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When you look at the Prague skyline, it becomes apparent that there are several structures significantly newer than the rest. One of the spires that pierces the iconic view from the castle is white instead of black or copper and looks like it’s from an episode of the Jetsons. The Zizkov TV tower is one of the newest additions to the architecture of the city and remains one of the most distinct as well. Here are some fast facts about the tower so you know before you go:

 

Zizkov Tower

 

  1. The TV tower was constructed between 1985 and 1992 and many local residents detested the construction because of it’s spaceship-esque appearance.
  2. The babies you see crawling up the tower are by artist David Cerny. The babies you see today are duplicates, as the originals were returned to the artist in 2017. For a similar set of sculptures, check out the babies on Kampa Island.
  3. On a similar note, the babies were initially taken down a year after their installation in 2001 and were re-installed permanently by popular demand.
  4. The TV tower houses a single luxury hotel room, which costs a cool 21,000 czk per night and features spectacular views of the city.
  5. In the wintertime, a skating rink is open beneath the tower where anyone can rent skates and enjoy the crisp winter air.
  6. Though the tower is typically lit with the colors of the Czech flag, the colors are often changed for holidays, days of observance and more.
  7. The TV tower reaches a staggering height of 216 meters (709 feet) and has multiple observation points that guests can visit.
  8. According to the Tower Park website, visitors can see up to 100 kilometers on a clear day.
  9. The Zizkov TV tower has been voted the second ugliest building in the world, only beaten by the Morris A. Mechanic Theater in Baltimore, Maryland.
  10. The park surrounding the tower used to be a bare platform. Now it includes a mini golf course, so bring a friend and while away a sunny afternoon in the shade of the tower!

Have you ventured to Zizkov yet to experience the tower and its views for yourself? Let us know what you think!