The Powder Tower (Prašná brána), one of Prague’s most significant late Gothic landmarks, has successfully completed the first phase of its revitalisation. This phase involved a comprehensive examination of the tower’s exterior. The investigation provided valuable insights into the condition of the structure and its architectural details, which will inform the planned restoration efforts.
Renovation work on the Prague landmark began in the summer of this year and included cleaning the outer shell. A steam generator was used, allowing restorers to accurately analyse the surface structures and identify areas of damage. Chemical and mechanical methods, including laser cleaning, were also employed during the process. “Thanks to the scaffolding, we were able to examine the sculptural elements in detail and make a precise assessment after cleaning off superficial dirt,” explained Petr Kotalík, Head of the Monuments Department at Prague City Tourism.
The investigations revealed that, contrary to earlier assumptions, the Powder Tower had never featured any coloured decoration (polychromy). “The detailed examination of the tower’s exterior has yielded significant findings from both a historical and structural perspective. These will guide the selection of the technological processes for the next stages of restoration,” said Tomáš Rafl, lead restorer on the project.
The renovation of the tower represents a crucial step in preserving this historical monument. The Powder Tower, built in 1475, marks the entrance to the Royal Route leading to Prague Castle. Standing 44 metres high, the tower’s gallery offers spectacular views of central Prague and attracts thousands of visitors each year. In 2024, around 70,000 tourists visited the tower, which is cherished by both locals and international visitors.
