Dukla Lookout Tower reopens to public after its refurbishment
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- Date: 26.06.2023
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Defence Minister Martin Sklenár and Director of the Institute of Military History Col Miloslav Čaplovič opened the Dukla Lookout Tower at a ribbon-cutting ceremony today, following successful completion of Phase 2 refurbishment works to the site. Also in attendance at the ceremony was former Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď, who is now a Member of Parliament (MP).
The Dukla Lookout Tower was built in 1974 on the Slovak-Polish border, putting the dramatic events of the Battle of the Dukla Pass into focus.
Speaking from Dukla, Defence Minister Martin Sklenár said: “The Battle of the Dukla Pass and the battles of the Slovak National Uprising are linked historically and are the symbols of Slovakia’s modern day military tradition. Thanks to a job well done, I am pleased to see that memorials, museums and now also the lookout tower, all of which are accessible to the public, have modern and dignified premises.”
Director of the Institute of Military History, Col Miloslav Čaplovič thanked all those who had a role to play in the refurbishment of the Dukla Lookout Tower, including the Slovak Defence Ministry for its long-term support, saying: “I appreciate it very much, and I am delighted that our history will be presented in an attractive and modern way so as to make even young people curious to explore what is there for them.”
Phase 1 of the refurbishment, launched in 2021, covered the replacement of old windows on the viewing platforms, the refurbishment of the lower exhibition gallery and toilet facilities, and the creation of a barrier-free access for the disabled around and in the building.
With the start date in July 2022, Phase 2 of the refurbishment aimed to reconstruct and upgrade both viewing platforms and the tower's terrace. Parts of the two viewing platforms in unsatisfactory technical condition were renovated and their thermal insulation properties were upgraded, as well as creating conditions for the installation of a modern exhibition gallery. In addition, the building received a new raw concrete façade and its staircase was restored.
During the summer months of this year, a second section of the new permanent exhibition titled ‘Dukla Battlefield in the Transformations of Time’ will be installed in the Dukla Lookout Tower, providing information on the Dukla Pass and the operations conducted across Dukla during both World Wars, as will an advanced multimedia system in the lower exhibition gallery.
The Dukla Lookout Tower was built in 1974 on the Slovak-Polish border, putting the dramatic events of the Battle of the Dukla Pass into focus.
Speaking from Dukla, Defence Minister Martin Sklenár said: “The Battle of the Dukla Pass and the battles of the Slovak National Uprising are linked historically and are the symbols of Slovakia’s modern day military tradition. Thanks to a job well done, I am pleased to see that memorials, museums and now also the lookout tower, all of which are accessible to the public, have modern and dignified premises.”
Director of the Institute of Military History, Col Miloslav Čaplovič thanked all those who had a role to play in the refurbishment of the Dukla Lookout Tower, including the Slovak Defence Ministry for its long-term support, saying: “I appreciate it very much, and I am delighted that our history will be presented in an attractive and modern way so as to make even young people curious to explore what is there for them.”
Phase 1 of the refurbishment, launched in 2021, covered the replacement of old windows on the viewing platforms, the refurbishment of the lower exhibition gallery and toilet facilities, and the creation of a barrier-free access for the disabled around and in the building.
With the start date in July 2022, Phase 2 of the refurbishment aimed to reconstruct and upgrade both viewing platforms and the tower's terrace. Parts of the two viewing platforms in unsatisfactory technical condition were renovated and their thermal insulation properties were upgraded, as well as creating conditions for the installation of a modern exhibition gallery. In addition, the building received a new raw concrete façade and its staircase was restored.
During the summer months of this year, a second section of the new permanent exhibition titled ‘Dukla Battlefield in the Transformations of Time’ will be installed in the Dukla Lookout Tower, providing information on the Dukla Pass and the operations conducted across Dukla during both World Wars, as will an advanced multimedia system in the lower exhibition gallery.
