Hrubý Jeseník: Discover Romanka and local history

With the Romanka observation tower and its local history, Hrubý Jeseník offers two different reasons to visit. Romanka is a technical structure with a public viewing function in the Elbe lowlands; the historical record of the town stretches from its first written mention to the history of the Church of Saint Wenceslas. You can tailor your stay to your interests: the tower, local history, or both.

Romanka: Views and technology

The unusual Romanka observation tower is located in the Elbe lowlands, in the municipality of Hrubý Jeseník. It combines the function of a telecommunications tower with that of a public observation tower and opened on 28 March 2003. This combination makes Romanka both a technical structure and a place to enjoy the view. The platform is about 26 metres above the ground and can be reached via 116 steps. This gives you both the height of the viewing point and the number of steps to climb—practical details to help you plan a visit to the tower.

From Hrubý Jeseník, you can reach Romanka on foot via short field paths. By car, you can get almost all the way to the tower; parking is available. Access and seasonal opening conditions may change; check them before your arrival.

Local history and settlement development

Hrubý Jeseník is one of the oldest municipalities in the Nymburk area; it was first mentioned in writing in 1088. The settlement originally consisted of Jeseník and Jeseníček; later, Jeseníček became part of Oskořínek. The town’s history therefore includes both an early written date and a specific change in the composition of its settlement.

Church and historical milestones

The church in Hrubý Jeseník, dedicated to Saint Wenceslas, has a history dating back to the mid-14th century. Its present form dates from 1769. These two details represent different historical layers: the church’s history goes back further than the date of its present form.

At the Stations of the Cross in Hrubý Jeseník, an ensemble of sculptures and a chapel is listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic. It adds a group of monuments to the town’s history, alongside the historical details about the church and settlement. The church is described by its dedication and date, while the ensemble is defined by its components and protected status.

The dates can be compared chronologically: the town’s first written mention in 1088 is followed by the church’s history, which dates back to the mid-14th century. The year 1769 dates the church’s present form; Romanka’s opening on 28 March 2003 marks a much later point in time. These dates refer to different aspects of Hrubý Jeseník—settlement history, the church, and the observation tower.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Starý Vestec, Ostrá, Nimburg, Dymokury, Kouty, Opočnice, Loučeň, Oskořínek.

For the main travel overview: Okres Nymburk.