In Kaplice, a new observation tower was opened for 12.3 million

Kaplice (Českokrumlov region) – A new observation tower costing 12.3 million crowns was ceremoniously opened yesterday on Hradišťský Hill near the town of Kaplice in the Český Krumlov region. The investor was the Association of Towns and Municipalities of Pomalší, which received around nine million crowns in funding from the Czech-Austrian cooperation project ATCZ 41GrenzRad. The approximately 30-meter-high structure is intended to contribute to the development of tourism in the Novohradské foothills, increase the visitor numbers to the town of Kaplice, and the Novohradsko-Doudlebsko region, said project coordinator Tomáš Šedivý.

The observation tower stands at an elevation of 780 meters above sea level. Its floor plan refers to the shape of a five-petaled rose, emblematic of the noble Rožmberk family. The project of the observation tower was designed by Brno architect Pavel Jura. The construction combines larch wood and galvanized steel elements.

The city of Kaplice has long sought to build the tower on the hill where there used to be a Celtic settlement. "Unfortunately, the zoning plan did not allow us to build it, and we also had to negotiate with the conservationists," said Mayor Pavel Talíř. According to him, it is challenging for the town and the surrounding area to compete in tourist appeal with Lipno, Český Krumlov, or Třeboň and its surroundings. "We have the phenomenon of castles on the Malše River, and the observation towers should be another attraction," added Talíř. The observation tower, which opened today, offers views not only of the Novohradské Mountains, but the Alps can also be seen from it.

Construction of the tower, based on a project from 2015, began last summer. The Czech Tourist Club marked several hiking trails to the tower, and in the future, a marked route should connect it with other observation towers in the vicinity.