Orloj tower vs Powder Tower

Two Gothic landmarks, one district edge

The Powder Tower, in Czech Prašná brána, is a Gothic tower in Prague and one of the original city gates, according to Wikipedia. It stands on the line that divides the Old Town from the New Town. The Old Town Hall Tower, by contrast, belongs to the town hall that the Old Town councillors set up in 1338, and it carries the Orloj. One is a gate on the edge of the old city, the other the civic tower at its centre. Both were built in the Middle Ages and both are among the towers Prague City Tourism lets visitors climb.

The Royal Route

Prague City Tourism calls the Powder Gate Tower a monumental entrance by which the coronation processions of Czech kings entered the Old Town, and the starting point of the Coronation or Royal Route to Prague Castle. Wikipedia adds that the tower was meant as an attractive entrance to the city rather than as a defensive tower, and that kings used it for coronation ceremonies from 1836. That ceremonial role is the Powder Tower's own story. The Old Town Hall's story is about government, a clock and a square.

The galleries

Both towers have a viewing gallery at almost the same height. Prague City Tourism gives 44 m for the Powder Gate Tower and 42 m for the Old Town Hall Tower. What differs is what lies below. The Powder Tower stands on the line between the two districts, so its gallery looks over both sides of the gate. The Old Town Hall's gallery looks over Old Town Square, with the Týn Church and its 80 m towers close by. The Orloj is below you on the Hall tower, and the GetYourGuide ticket page says it can be seen from above.

Access and the climb

Access is the clearest difference. Prague City Tourism says of the Powder Gate Tower that the building is not barrier-free. At the Old Town Hall, it describes the way to the tower as barrier-free for wheelchair users, with a lift from the ground floor and a separate lift in the tower, and a fee for the tower lift on the day. If you travel with someone who cannot manage a long climb, or with a wheelchair, that fact decides the comparison. Check the Prague City Tourism pages for the date you travel.

Read next: Prague Orloj visit: practical guide

Where the name comes from

The Powder Tower's name suggests gunpowder, and the sources disagree about it. Prague City Tourism says the tower formerly served as a gunpowder store. Wikipedia says that, despite its name, it was never actually used to store gunpowder. Treat the name as a name. What is not in doubt is that construction dates from the late 15th century, and Wikipedia says its look was inspired by Peter Parler's work on Charles Bridge. The tower has also gone through periodic restoration, so look for scaffolding before you plan a photograph of it.

Which one belongs to the clock

Only the Old Town Hall Tower belongs to the Orloj. The clock is mounted on the Hall's southern wall in Old Town Square, and the parade of the Apostles plays there, on the building you climb. The Powder Tower has no astronomical clock to show you, and the ticket this site links covers the Old Town Hall Tower only. If you came to Prague for the clock, that decides the choice before height or view does, and the apostles guide covers where to watch the parade.

Read next: Prague Orloj apostles: best viewing

Who should skip which

Skip the Powder Tower if you need a step-free route or if the clock is your reason for coming. Skip the Old Town Hall Tower if you have already seen the square from above and want a different angle on the Old Town's edge. If you have time for only one, choose the Hall tower, where the clock, the square and the tower share a single building. If you have time for a second, the Powder Tower is a Gothic gate you can also admire from the street without climbing it.