The new tourist center of the Punkva Caves will open in September

Blansko - The new tourist center of the Punkevní Caves in the Moravian Karst will start operations on September 5. It is a modern concrete and glass structure that was built by speleologists for 48 million crowns. It will be in trial operation until October. By that time, the surrounding area will also be adjusted, said Jiří Hebelka, head of the Moravian Karst Cave Administration, to CTK today. He reminded that the Punkevní Caves are the most sought-after natural space in the Czech Republic, attracting about 200,000 tourists annually. Interest in them is increasing.
    The creators of the new building, which will serve as an entrance to the underground, are architects Gustav Křivinka and Aleš Burian. They also designed the AZ Tower in Brno, which is the tallest building in the Czech Republic at 111 meters. Like in this and other projects, the architects employed the most modern solutions in the cave building as well, making it exceptional compared to other tourist centers at caves in the Czech Republic. Typically, these centers are made from natural materials.
    The caves will be closed from August 31 to September 4 due to the relocation of speleologists, equipment, and shops to the new building, and will reopen on September 5. Construction work will continue until October. The old restroom facility must still be demolished and the surroundings adjusted.
    For decades, the function of a tourist center in front of the Punkevní Caves was served by a ground-level building standing under a steep rock wall, from which stones were falling. This structure has been demolished.
    In its place, a new building has emerged. The Punkevní Caves are popular with tourists not only for their rich stalactite decoration. They are connected to the bottom of the Macocha Abyss, and the underground boat ride is also a draw.