Experts are creating materials for the reconstruction of the Powder Gate in Prague

Prague - Experts are currently taking photographs of the facade of the Powder Tower in Prague, from which they will create a three-dimensional plan of the building. This will serve as a basis for the reconstruction of the tower. The Museum of the Capital City, which manages the late Gothic Powder Tower, informed about the photogrammetry method at today’s press conference. According to current estimates, the reconstruction of the building could start in the autumn of next year.

The photogrammetric plan, which will be created based on photographic and laser techniques, will document in detail the current state of the tower and its historical development. The map will assist architects in selecting suitable methods for the reconstruction.

"Comprehensive documentation of the entire monument with such detail is relatively rare in the Czech Republic. Experiences from this work will therefore serve in the future and will be used and summarized in the prepared methodological guides and procedures," stated geodesist Jiří Vidman.

The sandstone that forms the exterior shell of the Powder Tower has been affected by weather conditions and air pollutants. Some decorative elements are loosened enough that they could fall out at any moment, which is why the tower has had to be covered with a safety net.

In addition to restoration work on the facade of the tower, the Powder Tower is awaiting reconstruction of its interior spaces, where it is necessary to replace the electrical installation and reinforce the floors. Due to their load-bearing capacity, it has not yet been possible to install a permanent exhibition inside the tower.

Experts will be taking photographs of the tower’s shell from a cherry picker until November 17. They will subsequently photograph the interiors. However, capturing the interior will take several months because the Powder Tower will remain open to visitors.

The Powder Tower is one of the symbols of Prague. Celetná Street begins there, forming the first part of the Royal Route leading to Prague Castle.