Prague's former communist spy tower reveals its secrets in new exhibition

A historic Prague bell tower once used by communist secret police to monitor Western diplomats is revealing its past through a new permanent exhibition.

Located beside St. Nicholas Church in Malá Strana, the St. Nicholas Bell Tower now houses Guardian of Safety (Strážce bezpečí), an exhibition exploring the building's transformation from a fire lookout to a surveillance post during communist rule.

The exhibition opened on October 6 and offers visitors access to historic rooms, a partially preserved secret police observation post and displays documenting the tower's history, Czech Radio reported on Monday.

During the communist era, Czechoslovakia's State Security Service (StB) used the tower to monitor Western embassies and diplomats in the surrounding neighborhood.

The observation post, located near the top of the building, operated under the codename Kajka. It was also informally known as Dědkostroj, roughly meaning "old men's machine," because retired secret police officers were frequently recruited to staff it.

Visitors can now explore the partially preserved surveillance room, where original decorations remain, including newspaper clippings featuring football and hockey matches.

The exhibition also explores the tower's earlier history. Built in the 18th century, it served as a lookout where watchmen monitored the city and warned residents about fires.

Historic living quarters, including a traditional kitchen and a room decorated with original wallpaper, offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who once worked and lived inside the tower.

According to Prague City Tourism, the exhibition includes information panels and audio guides available in Czech and English, making it accessible to international visitors.

The attraction also features the Bells of Remembrance project, which honors individuals who resisted totalitarian regimes through ceremonial bell ringing.

Prague City Tourism has invested nearly CZK 3 million in renovations to the tower, including improvements to its staircase, entrance and visitor facilities.

Visitors must climb 215 steps to reach the viewing gallery, which stands 65 meters above the ground and offers panoramic views across Malá Strana.

The tower welcomes approximately 50,000 visitors annually.

The attraction is located at Malostranské náměstí 29 in Prague 1.

According to the official visitor information, the tower is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during October and November.

Standard admission costs CZK 200, with reduced tickets available for children, seniors and other eligible visitors. A family ticket costs CZK 400.

Visitors can also take advantage of a 50 percent discount during the first hour after opening.

The historic building is not wheelchair accessible.