The observation tower at Orlík Castle in Humpolec will be built

Humpolec (Pelhřimovsko) - A lookout tower will be built on the ruins of Orlík Castle in Humpolec by next autumn. The construction was approved by a significant majority of the councilors. They also allocated 70,000 koruna for the project development. According to the schedule, the town hall should obtain a building permit in April, and work should begin in spring. Jiří Kučera (ODS), the mayor, told ČTK.
    The proposal by Jihlava architect Martin Franěk includes a spiral staircase outside the current tower, which does not affect its statics, and partial reconstruction of its top. "The view from the top of the tower will be fantastic. The lookout tower will increase the tourist attractiveness of Humpolec and its surroundings," said Kučera. According to him, the costs will amount to several million koruna. The city will try to find a suitable grant.
    According to conservationists, the proposal is not in conflict with the interests of heritage protection and will not damage the state-protected heritage values if the conditions described in the statement of the Telč branch of the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ) for the city office in Humpolec are fulfilled. "This is not a definitive approval for the construction, but an approval of the 'idea' that will be further developed under certain given conditions so that the protected monument is not harmed," said Tomáš Vícha, head of the heritage protection department of NPÚ in Telč, to ČTK earlier.
    People could vote on the construction on the city website or by using polling cards in the information center. According to Kučera, nearly 1,200 voters participated in the poll. "In the physical questionnaires, which are conclusive, there was an overwhelming majority of affirmative votes," said the mayor.
    The city has been trying to construct the lookout tower in the Orlík Castle area for the past few years, during which a comprehensive proposal for the preservation of this medieval ruin was developed. There were also considerations to establish an observation point outside the castle area on Havlův Hill. However, it proved to be quite complicated due to property rights relations.