Czech Kamenice is saving the lookout tower on Studenec

Česká Kamenice (Děčín District) - The town of Česká Kamenice in the Děčín District is saving the lookout tower on Studenec Hill. The second oldest iron lookout tower in Bohemia, built in 1888, is currently being restored off the top of the hill, and it should return by July, marking the 120th anniversary of its opening. The town has also announced a public collection for the preservation of the lookout tower. ČTK was informed about this by the deputy mayor of Česká Kamenice, Vojtěch Marek.
    To preserve the monument, Česká Kamenice is striving to retain as many original parts of the lookout tower as possible. "We must keep as many elements of the structure as possible because the summit is a natural reserve where any new construction is unacceptable," said Marek. Thus, the construction of a completely new replica of the lookout tower, as was originally planned, is not an option. The town will do everything to ensure that the lookout tower is back in its place by July 15. "The deadline is our sincere wish; we are aiming for that date. However, I can't say that this deadline is truly final due to financing," stated Marek.
    To create a complete replica, the town had estimated costs of around four million crowns, but the costs may now be lower depending on the number of preserved original parts. The town is also looking for the most advantageous grant title for co-financing the lookout tower. "We are constantly monitoring issued grant titles; it also depends on which one will suit us in terms of timing," said the deputy mayor. The rest will be covered by the town's budget and from the public collection.
    The lookout tower was already dismantled in parts from the top of the mountain by a helicopter in the autumn. Currently, the lookout tower is disassembled, and part of the structure is now in a specialized company that is assessing which parts of the tower can be preserved and which will need to be replaced with replicas. "Within 14 days, we should know which parts will be newly manufactured," said Marek. The staircase has been fully dismantled; according to Marek, only a few original parts will be reused.
    The newly cast steps for the lookout tower have begun to be sold to sponsors by the town. Anyone who purchases a step for 5000 crowns will have a relief with their name placed on it. According to Marek, the response has been significant so far, and the number of sold steps is changing rapidly. Of the total 56 steps, 15 had already been ordered by Friday. Citizens can also send money directly to a special account of the collection, contribute directly in cash to authorized individuals, or send donation SMS messages.
    The cast iron lookout tower is 17 meters tall and lies at an altitude of 737 meters. In 1996, there were already considerations for its demolition, but then the Ministry of Culture designated it as a national monument.
    In the Ústí nad Labem Region, there are 32 lookout towers, the highest number of any region. Many towns and municipalities have been trying to repair old lookouts in recent years. For instance, two years ago, the Erben Viewpoint in Ústí nad Labem was opened after reconstruction and completion.