Přehled
The Svatomikulasska Zvonice is a prominent municipal monument situated in Prague's Malostranské náměstí. Unlike many towers in the district, this structure was built for secular, municipal purposes, serving as a fire alarm and bell tower since its completion in 1755. Designed by the esteemed architect Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer, the tower is noted for its sturdy construction and 215-step spiral staircase. The site offers an authentic window into history, featuring the city's only accessible black kitchen from the late 18th century. Beyond its early history as a watchman's post, the tower presents a complex, often sobering narrative from the 20th century, having served as a secret police observation point used to monitor nearby Western embassies during the Cold War. Visitors can explore the Custos Turris/City Watch exhibition to understand the daily life of those who served in the tower across different centuries.