Czechia’s tallest towers demolished as Liblice masts fall in ten seconds

Czechia’s tallest structures disappeared from the skyline Thursday morning when České Radiokomunikace demolished the twin 355-meter Liblice B radio masts near Český Brod.

The towers, which had stood for nearly 50 years, fell simultaneously at approximately 11:15 a.m. The operation took around ten seconds and went according to plan, demolition specialist Petr Mikula told ČTK.

Hundreds of spectators watched from outside the safety perimeter, despite the owner withholding the exact demolition time in advance. The 347.5-meter Krašov television and radio transmitter in the Plzeň region is now Czechia’s tallest structure.

The demolition follows months of uncertainty over the towers’ future. Owner České Radiokomunikace, known as CRA, offered the masts, anchoring system, elevators and antenna building for sale in July.

As Expats.cz previously reported, preservation advocates suggested alternative uses, including tourism and emergency services.

CRA negotiated with two prospective buyers, but neither demonstrated access to sufficient funding for repairs and safe operation, according to the company.

Essential work was estimated at a minimum of CZK 170 million: approximately CZK 120 million for replacement support cables and CZK 25 million each for corrosion protection and elevator repairs or modernization.

The towers’ lights were switched off Tuesday and removed as part of preparations, preventing glass from scattering when the structures fell.

Both masts had to be demolished together because their supporting cables crossed, CRA property specialist Václav Pažout said. The controlled collapse was designed to make the structures fold into a limited area, rather than fall across a wider stretch of land.

“It went absolutely according to plan,” Mikula said, comparing their movement to a folding ruler.

Police temporarily stopped traffic on the I/12 road between Prague and Kolín during the demolition.

Mikula said managing public safety proved more demanding than the technical preparations. Organizers increased the planned number of security patrols from six to 28, with additional police present.

Workers also used thermal imaging to monitor surrounding vegetation after some spectators attempted to find viewing positions inside the restricted area.

Demolition company Kovo-Central has now taken over the site. Machinery will cut the fallen structures into smaller sections, which will be prepared for transport and taken away for processing and recycling.

CRA has allocated 20 days for dismantling and removing the steel, including a reserve for poor weather. Further decisions concerning remaining infrastructure, including anchor blocks, will involve landowners.

Liblice B entered service in December 1976. Czech Radio ended medium-wave broadcasts there in 2021, followed by Country Radio’s departure in March 2025.

Its successor as the country’s tallest structure, Krašov, stands between Bezvěrov and Krašov. An earlier mast at that site was badly damaged by Soviet occupation forces in August 1968 and replaced several years later.

Although the Liblice towers are down, clearance work continues. Visitors should respect restrictions around the demolition site.