What if these cold stones could whisper tales of desperation? This is the White Tower. It stands at the west end of Golden Lane here at Prague Castle. The White Tower has a dark history.
Originally, it was an artillery tower. But it became a dreaded dungeon during the reign of Rudolph II. Noblemen, debtors, and rioters were imprisoned within these walls. The White Tower’s history is interesting and frightening.
Imagine Katerina Bechynova of Lazany. In 1534, she was lowered by rope into the White Tower’s vault. This windowless dungeon became her tomb. Katerina was convicted of murdering 14 people. Her cruel deeds included cutting her victims and pouring salt into their wounds. Starvation, thirst, and the White Tower’s frigid temperatures led to her death.
Edward Kelley was one of the White Tower’s most famous prisoners. He was an alchemist in the service of Rudolf II. The White Tower also held leaders of the Czech Protestant Estate rebellion. They were defeated at White Mountain in 1620. Before their execution at Old Town Square, they were held here. Some prisoners carved the year 1620 into the stone door. You can still see it clearly today.
The White Tower served as a prison until the 18th century. Then it became a storage space. In 1942, Prague Castle employees moved here. Their homes were occupied by Nazi officers. The last employees left the White Tower in 1954. After they left, the tower was restored.
The White Tower stands as a stark reminder of a darker time. Its stones hold silent stories of suffering and injustice. Though not open to the public, its presence speaks volumes. It echoes with the cries of those who were confined within. The White Tower remains a chilling landmark in Prague’s history.