Valdická brána

Valdice Tower (Valdická brána) is a Renaissance gate tower standing right in the heart of Jičín, between Valdštejnovo and Žižkovo squares. It functions as the unofficial symbol of the town and remains one of the most visited viewpoints in the Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj) region.

What will you see there?

The tower stands 52 metres tall. A staircase of 156 steps leads up to the observation gallery, which sits at a height of 32 metres. From up there, the view stretches across the surrounding countryside, taking in the Zvičina hill, the Krkonoše (Giant Mountains) range, Kozákov and Ještěd. That panorama is the main reason to actually climb the tower rather than just admire it from the street below.

The building itself was constructed between 1568 and 1578 as part of the town's extensive fortification system, during the rule of the Trčka of Lípa family. It originally served as one of three gates leading into the town. The tower's current, distinctive look dates back to a 1840 reconstruction designed by architect Josef Oppolzer, who added the wooden observation gallery and the pyramidal roof still visible today.

Why is the tower still standing?

There's a notable historical footnote here: Italian architects brought to Jičín by Albrecht von Wallenstein had plans to demolish the gate in order to enlarge the town square. Those plans never materialized — Wallenstein's death put a stop to them, which is why the tower survives today as one of the few remaining pieces of the town's old fortifications.

How do you get there?

Valdice Tower sits right in the historic centre of Jičín, so it's easily reached on foot from the main square (Valdštejnovo náměstí) — just a few minutes' walk from the old town's other sights. Jičín itself lies in the Hradec Králové region, with good connections to Prague and Liberec.

When should you visit?

The tower is open on a seasonal schedule. In April, May and September it's accessible Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 16:00, and on weekends from 10:00 to 18:00. In June, July and August it's open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. The last visitors are always allowed up 30 minutes before closing time, which is worth keeping in mind if you're planning a late-afternoon visit.

How much does it cost?

A full-price ticket costs 30 CZK, while a reduced ticket (for children, students and seniors) costs 20 CZK. Children under 6 get in for free. It's one of the more affordable attractions in the region, and the view from the top more than makes up for the modest entry fee.

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth climbing the tower, or is seeing it from outside enough? The gate itself is impressive at street level, but the real payoff is the view from the 32-metre-high gallery — the panorama reaches as far as the Krkonoše mountains and Ještěd, so climbing up is well worth it on a clear day.

How long does a visit take? Climbing the 156 steps and taking in the view usually takes about 20–30 minutes, though you should allow extra time for a possible queue on summer weekends.

Is the tower open year-round? No — it operates on a seasonal schedule, mainly from April through September, with hours varying by month and day of the week. Outside the season, the observation gallery is not accessible.

What else is worth seeing nearby? The tower stands exactly between the old town's two main squares, Valdštejnovo and Žižkovo náměstí, making it a natural starting point for exploring the rest of Jičín's historic centre, including the remaining stretches of the old town fortifications.