HORECKY BELL TOWER

This open-air spiritual structure symbolizes the residents’ opposition to coal mining in the Beskydy Mountains. The project was initiated by the civic association Nase Beskydy. The bell tower’s modern design is the work of architects Kamil Mrva and Martin Rosa. The structure draws on the Wallachian folk tradition of simple wooden bell towers. Next to the all-wooden structure with a shingle roof stand 8-meter-high masts made of three larch beams supporting a 30-kilogram bell from a workshop in Halenkov, which will toll the death knell for the local mine. 

In addition to the logo Nase Beskydy and the coats of arms of Trojanovice and Frenstat, the bell bears the names of 37 towns and villages that have joined forces against coal mining in the Beskydy Mountains. Engraved on the lower rim of the bell is a quote by the town’s native Josef Kalus: “Whoever reviles my mountains reviles me; whoever praises my mountains bows down to me.” The symbolic death knell rang out for the first time on May 15, 2010, marking the third anniversary of the 100-year lockdown of the Wallachian region.