Prague is known as the“city of a hundred spires”, but it also boasts old and fascinating towers. Atone time there were thirteen tower gates forming a fornication around Old Town.Only a few of them are left, but luckily for the photograph-crazed tourist likeme, there are many more towers around town.

Here are the ones Icaptured on my recent trip.

Powder Tower Gate is thefirst one I found, totally unintentionally while my friend and I were wanderingaround our very first day.

Completed in 1475, the Powder Gate Tower, which supposedly had been used at one time to store gunpowder, is still the starting point for the Coronation Route to Prague Castle. For nearly 400 years, 19 rulers have taken the route to the castle starting here.

The Old Town Bridge Tower is one of the most beautiful Gothic gateways in the world. Situated on the east end of the Charles Bridge, the tower was commissioned by Emperor Charles IV in the mid-14th century. Like the Powder Gate Tower, it was part of the coronation procession, as new Czech kings passed over the bridge on their way to the castle.

You can climb the 138 steps to the top, for a breathtaking view, but we didn’t realize until we got to the top, that we were supposed to pay, so we weren’t allowed unto the viewing platform. We had to make due with views out the windows.

On the other end of the Charles Bridge are the Lesser Town Bridge Towers – yes, two of them, each built in a different style, with a gate between them leading into Lesser Town.

The smaller tower is Romanesque, dating from the 12th century; its current Renaissance appearance dates to 1591. The taller Late Gothic tower is from 1464 and is more similar to the Old Town Bridge Tower.

And I had to include this picture of it because the bird in the picture looks so cool. 

Then there is the Old Town Hall Tower, which I told you about already last Wednesday.

Back on the other side of the river is Prague Castle, which will get a whole day to itself on this blog. But since I am on towers today, I thought I’d share this one. The Mihulka Powder Tower was built at the end of the 15th century as part of the new castle fortifications. During the time of Rudolf II, an alchemist’s laboratory was located here; later it was a gunpowder store and a dungeon. I had no clue what this picture was of until I starting researching towers of Prague.

Next week, I’ll swing back to the castle, but on Friday’s post I’ll take you to the most medieval and enchanting of towns.