Žižkov

Developed as one of the city’s first industrial suburbs and for a long time viewed with a certain circumspection by the rest of Prague, Žižkov is today the most energetic, dynamic and innovative area of Prague.

As in many other cities around the world, the former working-class area in Prague has become a favourite neighbourhood for artists and students and is now a very active and lively area.

Architectural restyling and various urban redevelopment projects, which are still ongoing, have made it an interesting area to visit, with plenty of clubs and bars open until late.

If you don’t like crowds of tourists, you might also consider staying in Žižkov: it is certainly cheaper than the centre, but it is easily accessible by public transport.

You will also have the chance to see a more authentic Prague, the one inhabited by the Prague people, and to witness underground events that you would be unlikely to know about staying in the centre.

The history of Prague’s working-class district

The name of the Žižkov district as well as its reputation as a rebellious quarter are linked to Jan Žižka, the one-eyed Hussite hero. On Vítkov Hill, just above what is now the Žižkov quarter, the commander managed to win a decisive and heavy victory over the army of Sigismund of Luxemburg in July 1420.

From 1881 to 1922 Žižkov was an independent municipality under the name Žižkov People’s Republic ; the area was inhabited by many left-wing revolutionaries well before the advent of communism in 1948.

Žižkov Television Tower

Žižkov’s architectural abomination (or its futurist jewel, depending on taste) is the television tower, which has become one of the symbols of the district. It is the last major building constructed in the city by the communists, built between 1985 and 1992.

At 216m high, the tower is lit up at night in white, red and blue, the colours of the Czech flag, and is easily visible from all over Prague. A further touch of whimsy are the statues in the shape of babies by artist David Cerny.

Renamed Tower Park Praha, the tower is now a popular tourist attraction. Its panoramic terraces, conveniently accessible by fast lifts, will allow you to enjoy an unparalleled 360° view of the city.

If you want to prolong the thrill of seeing the city from above, you can stop and dine in the exclusive restaurant located 66m above the ground. Elegant interiors and modern international cuisine washed down with the best Czech wines or beers will make this a truly memorable experience… for your wallet too!

Can’t content yourself? The highlight of a visit to the TV tower is … spending the night! Inside Tower Park Praha is what is probably the most exclusive one-room hotel in the world! Prices are sky-high, but then again, you want to sleep high, don’t you?

Things to do in Žižkov

Here’s what’s interesting to see in Žižkov besides the television tower:

• National Monument, on Vitkov Hill, originally conceived as a memorial to the Hussite commander Jan Zizka, was modified by the communists to suit their propaganda purposes.
• New Jewish Cemetery, built in the 19th century when the old Jewish cemetery was closed. Less famous than the cemetery in the Jewish quarter, it is equally impressive. The writer Frank Zafka is buried here.
• Olsany Cemetery, an 18th-century cemetery where Jan Palach, a university student who set himself on fire in protest against the communist regime, is buried.
• U Ruzoveho Sadu Inn, a historic neighbourhood bar, which has gone down in history for continuing to pour beer in the middle of the night even during communist censorship.