Ziskov (Žižkov) Tower

Beauty or beast?  This communications tower is hated by many and loved by few.  Yet for us it has special significance.

During our first two extended stays in Prague we lived just a few city blocks from this tower, a Prague landmark listed in all the guides and a stop on the Hop On/Off tour.

Sometimes we would be in the Metro (subway) for what seemed the better part of an hour as we changed lines and waited for the next train.  Then as we emerged above ground and looked up–there was the tower, not far away at all.  Anywhere in the city we could always get our bearings by looking for the tower.

Now that is even more true.  The tower is literally a homing beacon because our apartment fronts on Mahler Gardens (Mahlerovy sady) in which the tower is located.

This photo is from the lower tower pod.  We live in the lower right building with the red top floor.

 

This photo was taken from our window during a fireworks display for some event in the tower restaurant.

 

 

 

 

This photo taken through our window shows Sterling the Caliber Interactive mascot.  It is a thumb drive I won in a contest.

 

 

 

 

 

There are many parks with beer gardens near our home.  This is Parukarka (Parukářka) hosting a micro brewery festival.

 

 

 

 

Everybody goes to the Charles Bridge and  Old Town Square.  A few go to the top of the Clock Tower for some panoramic photos.

 

 

This one is taken from Letna Park

 

 

 

In winter you must go to the Christmas market.  Every other time of year to a Prague beer garden. Letenské sady (Letna Park) probably has the best view.

 

 

Here we find ourselves at Troja, home to the Zoo, a large botanical garden including a delightful Japanese Garden, a palace and a demonstration vineyard.  Yet not that far from our outstanding Zizkov tower. Stromovka Park is in the middle ground.

Spring time blossoms in the large orchards on Petrin Hill are fantastic.  Here we view over the Valtava River and Old Town to Vinohrady.

 

Not a pretty picture but a welcome one as we return by train from one of our many excursions among the Prague environs.

 

 

We hope you have enjoyed this mini-tour of Prague scenes–all within sight of “our” tower.

If you have any Zizkov Tower pictures, please comment  and we will figure out how to include them on this page–especially some interior shots.

Here is a promotional video that shows the hotel room and other interior shots.