Písecká Brana, Prague's old city gate is a hidden gem

Places like Písecká Brána, or Pisek Gate, prove how difficult it can be to visit Prague in just a few days. It's one of hundreds of details that the city proudly includes.

It makes sense that it gets overlooked. There's simply not enough time to see everything.

That's why I like to highlight these details. Discovering places like Pisek Gate can be so fulfilling.

Off the beaten path, local and unique - it's what makes Prague so satisfying if you're willing to go just a few minutes out of your way. 

Pisek Gate's front entrance - yes that's grass on the roof

So, if you want to see something different, I highly recommend a visit.

Don't worry, it will only add a few minutes to your itinerary. It's 100 meters from a tram stop and about 2 minutes walk from the metro.

And Písecká Brána is only 7 minutes walk from the castle.

A little history for you

Písecká Brána (Pisek Gate) was built as part of Prague's fortification in 1721. This was one of three gates that controlled the traffic entering the city. The other two were apparently destroyed in subsequent years.

The gate was named after one of the suburbs at the time, Pisek. This suburb no longer exists because of the changing landscape of Prague's Little Quarter (Malá Strana), but the gate remained a symbol of fortification and saw years of armies and supplies pass through.

Then, by 1866 the gate was no longer deemed necessary but somehow remained intact.

Multi-event space at Pisecka Brana

What's there today?

The gate is now part of the district of Hradčany which is in Prague 6. And it's surrounded by beautiful villas and residential buildings.

It houses a cute little cafe and multi-event hall. I've seen anything from a small opera here to family events at Easter. And often the arched hall us used as a gallery space.

The gate itself is not large, so it's easy to visit in just a few minutes. And even if you don't stop in the cafe, it's satisfying to simple wander around and peak inside.

Curiously, the front and back sides are completely different from one another. The front side which faces toward Prague Castle and Queen Anne's palace is softer with white and blue coloring.

While the back side is more menacing with carved figures and military styling in the stonework.

I particularly like how the roof and sides of the gate have gone natural with grass growing around it. It makes the gate seem to be connected to the earth, unlike any other place in Prague.

Detail of the facade on the back side

Where is Pisecka Brana?

This cool place is easy to find. It's one tram stop before Prague Castle and one street from the tram stop Královský Létohradek.

Take the tram 22 to the stop Kralovsky Letohradek, walk down into the little street and turn right at the first street. The gate will be on your left.

You can also find the gate easily from metro station Hradčanská (A line).

The gate is also near Letna park with impressive views over the city. The view below is a short walk from the gate.

The address is K Brusce 5/208, Hradčany.

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