May 08, 2024

No More Free Rides: Prague’s Paternoster Now Requires a Ticket

The historic Paternoster elevator in Prague’s Old Town Hall will reopen its doors to tourists in June, but this time with a fee.

As iDNES reports, tickets will cost around CZK 250 and will be managed by Prague City Tourism (PCT). PCT will also organize guided tours that include the elevator.

The decision to charge for entry comes after a surge in tourist interest a few years ago, largely fueled by a popular video guide. The influx of visitors caused damage to the elevator and disrupted operations at the Town Hall.

The authorities have since modified the area to restrict access to other parts of the building from the elevator.

Paternosters, a unique elevator design with continuously circulating cabins, are no longer considered elevators under Czech regulations. This allows them to continue operating without needing expensive upgrades to meet modern elevator safety standards.

However, the lack of safety features and the large number of tourists unfamiliar with how to use them safely led to concerns about damage and potential injuries.

These once-ingenious creations were invented in the 1860s by Peter Ellis, an architect from Liverpool, England. They were the world’s only “continuously moving” elevators.

READ ALSO:   Prague to Open Winter Shelters for Homeless People on December 1

Popularly used in government buildings and stores in Germany and parts of Eastern Europe, they captured the imagination of many, including writers and filmmakers who featured the contraption in their work.

The production of paternoster lifts came to a halt in the 1970s due to safety concerns. There are currently 68 of these models in Czechia, about half of which are located in Prague.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

Support Prague Morning!

We are proud to provide our readers from around the world with independent, and unbiased news for free.

Our dedicated team supports the local community, foreign residents and visitors of all nationalities through our website, social media and newsletter.

We appreciate that not everyone can afford to pay for our services but if you are able to, we ask you to support Prague Morning by making a contribution – no matter how small 🙂 .

Tell more about your business

Tell us about your.

Tell us about your.

Tell us about your.

Tell us about your.

Tell us about your.

Thank You, It`s All Good

We will come back to you within 24 housr with our proporsal

Tell us about your.