Žižkov TV Tower - babies at the cosmodrome. Žižkov Tower in Prague - the tallest and most terrible building in the Czech Republic The Babies of David Cerny

There are many architectural monuments located in Prague. Each of them carries the historical significance of one of the ancient cities of Europe. But the Žižkov TV Tower, despite its “young” age, attracts the attention of many tourists, and is an adornment of one of the ancient cities of Europe.

What is located on the territory of the tower Offices Museum Restaurant Observation deck Hotel

Description

The tower was built in 1992 according to the design of the architect Vaclavo Aulicki. It consists of concrete, glass and metal, the structure of three pillars and three observation platforms resemble a huge spaceship.

Once completed, the tower divided local residents into pros and cons. Some people did not like the new architectural structure; this decision was reinforced by the fact that it was located on the site of an old Jewish cemetery. But there were also those who were happy with the new building, because the tower not only introduced some kind of innovation, but also provided an opportunity to admire the city from a bird's eye view, since it is the tallest building in the Czech Republic.

The Žižkov Tower is part of the Tower Park Prague complex and at the same time serves as the city's television center. In the daytime, it is like an anchor that attracts numerous residents and curious tourists into its “embraces.” At dusk, the tower is illuminated in the colors of the Czech flag and takes on a futuristic appearance.

Decorations of the Žižkov TV Tower or giant babies

The huge structure had perhaps one drawback - for all its height, it was inconspicuous in appearance. Sculptor David Cherny was tasked with correcting this misunderstanding. So in 2000, sculptures of 10 black babies appeared along the outer perimeter of the structure.

If you look from the bottom up, you get the impression that the kids are crawling on the very edge of the entire structure. There is a reason for such a strange arrangement of sculptures, because they serve not only as decoration, but also balance the entire structure. The sculptor himself personally calculated their location, thereby not only strengthening the entire structure, but also adding a decorative element to it.

Observation deck

One of the main places on the territory of the tower is the observation deck. It is located at an altitude of 93 meters. The most convenient way to get to it is by high-speed elevator. In just 20 seconds you will reach the site and be able to enjoy stunning views of the entire area.

Here, for the convenience of visitors, there are cozy armchairs. The interior is furnished in the style of a science-fiction film set. If desired, guests will be able to enjoy the view of the city through a huge telescope, or examine in detail the model of the tower located in the center of the site.

Close to art

For art lovers, there is a gallery on the 4th floor of the tower. It is not permanent, so it is advisable to inform yourself before visiting which exhibition is currently taking place.

Restaurant and best room

On the territory of the tower there is a luxurious restaurant “Oblaka”. It is furnished in high-tech style, so the interior resembles a spaceship. Here everyone can enjoy European cuisine, listen to pleasant music or admire Prague at night.

In Prague, the Žižkov TV Tower is also famous for its luxurious six-star hotel. The peculiarity of this complex is that there is only one room. Cozy apartments are very popular among newlyweds. The highlight of the whole room is the opportunity to admire the ancient city from any place. Even in the bathroom you can see the landscapes of Prague.

Prague, TV tower

Prague TV Tower

Prague TV Tower(Žižkovská věž) is located at address Mahlerovy sady 1, 130 00 Praha 3, Height 216 meters. Costs TV tower Prague in the Žižkov area. How to get to Prague TV tower. Photo report about the visit Prague TV tower.

TV tower in Prague is the tallest building in the Czech Republic.Prague TV Tower is an honorary member of the World Federation of Tall Towers.

Many have argued and continue to argue to this day whether it was necessary to build this TV tower almost in the historical center of Prague? Interesting fact, it seemed to me that the Prague TV tower is not noticeable from other areas Prague, i.e. it is not visible unless you specifically look for it. By TV tower they crawl very cute babies, whom he invented David Cherny. They look great. Now these babies can be seen on Kampa Island. I still don’t understand, did they make spare kids or update the old ones?

Interesting facts about these babies.

In 2000 Prague TV tower finally said goodbye to its so-called communist past ( TV tower built in communist Czechoslovakia), because the “Babies” sculptures from the modern Czech sculptor David Černý were installed on it. However, these little ones crawling in different directions along TV tower little children can be observed over the next 11 years, looking as if they had always been there.

The most interesting thing is that when these kids were hanged Prague TV tower, then in the winter of 2001 they were removed from there, because they were afraid that when the snow began to fall, they would fall out of there along with the snow. And God forbid, on anyone’s head. I can’t imagine how they were removed/hung, they are huge and probably weigh about a ton. But within a few months, the people of Prague had already become attached to the babies, they began a campaign to get them back, and soon the babies returned.

By the way, David Cherny is such an interesting artist that he posted the following information on his website: “At the moment, the estimated period for babies to be in Prague TV tower– 10-20 years. That is, until they fall off on their own. Everyone hopes that doesn't happen, but who knows." With these words he spoke about these sculptures. All the crawling babies are without faces, this is not visible from the ground, but it is so, you can verify Kampe. At the time when Cerny was coming up with his children, there was an anti-abortion program in the Czech Republic, so David supported this program.

Before Prague TV tower we walked from the station náměstí Míru, there are stations that are located closer, but walking around Prague is a pleasure. The weather was good, the landmark was visible from afar.

Let's go inside TV towers, there is an elevator, we bought tickets for a small price, you can go up to the first level, there is restaurant, were not hungry, because... came to TV tower in the morning, and the prices seemed quite high.

Take it to the next level Prague TV tower, there is an observation deck (about 90 meters), the view is very beautiful, the only thing that spoiled it was the cloudy glass.

We admired the views, took pictures, went down and went on a walk. I like it, TV tower in Prague I really like it, there are never many people there. When we were there, we were the only ones there. I recommend.

Official site Prague TV tower http://www.praguerocket.com/

The Žižkov Television Tower in Prague is an active television station in the city and a tourist attraction, around which there have been a lot of dark legends and controversial rumors since its appearance.

Babies made of cast iron, trampled Jewish bones, increased electromagnetic radiation - no matter what scares our fellow tourists, but you still want to look at Prague from a bird's eye view, because the spectacle is worth it!

TV tower, which is called in Czech Žižkovský vysílač and is the main part of the complex Tower Park Prague, is not included in popular tourist routes. However, it can be seen from almost anywhere in Prague.

High level of... contradictions

The entire structure, made of glass, concrete, metal and God knows what else, looks like a rocket. It consists of 3 pillars, united by observation platforms. For 20 years now, since the appearance of the tower, the natives have not been able to come to a common denominator in assessing this futuristic structure. Some people like the tower in Zizkov, others cannot stand it, calling it “an ugly socialist misunderstanding.” The creation of Václav Aulický, despite the negative, has become a real new symbol of Prague and a fashionable place for young people.

The TV tower in Prague is visible from everywhere - literally, from any city. And not everyone is happy about this.

To get to the very top and see with your own eyes the red roofs of Prague and the wonderful landscapes from above, you need to overcome 93 meters. It is at this height that the observation deck is located.

And the height of the tower together with the spire is 216 meters. There are no higher buildings in the Czech Republic. By the way, by world standards, this is not so much for a tower. The weight of the structure is almost 12 thousand tons.

Babies are crawling...

If climbing stairs is not your thing, you can use the high-speed elevator, which takes tourists to three observation rooms and a cafe in just 20 seconds.

The elevator has already brought someone to the fourth floor.

Just for fun, you can try crawling onto the TV tower like “Babies” David Black (David Černý), however, this method of lifting is unlikely to be approved by the security of the television center. This scandalous sculptor breeds ambiguity throughout the Czech capital. Statues by him can be found in parks, streets and avenues of Prague. So they took root on the TV tower. And, unlike the television center itself, they evoke exclusively positive emotions among the native Prague residents.

In the first year, during the winter season, faceless babies were taken down from a height, fearing that under the weight of snow they would bombard the area under the tower. But then the author of the sculptures found sponsors who helped secure the “children” on a vertical surface. By the way, a favorite pastime of tourists is counting “babies,” because this information is rarely found in guidebooks.

Now you too will be puzzled by the question - how many babies are there, really? An Internet search today does not provide a direct answer to this question. Probably they don’t want to reveal the secret. But we will definitely tell you everything - at the end of this article.

Why don't Prague residents like the TV tower?

There are at least three reasons.

1. The Žižkov TV Tower is unusual in shape. There is no smell of classics here, much less baroque style. The structure resembles a launch complex at a cosmodrome and sharply contrasts with the architectural ensembles of Prague. Perhaps that is why the tower has so many enemies among the Prague residents. They even joke: “In Prague, you should definitely climb the TV tower, because this is the only place from where you can’t see it!”

2. The second version of dislike is this: they don’t like the tower due to its location, because she stands on bones. Indeed, there has been a Jewish cemetery here since the 18th century. There were a number of graves under the TV tower at the time of its construction. Radical residents of Prague call construction on the site of a graveyard sacrilege and unanimously dislike the erected structure. By the way, the cemetery still exists - it is located right next to residential buildings, and such proximity does not bother anyone.

3. They do not add popularity to the TV tower and are very high prices for the entrance to the viewing room, the size of the average check in the restaurant there and a paid telescope.

The sights and sounds of Prague TV Tower: Observation Deck

There are not many visitors to the tower. Crowds at the ticket office and at the telescope are excluded. You can always sit in cozy hanging cradles on the observation deck and look at the impressive landscapes of the Czech Republic without fuss, while listening to the sounds of the city. “Orloj”, the bells of St. Vitus Cathedral, the rustle of the Vltava waters and the noise of the metro will help create a complete image of the capital of the Czech Republic. To remember this wonderful place, you can buy a coin from the souvenir machine.

At night the tower is illuminated. Most often she shines.

Restaurant on the tower and bar "Oblaka"

The appearance and interior decoration of the tower are reminiscent of 60s science fiction. For example, the reception desk is shaped like a huge glass ball with legs. And the high-rise restaurant (66 meters above the city) and the Oblaka bar are the most fashionable establishments in Prague. The prices here are quite high.

A spiral staircase leads up from the restaurant. Climbing its steps, you can get acquainted with the towers of dozens of countries around the world. Each tower, its location and height are engraved on a separate step. But the Prague residents did not find a place for the Russian Ostankino Tower. This staircase leads to the hotel.

Hotel with 6 (!) stars

There is a meteorological laboratory and a unique luxury hotel with 6 stars on the Žižkov Tower. The only room with huge panoramic windows is loved by newlyweds. And although the cost of the pleasure is 30 thousand crowns, there are always those willing. The hotel's furnishings are made in high-tech style. Here you can admire Prague from a height of 70 meters even from the bathroom.

How to get to the "ugliest tower"?

The Žižkov Tower is visible from afar, but getting to it is not easy. If you are not by car, you will have to walk a couple more blocks from any transport. From the Jiřího z Poděbrad metro station to the tower you need to walk to the northeast.

Just in case, the exact address is: Mahlerovy sady 1, 130 00 Praha 3.

Trams 5, 9 and 26 will take you to the Lipanská stop, and from there there is also a walking race. Here we are!

Well, in 2000 the tower finally said goodbye to its so-called communist past, because it was established that, Tanechka?

Because it was established that, Tanechka?

The “Babies” sculptures from the contemporary Czech sculptor David Černý were installed on it. You've probably heard his name a lot lately, as he created a panel for the Czech Republic's presidency of the European Union.

This is how another scandalous sculpture “Entropa” was born. But this, of course, is a separate conversation. Nevertheless, these babies crawling up and down the tower can be observed over the next 20 years, they merged so organically with the structure.

The most interesting thing is that when these kids were hung on the tower, they were removed from there in the winter of 2001 because they were afraid that snow would start falling and they would fall out of there along with the snow and kill someone. But within a few months, the people of Prague had already become so attached to the babies that they began an active campaign for their return, and soon the babies returned.

By the way, David Cherny is such a funny artist that he posted the following information on his website: “Currently, the expected period for babies to stay on the tower is 10-20 years. That is, until they fall off on their own. Everyone hopes that doesn't happen, but who knows." These are the words that accompany his work.

Olechka, have you noticed that all the babies crawling around the tower are without faces?

I noticed it, but I don’t know what it’s connected with.

There was a campaign against abortion in the Czech Republic, and now David Cerny found a solution to express his protest against abortion. He created babies without faces.

I think it's very thoughtful. But David Cherny is known for the fact that he is not such a simple artist, and all his works have deep subtext. By the way, I must say that there is rarely a crush on the tower, and now there is an elderly couple with us on the observation deck. We decided to ask them why they climbed this tower?

“This is our first time here. In general, we are not from Prague, but from the city of Benesov near Prague. We have been wanting to come here for a long time, and we finally succeeded, which we are very happy about. And we climbed the tower to see the view of Prague from here, and we were not disappointed - it was very beautiful!”

Well, we’ve probably told you enough about the tower, and, in conclusion, perhaps to summarize, let’s say that the tower is an honorary member of the World Federation of Tall Towers. By the way, here on the walls you can see photographs of her “colleagues.”

For example, a tower in Chicago, whose height is 444 meters, in Auckland, in New Zealand - there the tower rises 328 meters above the ground, a tower in Melbourne, in Australia, whose height is 270 meters, and, by the way, in the capital of Uzbekistan - in Tashkent, its height is 375 meters.

- We have already said that Prague residents have different attitudes towards the tower; many residents of the city still do not like it and say that it offers the best view of Prague, since the tower itself is not visible from it. By the way, this saying is attributed to Guy de Maupassant, who said the same thing about the Eiffel Tower.

Perhaps it may be so, but, to be honest, this tower is deeply attractive to me, perhaps because I have no reminiscences of the communist past.

But I like it because babies crawl on it, and it turned from socialist realism into a surreal building.

Absolutely right, Tanechka. Well, on this optimistic note we will probably say goodbye to you. By the way, we here, Tanya, did not perform one of our favorite rituals with you. Guess which one?

Jump from a tower?

No, have some coffee! Because there is also a good restaurant here. But we will leave this to the discretion of our radio listeners, who, perhaps, when visiting Prague, will want to visit it and drink a cup of coffee here, enjoying the beautiful views of Prague.

And with this we say goodbye to you! Olya Vasinkevich and Tanya Krzhelinova were with you. Let's hear you!

Updated 02/12/2020 Views 497 Comments 0

One of the attractions of Prague is the television tower, which I call “Tiwi Tower”, because the Czech version of the pronunciation (Žižkov something like that) has not yet caught on with me. Looking ahead, I immediately recommend this area for you to stay in case you are not delighted with the tourist center of Prague. This area is quite convenient, quiet, calm, and prices in cafes and restaurants are lower. But getting from here is not so difficult. The same place is only 10 minutes away by tram. There is also a metro in this area. Now let's return to the TV tower in Prague.

For all its strangeness, the tower is the best viewpoint of the city, from where you can view all corners of Prague with comfort and a camera. 360 degree view. Although it should be noted that the central part is quite far from here and you can recognize the main attractions only by silhouettes.

Not the most popular attraction, so there are no crowds, which is great. The observation deck is equipped with telescopes and hanging chairs in the “Men in Black” style, which, coupled with the small number of visitors, makes the observation deck a very cozy and interesting place to visit.

I traditionally came before sunset to take photos of day and night Prague at once. So there is a problem with night photos: the light from the interior illumination (blue and red) is reflected in the glass and all this is visible in the photo. Plus the glass is cloudy and dirty. But during the day it doesn't really bother me.

In the evening, the outside of the tower begins to shine “with all the colors of the rainbow” - lights like the Czech flag come on. If there are clouds in the sky, it looks like “fire”. It's like being in a science fiction movie.

At the top of the tower there is a restaurant called "Clouds" and your seat (i.e. window size) will depend on the amount of your order. The drinks (bar) have smaller windows and a worse view. A full meal will have a tall window and an excellent panoramic view. On the day I arrived (Friday) in the afternoon, there were no seats in the restaurant. They said that we had to book in advance. Please take this into account. Therefore, I limited myself to only the observation deck. But according to reviews, the restaurant is overpriced and the quality is average. So I wasn't upset.

The restaurant downstairs on the ground “Mimino” is also, according to reviews, not ice. So it’s better to come here only to the observation deck.

Historical reference

The Žižkov TV Tower is considered the tallest building in Prague, in particular and in the entire Czech Republic - globally. It was designed in 1985 - it was from there that this “unprecedented” futurism of the era of socialist realism came to us, which was brought to life already in 1992. And against the backdrop of the beautiful city, this tower does not look “at all.”

In 2000, as an experiment and to “decorate” the tower, ten sculptures of crawling, faceless, black babies were placed on it. On all the main resources dedicated to Prague, you can see in the photo the tower with babies. But they are no longer in my photographs - they were removed in 2017 for reconstruction and never returned. The tower isn't one of the most amazing buildings anyway, and these babies are just like fragments of the horror game "Silent Hill", although I probably would have liked it.

By the way, the building occupies some top rating among the ugly buildings in the world, which somehow inexplicably made it a source of pride for the Czech Republic (but this is not accurate). The height is 260 meters and the tower is visible from almost all areas of Prague. There is even a joke that the best views of Prague are from the Žižkov Tower because you cannot see the Žižkov Tower from it.