Old, black and mighty Powder Gate is very similar to the Old Town Tower of Charles Bridge. The similarity is not coincidental. The Powder Gate as we see it today was modelled after the aforementioned tower of Charles Bridge. It was completed in late 15th century.
The Powder Gate was erected at the site of one of the 13 entrances to Prague Old Town that existed in the 11th century. Prague was protected by city walls at the time. The structure was originally named the New Tower. It was renamed to Powder Gate in the 17th century as it has been used for powder storage at the time.
If you are willing to take up the challenge of climbing 186 stairs, you can get to the observation platform 44 metres above Prague. Also, there is a permanent exhibition entitled Prague Towers inside the Powder Gate.
Location: Namesti republiky, Old Town, Prague 1. Transport: metro B (station: Namesti republiky).