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Visitors to the rare Paternoster elevator in Prague will now enjoy riding it at a fee unlike before. The city announced it will charge passengers of the historic elevator a fee from June 2024. This attraction is found in the Prague City Hall on Mariánské náměstí.

The move follows the city’s announcement last year to introduce charges to curb the influx of tourists in the building. It will cost passengers CZK 250, to ride the elevator as reported by iDnes.cz.

Moreover, the iconic elevator has drawn many tourists to the Prague City Hall building with dozens lining up to ride inside. Many times, visitors ignore safety instructions and capacity limits.

Additionally, the surge in tourists over the years has damaged the elevator. Besides, it has disrupted the daily operations of City Hall employees as onlookers marvel at the lift while others wander the buildings and offices.

In 2023, the elevator was closed temporarily for evaluation from April. This sparked the August 2023 Prague City proposal to introduce charges as the new way of operation. As it opens to the public for the summer of 2024, the new rules apply going forward. Prague City Tourism will manage the elevator and organize tours for interested visitors. The revenue collected will cover the costs of offering tourist services.

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What is Unique About the Elevator?

This elevator design is a 20th-century architectural model across office buildings in Europe. It is made of a chain of open compartments that move in a loop up and down inside a building without stopping. Passengers can choose to step on or off any floor they like. Though the EU prohibits the construction nowadays, existing ones can still operate.

The City Hall paternoster became a draw after a video of the elevator went viral, calling it a hidden gem in Prague. One little-known fact is that the name of the elevator and its design have religious connections. “Paternoster,” comes from the Latin term “Our Father” and the linked cabin style replicates the rosary beads.