Bolfánek Lookout Tower: A View with a Past

Perched atop Žďár hill, the Bolfánek Lookout Tower offers stunning views and a glimpse into local history. The tower stands at 583 meters above sea level, on the site of what was once the Church of St. Wolfgang. The name 'Bolfánek' itself is a Czech diminutive of Wolfgang. Legend says that Bishop Wolfgang of Regensburg stopped here in 973 AD while returning from Prague, blessing the land. A chapel was built to commemorate his visit, and later, between 1722 and 1725, a Baroque pilgrimage church was erected. This church, designed by architect Maxmilián Kaňka, fell into disrepair and was eventually demolished in 1810 after Emperor Joseph II's religious reforms. In 1845, the remaining tower was raised to 45 meters and transformed into a lookout tower. The tower's design was inspired by the Black Tower in Klatovy. Today, after climbing 138 steps, visitors are rewarded with views of the Šumava Mountains and the surrounding countryside. You can also see the Gabreta hills and the city of Pilsen. The site includes fortifications and a chapel built in recent years.