The Great South Tower of the Cathedral was founded in the late 14th century with several subsequent reconstructions. Its beautiful Gothic silhouette is crowned with a Renaissance-style gallery and a spire. The overall height is over 90 meters, and if you don’t mind climbing a winding staircase of 287 steps, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking, 360-degree view of Prague.
Providing one of the best opportunities for picture-taking, the lookout gallery gives a stunning perspective on the Castle grounds, Charles Bridge, Staré Město, Malá Strana and beyond. And of course, the monumental roof and spires of the Cathedral itself.
Halfway up the tower, you can see the largest bell in the Czech Republic, called Zikmund (or Sigismund). It dates from the 16th century and weighs around 15 tons, so it can only be moved by a team of 6 people. Not so long ago, in 2002, a part of the bell cracked, which was interpreted by some as a foreboding of the flood that happened shortly after.
Besides, the visit to the Great South Tower is a chance to look closely at the mechanism of the 16th-century Cathedral clock.
The Tower has a separate entry fee (discount with Prague CoolPass) and can be accessed from the Third Courtyard.
