Bell tower in Vyskytná, Bell tower in Vyskytná, Czech Republic

The bell tower in Vyskytná is a freestanding two-storey wooden structure on a high square base of dry-laid cobblestone. Its timber frame is clad in wooden boards and topped by a pyramidal shingle roof with a finial and cross. A small wooden portal serves as the entrance.

The tower's origin is unknown; records mention a date from the 13th century or later. The bell frame probably dates from a 17th-century rebuilding, or from the second half of the 18th century. A complete restoration took place in 2010–2011 for about 570,000 CZK, funded by the parish, the municipality and the Vysočina region; in 2021 the timber frame was repainted with regional support.

The tower belongs to the Roman Catholic parish of Vyskytná in the České Budějovice diocese. A local legend tells of a spinner who found a bell in the stream while rinsing yarn; neighbours hung it in the tower, and when Jihlava thieves stole it, the bell flew back to Vyskytná. The bell Maria of 1952 is rung only at the death of villagers.

The tower is best viewed during daylight hours when you can see the construction details clearly. Access is straightforward via local paths, though you should wear appropriate footwear for unpaved routes.

The tower's two bells have different fates: the 1555 bell of St Procop, 80 cm tall and one metre across, survived both world wars and has been electrically driven since 1999, while the 1952 bell Maria is rung only at the death of villagers. A local legend says a bell found in a stream flew back from Jihlava after being stolen.