Železná panna, Medieval tower in České Budějovice, Czech Republic

Železná panna is a four-storey Gothic tower from the 14th century on the Zátkovo nábřeží embankment in České Budějovice, at the confluence of the Vltava and Malše. Its present appearance dates from a rebuilding after a lightning strike and fire in 1612. The ground floor served as a prison until 1825, and a direct entrance was cut in the 19th century.

The Gothic tower dates from the 14th century and formed part of the medieval city walls, also serving at times as an armoury, a prison and housing. A lightning strike set it on fire in 1612, and the present appearance results from the rebuilding that followed. Its ground floor held the prison until 1825.

The tower serves as a landmark that shows visitors how medieval cities built their fortifications. Its stonework reveals the construction methods and materials that builders used centuries ago.

The tower stands on Zátkovo nábřeží at the confluence of the Vltava and Malše, a short walk from the city centre. It has been open to the public since 2005, but only on selected days between May and September, so check the opening days before setting out.

The tower's name comes from a legend that an iron maiden torture device was kept inside. A replica of that device, made in 2004, stands on the top floor, and the tower has housed the only permanent exhibition in the Czech Republic about Přemysl Otakar II since 2017.