seminary and a military college, but it was finally demolished and replaced by the present cultural centre, with many exhibition halls and an auditorium designed by A. Balasek. On October 28, 1918, the Municipal House was the scene for the proclamation of the independent state of Czechoslovakia.
Boasting the biggest concert hall in town, The Smetana is situated in the heart of the building, and is sometimes used as a ballroom. The interior is decorated with works by leading Czech artists from the early 20th century—most notably the famous Alfons Mucha.
There is also a café and the famous French Restaurant in the lobby hall.
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