věž Obřího pramene Tower

The Tower of the Giant Spring is a historical monument in Lahoště (Teplice district, Ústecký kraj). Originally, the Baroque Water Tower and the former 18th-century watercourse built by Valdštejnové from the Spirit Manor. This object has not only technical value, but is also evidence of the expansion of the spa on Teplick. It is listed in the Central List of Cultural Monuments of the Czech Republic. The tower stands at a massive thermal spring, which was a key element of regional history and technology.

The history of the tower goes deep into the past, even before the Lahost settlement. A strong thermal spring with a temperature of 25- 38 ° C and a mineral composition similar to Teplice springs was opened at the right bank of the Bouřlivce stream. Its high flow rate, 27 to 42 litres of water per second, was used to drive the Giant Mill. In the 18th century Valdštejnové built a stone water tower at the source, which led by wooden pipes to the spa in Duchcov. This technological innovation has contributed to the development of spa tourism in Teplick.

The architecture of the water tower is characteristic of the Baroque style; its stone glare is supplemented with bricks and smooth plastered facade. The building has a square plan with dimensions of approximately 8 × 8 meters, is storey, has a basement and reaches a height of about 15 meters. The roof is covered with burnt bubbles, while the facade is divided by the main Fabion and Cordon ledge.

The towers were owned by Valdštejnové, owners of the ghost estate. A marked change occurred in the second half of the 19th century, when the flow of the giant spring began to decline and eventually disappeared after the flow at Döllinger Mine on 10 February 1879. This incident led to the closure of both the tower and the Giant Mill. In 1881, modifications were made to observe the condition of Teplice springs, but since then the tower has remained unused.

Key events include finding a ghost treasure. In January 1882, a bronze finder from the 4th century BC was discovered in the rock crack at the source, which contained thousands of objects such as bracelets and necklaces. This treasure is considered evidence of Celtic settlement in Bohemia; its components scattered all over the world.

Today the water supply věž Obřího pramene serves as a silent witness to the past, while the thermal spring still flows towards Teplice. The tower is located in the enclosed area on the property of Lahosti. Although it no longer fulfils its original function, its historical importance and connection with Celtic treasure makes it an interesting location for visitors.

The Tower of the Giant Spring represents not only a technical monument, but also a testimony about the region's rich history. Her fate is linked to the development of the spa and dramatic events such as the destruction of the source or the discovery of the Celtic treasure. This monument offers a view of the past and recalls the importance of technological innovation and cultural links that shaped today's landscape. Her visit is a journey into history and an opportunity to appreciate the wealth of Czech cultural monuments.