Lights go out on Czechia’s tallest towers as Liblice demolition nears

The warning lights on Czechia’s tallest structures were switched off at 8 a.m. Tuesday as preparations advanced to demolish the twin Liblice B radio masts near Český Brod.

Owner České Radiokomunikace, known as CRA, said the lights would be removed before the 355-meter structures are brought down in the coming days. The company has not announced the exact demolition date.

The move follows an unsuccessful search for a buyer capable of financing repairs and finding a new use for the landmark towers, which have stood since 1976.

CRA offered the masts and associated equipment for sale in July, raising the possibility that a new owner could preserve them. As Expats.cz reported at the time, local preservation advocates suggested possible uses ranging from tourism to emergency services.

The company subsequently negotiated with two interested parties, but neither demonstrated access to the funding needed for repairs and safe operation, according to CRA.

“Liblice is a technological symbol for many people, and we did not make this decision lightly,” said Marcel Procházka, the company’s director of regulatory and legal affairs.

He said the masts no longer served their purpose and that, as owner, CRA had to ensure the infrastructure’s safety.

Preserving the structures would require at least CZK 170 million, according to the company’s earlier estimate. Replacing the supporting cables would account for approximately CZK 120 million, with another CZK 25 million each needed for corrosion protection and elevator repairs or modernization.

The towers’ height and dependence on an extensive anchoring system make preservation considerably more demanding than retaining an unused building.

CRA previously identified Oct. 12–16 as the demolition window. Both masts are to be brought down on the same day, with the timing dependent partly on weather conditions.

Prague public transport operator PID captured some of the last images of the towers before they come down later this week.

Tuesday’s removal of the lights is a preparatory measure, not the start of demolition itself, the company emphasized. Removing the fixtures is intended to prevent broken glass from scattering across the surrounding area when the structures fall.

The regional mining authority approved blasting work on Sept. 3. Its conditions require police to close the I/12 road for the necessary period before the operation.

CRA also warned of restrictions on movement around the transmitter and on nearby roads. A specialist contractor will carry out the work, followed by dismantling and removal of the fallen steel structures through the end of November.

Liblice B entered service in 1976. Czech Radio ended medium-wave broadcasts from the site in December 2021, although Country Radio subsequently used it from October 2023 until the end of March 2025. It has had no broadcasting role since then.

For residents and motorists, the immediate concern is the forthcoming safety perimeter and traffic restrictions. The exact blasting date remains unannounced, and visitors should follow police and contractor instructions around the site.