Petrin Observation Tower

Strahov monastery stands on the fringe of the large park that covers most of the surface of Petrín Hill, on top of which we can find the Petrin Observation Tower. Once part of a largest forest that was cleared in the Middle Ages in order for a part of it to become King Charles IV‘s vineyards, is today a green lung of gardens and fruit trees, squirrels and birds that encompasses a famous iron tower, similar to the Eiffel Tower in Paris (but smaller).

Petrin Observation Tower was built in 1891 for a Jubilee Exhibition that was held north of the city, in just 4 weeks time. In 1930 it was moved on top of the 320 m Petrin Hill (thus taking its name) in order to serve as a lookout tower. It is 63 meters tall and has two observation decks that you can reach by climbing up its 299 stairs. It can offer you one of the best views of Prague and its surroundings that on a clear day can reach all the way to the highest peak in the Czech Republic, Snezka, 150km away.

On the grounds a mirror maze housed in a Disney-like Gothic building, also from the exhibition of 1891 can make you feel like you are playing a role in The Prestige and Prague’s observatory that is open to the public can offer you a glimpse of the universe as well as to some historic astronomical instruments.