Souvenir Stamp in St. Nicholas Bell Tower in Prague
For me, the St. Nicholas Bell Tower (Svatomikulášská městská zvonice) is one of the main sights and landmarks in Prague. I have lost count of how many times I have visited this tower during the seven years I have lived in the city — it is definitely my favorite viewpoint in Prague!
As you know, I collect souvenir stamps in my travel book, along with sketches I have created. So, this past weekend, I visited the St. Nicholas Bell Tower again to add its stamp to my sketchbook!
Please visit this article if you want to learn more about souvenir stamps. I will continue discussing St. Nicholas below 🙂
A little bit of History
The St. Nicholas Bell Tower is a prominent Baroque structure located in Prague’s Lesser Town (Malá Strana). Built between 1755 and 1756, the bell tower is part of the Church of St. Nicholas, one of the most significant examples of Baroque architecture in Central Europe.
Standing 79 meters tall, the tower served not only as a bell tower but also as a watchtower, where guards kept an eye out for fires or other dangers. A small room near the top of the tower was used by the watchmen.
During the Cold War, from 1952 to 1962, the tower was used by the Soviet KGB as a surveillance station to monitor the surrounding embassies and diplomatic activities in Prague.
How to get there
To reach the St. Nicholas Bell Tower in Prague, head to Malá Strana (Lesser Town). The tower is located at Malostranské náměstí, right next to the Church of St. Nicholas.
You can take tram lines 12, 15, 20, or 22 to the “Malostranské náměstí” stop, which is just a short walk from the tower. Alternatively, it is a 10-15 minute walk from the Charles Bridge or a 20-minute walk from Prague Castle.
Where to put the stamp
When purchasing your ticket to the tower, do not forget to ask the seller about the souvenir stamp! They are usually happy to help with any questions. And you can spot the stamp and ink through the glass as a reminder, so you won’t forget 🙂
View from the top and more
The view from the top of St. Nicholas Bell Tower is truly breathtaking. As you ascend to the observation deck, you can see the iconic red rooftops of Malá Strana, the majestic Prague Castle, and the graceful curve of the Vltava River. The Charles Bridge stretches out below, connecting the old and new parts of the city, while the distant hills add a serene backdrop. It is a perfect spot to take in the beauty of Prague from above.
While climbing to the top, you will pass by the watchman’s quarters, where guards once lived while keeping watch over the city. These small, historic rooms offered a glimpse into the daily life of the tower’s guardians.
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