From a repurposed tanker, a unique landmark has sprung. Here at Ladronka Park in Prague 6, stands Rozhledna Šiška. It’s not your typical observation tower. Rozhledna Šiška was born from a retired cistern, discovered in a field near Trutnov. Imagine a towering pine cone, its metal scales glinting in the sunlight. That’s the image evoked by Rozhledna Šiška. Its name, meaning “pine cone” in Czech, perfectly captures its distinctive form.
Rozhledna Šiška isn’t just a quirky sight. It’s a testament to the power of creative repurposing. Czech academic sculptor and architect, Čestmír Suška, is the mind behind this unconventional structure. He’s known for transforming discarded objects into innovative observation towers. In 2020, he generously loaned Rozhledna Šiška to Prague 6 for a year and a half. Its popularity led to a longer stay. You can now enjoy it here until at least May 2026.
The tower reaches a height of 11.5 meters. Its viewing platform, at 8 meters, offers panoramic views. Ascend the 41 metal steps of the internal spiral staircase. Notice the triangular cutouts in the steel sides. These were carefully crafted with an autogen to further enhance the pine cone resemblance. The steel surface, exposed to the elements, adds a raw, industrial aesthetic. The entire structure rests securely on a reinforced concrete base. This base is anchored by concrete footings and bolts, ensuring stability against the Prague winds. From the top, your gaze sweeps across significant landmarks in Prague 5 and Prague 6. On a clear day, you can even spot the Hvězda game reserve.
Rozhledna Šiška isn’t a static monument. It’s a traveling artwork. It first graced České Budějovice in 2013. Then it journeyed to Brno in 2015 and Trutnov in 2017. Before arriving at Ladronka Park, it resided at the Collbenka area in Prague 9. Beside Rozhledna Šiška, you’ll find another creation by Suška – Kavárna Šiška, also fashioned from a repurposed cistern. This unique café offers a place to relax and enjoy refreshments after your climb. Both structures share the pine cone motif in their design and name, creating a harmonious pairing in Ladronka Park. So, take a moment to appreciate this unusual landmark. Rozhledna Šiška isn’t just an observation tower. It’s a story of transformation, creativity, and a unique perspective on Prague.