Zámecká věž, Tower in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

Zámecká věž is the surviving keep of a royal castle founded around 1358 by Charles IV, standing on a spur above the Teplá river and the Tržní kolonáda in Karlovy Vary. The rebuilt tower has a simple pyramidal roof, a three-sided arched arcade on the second floor and a small Baroque turret on top.

The tower was built around 1358 and originally served as a defensive structure to protect the town. A major fire in 1604 destroyed much of the surrounding castle complex, but the tower survived and was later repurposed as a watchtower.

The name Zámecká věž means "castle tower", recalling the royal castle founded here around 1358. From the Baroque arcade on the second floor, trumpeters once greeted distinguished guests and announced the opening of the spa season; the same opening is still celebrated here each year.

The tower stands on a rocky spur on the left bank of the Teplá river, directly above the Tržní kolonáda. An exterior lift built by Friedrich Ohmann in 1911, the architect of the Zámecká kolonáda, connects the colonnade level with the tower. The tower now houses a restaurant, a wine bar and a gallery.

The top of the tower was originally fitted with a small bell that served as an alarm system, alerting the population to fire or danger. This bell reflects the practical functions that medieval fortifications performed for their communities.