aventuro
Žižkov Television Tower
Very popular Contemporary and urban with a futuristic industrial edge.
Žižkov Television Tower, Mahlerovy sady 1, 130 00 Praha 3-Žižkov, Czechia
Photos
Interesting facts
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The tower's design by architect Václav Aulický incorporates a foundation built atop a former Jewish cemetery.
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The baby sculptures are known as 'Miminka' and were initially intended as a temporary installation before becoming a permanent fixture.
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The tower is engineered to withstand strong winds and thermal expansion, often swaying slightly in extreme weather.
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The structure includes an 'Observatory' room that features acoustic installations meant to replicate the sounds of Prague streets.
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It is frequently cited in polls as one of the ugliest buildings in the world due to its stark contrast with the city's baroque architecture.
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The pods of the tower were constructed using a specialized aluminum cladding to reduce weight.
Overview
The Žižkov Television Tower is a 216-meter-tall transmitter structure, holding the title of the tallest building in Prague. It is instantly recognizable by the ten giant, crawling fiberglass baby sculptures created by artist David Černý, which were permanently attached to the pillars in 2000. Visitors can access an observatory deck located at a height of 93 meters that provides 360-degree views of the city. The structure features a luxury hotel suite, a restaurant, and a bistro, all housed within the tower's pods. Built between 1985 and 1992, the tower remains a controversial landmark due to its high-tech brutalist architecture set against Prague's historic skyline. The tower uses three concrete shafts to support the structure, with one dedicated to elevators and two for technical equipment. It remains a functioning transmitter for television and radio signals in the Central Bohemian region.
Photo spot
From the park base looking directly upward to capture the contrast of the crawling baby sculptures against the steel pillars.
Insider tips
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Visit the bistro on the middle level for a more casual experience compared to the formal restaurant.
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Check the weather forecast before your visit, as low visibility can obscure the panoramic views from the observatory.
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The tower's exterior lighting is synchronized to the colors of the Czech flag on national holidays.
What to avoid
Avoid arriving during heavy fog or low cloud cover, as the viewing deck offers minimal visibility in those conditions.
Plan your visit
- Architectural Style
- High-tech brutalist
- Notable Features
- David Černý 'Miminka' sculptures
Frequently asked
How long should I spend at Žižkov Television Tower?
Plan for about 1-1.5 hours to see the highlights.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit is Late afternoon to catch both the daylight city views and the transition to the nighttime city lights..
What's the best photo spot?
From the park base looking directly upward to capture the contrast of the crawling baby sculptures against the steel pillars.
What else is nearby?
Close by you'll find Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Prague Astronomical Clock.
