Henry’s Tower

The Henry Tower, the tallest bell tower of Prague

The Prague audio-guided tour takes you to the foot of the tallest free-standing bell tower of the city: the Henry Tower, which rises to more than sixty-five metres. Imposing and elegant, it dominates this district of the Czech capital.

A watchtower turned bell tower

Built in the fifteenth century, the Henry Tower first served as a watchtower, then as the bell tower of St Henry's church, to which it owes its name. Partially damaged between the seventeenth and the eighteenth century, then deprived of its Gothic roof following a storm in 1801, it was restored by the Czech architect Joseph Mocker, to whom many renovations of buildings in Prague are due.

What there is to see

The tower, of dark stone and Gothic style, impresses with its height and its slender silhouette. Its summit, accessible to visitors, offers a fine view over the roofs of Prague and the surrounding district. Having remained a little off the main tourist flows, it is a quieter stop for lovers of history and viewpoints.

Practical information

The Henry Tower stands in the New Town of Prague. The façade can be contemplated freely from the street; the climb of the tower follows its own schedule, with a charge, whose opening times may vary with the season.

How tall is the Henry Tower?

It rises to more than sixty-five metres, which makes it the tallest free-standing bell tower of Prague.

Where does the name Henry Tower come from?

From St Henry's church, of which it was the bell tower after first serving as a watchtower in the fifteenth century.