Petřín Tower Turns 125

When the Eiffel Tower in Paris was erected for the 1889 World’s Fair, it almost instantly became one of the most iconic structures around the world.

As the story goes, a group from the Czech Club of Tourists, including Dr. Viléma Kurz and architect Vratislav Passau, were so impressed by the Tower during a visit to World’s Fair that they decided Prague should have its own version.

Less than two years later, and after only four months of construction, the Petřínská rozhledna (Petřín Lookout Tower) was unveiled atop Prague’s Petřín Hill, adjacent to Prague Castle.

It’s been a local landmark – and among the most visited locales in Prague – ever since.

This August, the Petřín Lookout Tower celebrates 125 of existence since being unveiled at the Prague Jubilee Exhibition in the summer of 1891.

On Saturday & Sunday, August 20-21, Prague City Museum will be coordinating a series of events to honor the tower, which will include a guided walking tour, a magician and creative program for kids, and more.

The Český klub velocipedistů (Czech Velocipede Club) will also be on hand with historical bicycles and period dress.

Trivia: the Petřín Tower served as Prague’s main TV signal provider from 1953 until the Žižkov TV Tower went into operation in 1992.

The Tower is 63.5 meters tall and sits upon a hill 318 meters above sea level, making it the highest point in central Prague. Visitors to the top can climb 299 steps or pay an additional fee to take an elevator.