Discover

The unique 'Žižkov Television Tower' was built in Prague between 1985 and 1992. It looms above the city's skyline from its position on top of a hill in the district of Žižkov, from which it takes its name.

Contents

Characteristics

Reputation

Recent Changes

David Černý sculptures

Alteration of transmitter support

See also

External links

Characteristics

The structure of the tower is unconventional; it consists of three concrete pillars that carry cabinets for the transmitters, a restaurant and cafe, and three observation rooms. From afar, the tower resembles a rocket launchpad. The tower is 216 metres high, with the observation decks at 100 metres and the tower restaurant and cafe situated at 63 metres in the lower 'pods'. Elevators, equipped with speedometers, swiftly transport passengers to the different levels at a rate of 4m/s. The tower weighs 11800 tons and is also used as meteorological observatory. It belongs to the World Federation of Great Towers.

Reputation

Like many examples of communist-era 'brutalist architecture' in Central and Eastern Europe, the TV tower is generally resented by the local inhabitants. Although official criticism during the time of its construction was impossible, unofficially the tower was lambasted for its 'megalomania', its 'jarring' effect on the Prague skyline, and for destroying part of a cemetery situated near the tower's foundations. However, the official line remains that the cemetery was moved some time before the tower was conceived.
Rumours have also circulated that the tower was used during Prague's communist era to jam incoming western radio and television transmissions (particularly Radio Free Europe) and that it had a potential use as a communications facility for Warsaw Pact forces in the event of an attack on NATO.
For these reasons, Czechs are often mystified as to why visitors (especially from Western Europe and North America) are so fascinated with the tower. These same Czechs also say that the best view of Prague is from the TV tower as it is the only place in Prague that it can't be seen. Today, the tower management attempts to attract Czech visitors by focusing on the tower's technological innovations.

Recent Changes

David Černý sculptures

In 2000, sculptures by Czech artist David Černý of crawling babies were temporarily attached to the tower's pillars. The sculptures were admired by many and were returned in 2001 as a permanent installation.

Alteration of transmitter support

Sometime during 2006 the white, cone-shaped top section and associated panel supports immediately below the striped TV transmitter were removed, leaving a squared finish to the transmitter support. It is currently unknown as to whether this is a permanent change, perhaps to accommodate further transmitter equipment, or the temporary result of maintenance.

See also

List of towers

External links

★ Prague TV Tower website (in English)