Rozhledna Chlum u Hradce Králové, Observation tower and transmitter station in Všestary, Czech Republic.
The Rozhledna Chlum u Hradce Králové is an observation tower and transmitter station in Všestary built from steel that rises approximately 56 meters above the ground. Two separate spiral staircases with 182 steps each climb to the viewing platform where visitors can take in the surroundings.
The first metal tower, 25 m high on a square plan, opened on 2 November 1899 together with the neighbouring neo-Gothic ossuary, funded by the Central Association for the Maintenance of 1866 War Monuments in Bohemia. Emperor Franz Joseph I climbed it, as did French Marshal Ferdinand Foch on 6 May 1923, when 30 aircraft flew over Chlum in his honour. Sold in poor condition to Eurotel on 19 April 1999, it was dismantled the next day and replaced by the current taller tower, opened 3 July 1999.
The tower's name refers to Chlum hill, and the viewing platform is run by the Museum of Eastern Bohemia in Hradec Králové, which also operates the Museum of War 1866 beside the tower. Emperor Franz Joseph I climbed the original 1899 tower, and on 6 May 1923 French Marshal Ferdinand Foch visited, honoured by 30 aircraft flying over Chlum.
The tower is best reached on foot or by car, as the nearest train station is several kilometers away. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared to climb many stairs to reach the viewing platform.
The current steel tower is the second on this spot: the original 25-metre iron structure from 1899 was sold to Eurotel in April 1999 and dismantled the next day. The replacement opened on 3 July 1999, the battle's anniversary, though it was only formally approved that September. Emperor Franz Joseph I and, in 1923, French Marshal Ferdinand Foch climbed the old tower.
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