Prague’s Powder Gate Completes First Phase of Restoration

The Powder Gate in Prague has completed the initial phase of its revitalization project.

This stage included a detailed assessment of the tower’s outer facade, enabling restorers to gather critical data about the structure and its architectural elements.

These findings will serve as the foundation for a comprehensive renovation plan. The first phase also included cleaning the tower’s exterior, with the total cost amounting to CZK 5 million.

The follow-up project documentation for the full restoration will begin next year after all survey results are analyzed, with completion of these findings expected by April 2024.

“In December, we will remove all scaffolding from the Powder Gate, which was in place for less than five months,” said Petr Kotalík, head of the Monuments Administration at Prague City Tourism.

“This allowed us to examine the condition of sculptural details thoroughly, especially after cleaning away surface dirt.” Kotalík added that in addition to basic cleaning with a steam generator, advanced methods such as chemical, mechanical, and laser cleaning were tested.

“During our survey, we specifically looked for traces of original polychromy, or colored decoration,” explained Tomáš Rafl, the project’s lead restorer.

“The assumption that the Powder Gate never featured colored decoration was confirmed. By examining the tower’s shell, we acquired essential information from both historical and structural perspectives. Based on our tests, we will select the optimal technological methods for the next phase of repairs.”

The Powder Gate, built in 1475, is among the most iconic examples of late Gothic architecture in Prague. It marks the entrance to the Royal Route, which leads to Prague Castle.

Standing 44 meters high, the tower’s observation deck offers stunning views of Prague’s city center, attracting thousands of visitors each year. In 2024 alone, the Powder Gate welcomed nearly 70,000 domestic and international tourists.

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