Beroun is preparing a complete reconstruction of the lookout tower on Mount Děd

Beroun - Beroun is preparing a complete reconstruction of the lookout tower on Děd Hill. The twelve-meter structure is in poor condition and had to be closed. The city is also considering increasing its height, as it no longer serves its purpose due to the growth of trees, said city hall spokesperson Jitka Soukupová, as reported by ČTK.

The nearly 130-year-old lookout tower has been out of operation since the end of September. The load-bearing structure of the stairs is particularly damaged. It could collapse and endanger visitors. The city has already approached a studio for repairs, with which it collaborated on designs for the summer cinema and the footbridge in Kozly.

The stone lookout tower Děd is located on the eponymous hill in the northern part of Beroun. Many locals consider it one of the symbols of the city. The tower was built in 1893 by the Czech Tourist Club (KČT) in just four months, and its construction cost 3000 guilders. At that time, it provided a beautiful view from its balcony, and it was said that one could see as far as Milešovka in the Czech Central Highlands.

Later, the tower was owned by the national enterprise Turista and ČSTV. During the restitution in the 1990s, KČT wanted to regain it, but it turned out that the lookout tower was not recorded in the land register and had no owner. According to the law, it thus belonged to the state and was acquired by the city a few years ago.

Beroun can also boast another lookout tower. On Městská hora near the center stands a concrete vantage point that has offered a nice view of the city since 1936. In its vicinity, tourists can visit a bear enclosure from the popular evening show Méďové directed by Václav Chaloupka.