Žižkov Television Tower

The tower rising above Žižkov is really unmissable on the Prague panorama. The Žižkov Tower is a television transmitter and is the tallest building in the Czech Republic, measuring 216 metres. In 2009, the server VirtualTourist.com declared it the second ugliest building in the world. At the height of 93 metres is the observation point, which offers one of the most breathtaking views of Prague. The space 30 metres lower offers a no less imposing view and a range of refreshments at the restaurant, bar and café. At 70 metres is an absolutely exclusive one room hotel.

Construction of the tower began in the 1980s and it was opened in 1992. The tower stands on three pillars and as such it reminds most people of a rocket about to launch. This design is unique in the world and it was the work of the architect Václav Aulický. This controversial building was met with a lot of mixed reactions from the very beginning and over time has had its share of unflattering nicknames. In present times, the Žižkov Tower has been attracting more and more fans, who see in it a simple and elegantly effected piece of utilitarian architecture and a modern landmark of Prague.

Since the beginning of the millennium, the tower has ten statues by the controversial Czech artist David Černý climbing on it. These depict babies with their faces deformed by bar codes. Three similar babies can be seen on the Kampa island, in front of the Kampa Museum.

Where

Žižkov

Address

Žižkovský vysílač

Mahlerovy sady 2699/1
Praha 3 – Žižkov
130 00
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In close proximity to the transmitter, there is a Jewish cemetery with an interesting history. It was open for a relatively short time from the end of the 17th century to the mid-18th century during the plague epidemic and the War of the Austrian Succession. During the 1960s, part of the cemetery gave way to the Mahlerovy sady (gardens). In the 1990s, the cemetery was again reduced further for the building of the Žižkov Tower. The Jewish tombstones removed during the first interference with the cemetery during communism were subsequently used as paving on 28. října street, which leads from Wenceslas Square to Národní třída.

Jana, Avantgarde Prague

Žižkov Television Tower

Address

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