One of Europe’s most beautiful capital cities is about to get a new addition to its skyline, and it’s not something many have seen before. While many cities try to preserve their historic look, Prague is making room for something completely different: a 135-metre (442ft) skyscraper with a huge rusted shipwreck sculpture lodged into the side of it.
The post-apocalyptic-style building, called Top Tower, has just been approved by city officials and is set to become the tallest building in Czechia, beating the AZ Tower in Brno by nine metres. Located in Nové Butovice, a growing business district in the southwest of the city, the tower will feature a sculpture of a crashed ship’s hull bursting through the upper levels, designed to highlight themes of climate disaster and human survival.
The idea came from Czech architect Tomáš Císař and sculptor David Černý, who is known for his provocative art installations across the country.
The project was originally announced in 2019 but faced heavy criticism from some local residents and politicians, who said the tower clashed with Prague’s historic Gothic and Baroque character.
Now, after years of debate, the updated design has been approved under an agreement that will see developers Trigema, led by entrepreneur Marcel Soural, pay 75.7 million Czech crowns (£2.7 million) towards local infrastructure.
The skyscraper will include 250 rental apartments, office and retail space, and a cultural and experience centre.
There will also be a rooftop viewing deck, underground pedestrian tunnels, and several upgrades to public areas, including new lifts, walkways, and a redeveloped square near Poliklinika Lípa.
Despite its controversial look, supporters believe the skyscraper will breathe new life into the area.
Officials have defended the design by pointing out that the building is far from Prague’s UNESCO-listed Old Town and won’t affect views of the iconic Prague Castle.
Once complete, Top Tower will be one of the city’s most talked-about landmarks, but Prague already has plenty to offer visitors.
Tourists flock to the Czech capital every year to see Prague Castle, the Old Town Square with its Astronomical Clock, and the Charles Bridge, which connects the city’s most scenic districts.
Other highlights include the cobbled streets of Malá Strana, the Jewish Quarter, and the Dancing House.
For panoramic views, the Petřín Lookout Tower is a favourite spot, while Prague’s famous beer halls and historic pubs offer a taste of Czech culture that’s hard to beat.