At Orlík Castle in Humpolec, a lookout tower may be built

Humpolec (Pelhřimovsko) - A lookout tower could be built at the ruins of Orlík Castle in Humpolec as early as next year. People can express their opinions on the city council's intention in a survey, with councilors set to decide on November 20. If they decide positively, visitors could admire the view from the top of the tower at Orlík by the end of October 2014, said Mayor Jiří Kučera (ODS) to ČTK.
The construction, according to him, would not be complicated. The design by Jihlava architect Martin Franěk includes a spiral staircase outside the current tower, which does not affect its static integrity, and a partial reconstruction of its top. "The view from the top of the tower would be fantastic, increasing the tourist attractiveness of Humpolec and its surroundings," said Kučera.
According to conservationists, the design does not conflict with heritage preservation interests and will not damage state-protected heritage values provided that the conditions outlined in the statement from the Telč branch of the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ) for the city office in Humpolec are met. "This is not a final approval for the implementation of the construction, but an approval of the 'idea,' which will be further developed under certain conditions to ensure that the protected monument is not damaged," said Tomáš Vícha, head of the NPÚ heritage department in Telč, to ČTK.
According to him, the costs would amount to several million crowns. The city would try to find a suitable grant. People can vote on the construction on the city website or using survey slips at the information center. According to Kučera, around sixty people have participated in the survey so far, with most opposing the construction of the tower. "It is only a small percentage of citizens, so the survey is not entirely representative. Therefore, it will not be binding, serving only as a supplement for the council's decision-making," said Kučera.
The city has attempted to construct a lookout tower in the Orlík Castle area in previous years, during which a comprehensive proposal for the preservation of this medieval ruin was developed. Consideration was also given to establishing a viewpoint outside the castle area on Havlův Hill. However, this turned out to be quite complicated due to property law relations.