In the Moravian Karst, there is a new tourist center at the Punkva Caves

Blansko - Visitors to the Moravian Karst in the Blansko area today can utilize a new tourist center in front of the Punkva Caves, which was constructed at a cost of 50 million crowns. The building was approved on Tuesday. It was created according to the designs of architects Gustav Křivinka and Aleš Burián, who are also the creators of the AZ Tower in Brno. At 111 meters, it is the tallest building in the Czech Republic. Jiří Hebelka, head of the Moravian Karst Cave Administration, reported this today to ČTK.
    "Just like the AZ Tower, the new building in front of the Punkva Caves is an example of modern architecture. It stands out from other tourist centers. Their design is more based on folk architecture, usually made from wood and stone," Hebelka stated.
    The new structure, the construction of which was largely funded by the European Union, is made of concrete and glass. It is pass-through. Tourists enter the underground areas from the main hall. It includes souvenir shops. There will be refreshments, a ticket sales area, and a small exhibition on the discovery and exploration of the nearby Macocha Abyss.
    Another new feature is the roofing of the nearby marina on the Punkva River, where boats are moored for underground tours. Approximately 200,000 tourists from around the world visit the caves each year. They are among the most visited underground spaces in Central Europe. Speleologists had been planning the construction of the new facility for years. There was a long delay in funding for the project. The old tourist center was demolished because it no longer met current needs.