At the western end of Charles Bridge in Prague, two towers and a decorated gate mark the entrance to Malá Strana. The smaller Judith Tower has a Romanesque core from the 12th century; the taller Gothic tower, built after 1464, is open to climb. From its gallery, look across the bridge and the Vltava River towards the Old Town, Prague Castle and the dome of St. Nicholas Church. There are plenty of steps, but the gallery is 26 metres high, below the tower’s full height.
Two towers at the bridge entrance
At the Malá Strana end of Charles Bridge, a gate joins two towers that mark the route into the district. The smaller tower is known as Judith Tower. Its core dates to the 12th century, and its present appearance is Renaissance, following a rebuilding after a fire. The tower is not open to the public.
The taller tower is Gothic and was built after 1464, replacing an earlier structure. It was restored in the 19th century by Josef Mocker. Together, the towers and connecting gate form a historic entrance beside the bridge.
Views from the gallery
The taller tower has an observation gallery 26 metres above the ground. From there, you can see Charles Bridge, the Vltava River, the Old Town and Prague Castle. The dome of St. Nicholas Church and the rooftops of Malá Strana are also visible. Direction signs at the gallery help identify parts of the city.
The gallery sits below the tower’s full height of 45 metres. Reaching it means climbing many steps, so allow for the ascent when planning your visit. The view gives a different angle on Charles Bridge from the Old Town Bridge Tower at the opposite end.
FAQ
Can you climb the Lesser Town Bridge Tower?
Yes. The taller Gothic tower is open to visitors, with an observation gallery 26 metres above the ground. The smaller Judith Tower is not accessible to the public.
What can you see from the tower?
The gallery looks over Charles Bridge and the Vltava River towards the Old Town and Prague Castle. You can also see Malá Strana rooftops and the dome of St. Nicholas Church.
How many steps are there?
The visit involves climbing many steps, but the available information does not give an exact count.
Does the Prague Visitor Pass include admission?
Yes, admission to the tower is included with the Prague Visitor Pass.
