The lookout tower on Pekelský Hill will be designed by students of FA TUL

Raspenava (Liberec region) - A lookout tower is planned to be built on Pekelský Hill near Raspenava. The idea was brought forward by the founders of the civic association Lookout Tower Pekelský Hill, Zdeněk Kerhart and Gregor Kubát. The form of the structure will be chosen from proposals by students from the Faculty of Architecture and Art of the Technical University of Liberec. The cost of the project should not exceed five million crowns, Kerhart told ČTK.
    The idea for the construction of the lookout tower came to Kerhart and Kubát during one of their surveys of Pekelský Hill. They discovered the remnants of the foundations of an amphitheater from the interwar period, and a military triangulation station was also built in its immediate vicinity. According to witnesses, there used to be a beautiful view of the Jizera Mountains from there. "Due to the high forest cover, the lookout tower will be about 35 meters tall," noted Kerhart.
    According to the association members, several factors support the construction of the lookout tower. The height of Pekelský Hill at 487 meters is not extreme, and the gentle slope of the path will allow access for everyone, including guests of the nearby Libverda spa. "The supply of water needed for construction purposes and then as utility and drinking water in the restaurant, which would be part of the lookout tower, is ensured by a well located about 200 to 300 meters towards Lužec under Smrk," added Kerhart.
    The lookout tower will offer an ideal view of the panorama of the Jizera Mountains. People will also see many regional attractions under ideal conditions, such as the Giant Barrel, the Basilica of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary in Hejnice, or the Ještěd mountain in Liberec. Various events, including music concerts and services, will then be held at the restored amphitheater.
    The advantageous location is said to support the implementation of both constructions. The border area with Poland and Germany offers cooperation with these partners. The lookout tower and the amphitheater will build on the original structures that were erected by the original German inhabitants. "This renewal would help strengthen interpersonal relationships on an international level and further contribute to the development of the rural area of the Frýdlant region," added Kerhart.
    Last year, a new lookout tower called Císařský kámen was also opened in the Liberec region, not far from Vratislavice nad Nisou. The twenty-meter tower stands at an altitude of 637 meters and offers a view of Liberec and Jablonec nad Nisou, the Jizera Mountains, and on clear days, Sněžka and the Czech Paradise can also be seen.
    Another lookout tower is also planned to be built in Heřmanice in the Frýdlant area. The wooden tower is intended to be 25 meters high. However, financing is currently a problem, specifically a bank loan that the municipality has not yet received. "We have a building permit, we have an approved grant, but we are missing seven million for its pre-financing. We will therefore apply for its extension; we are not giving up on our intention,” said mayor Vladimír Stříbrný to ČTK.