Daliborka Tower

Built in 1496 by architect Benedikt Ried under the reign of King Vladislaus II, Daliborka Tower was originally intended as an artillery fortification but soon repurposed as a prison. Named after its first inmate, Dalibor of Kozojedy, the tower became infamous for its grim conditions and the legend that surrounds Dalibor.

Dalibor, a young knight, was imprisoned for sheltering serfs who had rebelled against their lord. According to legend, during his incarceration, Dalibor learned to play the violin, and his melancholic melodies echoed from the tower, captivating the citizens of Prague. Moved by his music, locals would gather outside, bringing him food and drink. The phrase 'Necessity taught Dalibor to play' became a Czech proverb. However, some interpretations suggest a darker origin, proposing that 'violin' referred to a torture device, and the 'music' was actually Dalibor's cries of pain.

The tower's interior includes a dungeon accessible only through a hole in the floor, where prisoners were lowered and left to perish. Daliborka ceased functioning as a prison in 1781 and is now part of the Prague Castle tour, featuring exhibits on its history and legends.