The Powder Gate (Czech: Prašná brána) is one of the most important symbols of Prague, located on the border between the Old and New Towns. The building, a remnant of the medieval city walls, has served various functions over the centuries, and its history also hides Polish threads.

Connection with the coronation of Władysław II Jagiellonczyk

The Powder Gate was completed in 1475, and its importance grew during the reign of King Vladislav II Jagiellon (1471-1516) of Bohemia. The Jagiellonian ruler, son of the Polish king Casimir IV Jagiellon and Elisabeth the Rakuszanka, was king of Bohemia from 1471 and of Hungary and Croatia from 1490, and introduced many architectural changes to Prague. The Powder Gate was part of the ceremonial Royal Way, which was followed by monarchs during coronation ceremonies at St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague Castle. Ladislaus II Jagiellon was one of the monarchs who walked this route, giving the Gate a symbolic status.

The Jagiellonian insignia on the gate

Decorative elements associated with Władysław II Jagiellonian have been preserved on the Powder Gate, including the Jagiellonian coat of arms - the crowned eagle and other heraldic motifs. This is a direct testimony to the presence of the Polish-Lithuanian dynasty in Czech history.

When visiting the Powder Gate, it is worth looking at it not only as a Prague monument, but also as a testimony to Polish-Czech relations.

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