Did you know that...
The paternoster elevator at the New Town Hall is one of the phenomena illustrating the technological advancement of Prague at the end of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. The Paternoster Tour offers you the chance to ride this first circulating elevator in the city. During a 45-minute guided tour, you’ll have a unique opportunity to explore not only the historic paternoster elevator, which is now a technical monument, but also the halls of the New Town Hall, which are not normally open to the public. The building uniquely combines architectural mastery with the groundbreaking technical innovations of the early 20th century.
The guided tour will introduce you to the history and present-day significance of Mariánské Square and the exterior architecture of the New Town Hall. Inside, you’ll walk up the grand staircase from 1911, peek into the large (council) hall, and experience a ride on the paternoster lift. Using authentic photographs, you’ll get a glimpse into the machinery room and learn about the mechanics behind its operation.
Visits are available as part of regular guided tours, offered in Czech and English, with a maximum capacity of 15 people. The tour duration is 45 minutes. For safety reasons, participation is allowed only for individuals aged 15 and over. The tour begins at the entrance to the Astronomical Tower of Clementinum. We recommend booking your spot in advance via email at paternoster@prague.eu.
Address
Mariánské náměstí 2
110 00 Praha 1
The tour starts in front of the entrance to the Clementinum Astronomical Tower.
Nearest stop
METRO, TRAM Staroměstská
BUS Mariánské náměstí
Opening hours
regular time slots of guided tours:
(EN)
Tue 17:00
Thu 17:00, 18:30
Sat 13:00, 17:00, 19:00
Sun 13:00, 17:00
tour duration: 45 minutes
entry only for individuals aged 15 and over
pick up your tickets at the Clementinum ticket office (Klementinum 190, Praha 1)
box ticket office opening hours:
daily 9:00 – 19:00
Admission price list
Category
Regular admission
with the Prague Visitor Pass
entry only for persons over 15 years old