Daliborka

At the end of Golden Lane in Prague Castle, Daliborka is a round tower built as part of the castle’s northern defences in the late 15th century. It later served as a prison, and its two levels contain exhibits on prison life and instruments of torture. The tower takes its name from Dalibor of Kozojedy, a knight imprisoned after helping rebellious peasants. A legend says he played the violin in his cell, drawing listeners outside. Look around the old interior as you make your way between the levels.

A defensive tower turned prison

Daliborka was built in the late 15th century as part of Prague Castle’s northern fortifications. The round tower later became a prison, a role that shaped its place in the castle’s history. It remained in use as a prison until the end of the 18th century.

The tower’s name comes from Dalibor of Kozojedy, a knight imprisoned after taking in rebellious peasants from a neighbouring estate. A Czech legend says he learned to play the violin in his cell. People gathered outside to listen, and the story became part of the tower’s identity.

Inside Daliborka

The visit takes you through two levels of exhibits about imprisonment and torture. The lower level preserves spaces associated with the tower’s time as a prison, and displays include instruments of torture. There is not a large collection, so the focus is on the surviving setting and the historical objects on view.

The old stairways are part of the experience. One narrow staircase connects the levels, and there is little room to pass when the tower is busy. Move carefully and give others time on the stairs.