Pikartská věž, Medieval defense tower in Úštěk, Czech Republic
Pikartská věž is a rectangular tower in Úštěk that rises four stories with sandstone walls nearly two meters thick and topped by a gabled shingle roof. It once served as a defensive structure for the castle complex surrounding the town.
The tower was built in 1428 by Hussite commander Václav Carda of Petrovic to strengthen the town's defenses. A fire in 1859 destroyed the top floor but the structure survived and still stands today.
The tower takes its name from the Pikards, a French religious movement whose label Catholics later applied to their Hussite enemies.
The tower is accessible via a yellow-marked hiking trail starting from the town square and sits within walking distance of the nearest bus stop. It is best viewed in daylight and good weather when you can see it clearly from the surrounding area.
The tower still contains its original medieval outdoor toilet built directly into the outer wall. This facility, known as a prevét, reveals the practical engineering solutions residents used for daily needs.
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