Černá věž, Renaissance tower in Klatovy, Czech Republic.
Černá věž, known as the Black Tower, is a stone Renaissance tower standing in the center of Klatovy, with a square base and rows of decorated windows on each face. It rises well above the surrounding rooftops and can be seen from many parts of the town.
The tower was built in 1530 as a defensive watchtower to keep watch over the town and its surroundings. It later took on a new role as a bell tower serving the local community.
The tower takes its name from the dark color of the stone, which looks almost black in direct sunlight. This makes it one of the most recognizable landmarks on the Klatovy skyline.
Getting to the observation deck means climbing around 204 steps on a fairly steep staircase. Those who make it to the top get a wide view over the rooftops of Klatovy and the countryside beyond.
Inside the tower, small exhibition rooms display objects and information about the building's past uses and construction methods. This gives visitors a chance to learn about the tower's history before or after making the climb.
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