Městské opevnění v Lokti Town walls

Městské opevnění v Lokti is a partially preserved medieval fortification in Sokolov district in the Karlovy Vary Region, protected as a cultural monument since 1963. This historic building is situated on the top of the islet in the bend of the Ohře River, which created a deep, sawn valley here in the granite flesh.

The development of fortifications in this location dates back to the second half of the 12th century, when Romanesque castle with rotunda was founded in the highest place. Around 1240, the substation was converted into a fortified royal city. Under the rule of Přemysl Otakar II, German colonization was carried out in connection with the introduction of the Mana system. The existence of the Elk suburbs is documented by the year 1308, when Loket was already listed as a city.

The original Gothic fortification underwent later modifications and included several defensive elements. The largest was the main wall of the castle surrounding almost the entire city. It was built of quarry stone, it was approximately 1.5 metres wide and its height was up to 5 metres high. The crown wall was equipped with a battlements, while from the inside they formed wooden stands covered with shingles roofs. From the outside, the main wall was protected by a park wall. The system included horseshoe bastions with shooting areas; Four of the original eight survived, with only one preserved whole.

The most important architectural elements include two preserved towers. The Black Tower, whose name is modern and derived from appearance to repairs in the first half of the 20th century, was once part of the Lower Gate. It's made of quarry stone with corners made of regular blocks and has a helmet roof with lantern. In its interior, the spiral staircase leads to the second floor and during the summer season the tower is accessible. The second preserved building is the Robic Tower in the southern part of the fortifications, which once connected the city with the same-name suburb. It is also walled from quarry stone with corner carved blocks and has a tent roof with concave broken ridges. A unique architectural detail is placed on the top floor of the console.

The fate of the fortifications was linked to various owners and political changes. From 1434 to 1547 Loket was stopped by Šlik. During this period, the city, except the north side, surrounded the park fortification with artillery bastions and a main city gate was established. After strengthening the fortifications during the Thirty Years' War, Loket acquired the status of a fortress city in 1663, but lost it in the late 18th century. In 1835 a substantial part of the fortress system died at the main city gate and in 1840 it decided to sell the city fortifications.

The current situation of the retained parts is the result of the corrections made between 1970 and 1990. The city walls represent an interesting destination for tourists who can walk through the western, southern and eastern districts of the city. Fortification in Lokti is an important witness to medieval urban development and offers a view of the historical architecture of defence systems. It is a suitable place for anyone who wants to get to know the history of this region.