• 16/01/2023
• By wizewebsite
• 402 Views

The Red Tower of Death resembles the terrifying heritage of the Communist regime<

Only an ominous melusina runs around in a seven-story tower in the former Škoda Ostrov complex, where it recalls the slave labor of political prisoners during the communist regime. Red bricks and the tragic fate of modern serfs - this is also symbolized by the name Red Tower of Death.

"It concerns the operation of the former screening and crushing plant for uranium ore, which was brought there not only from the Jáchymov mines but also from Horní Slavkov and Příbramsk. The tower and the area that immediately surrounded it functioned between 1951 and 1956," noted Tomáš Bouška, an associate of the Confederation of Political Prisoners.

Hard work awaited the heroes of the Western resistance, airmen, soldiers, Catholic priests and intellectuals who did not come to terms with the Bolshevization of Czechoslovakia at the time. People uncomfortable with the communist regime were suitable as a labor force. They had to ensure the supply of radioactive uranium ore to the former Soviet Union.

As Bouška recalled, there was also radioactive dust in the vicinity of the tower. Mainly in the clothes that the prisoners wore throughout their stay in the camp. Only underwear was changed, and that only once every three weeks.

Those interested can see the Red Tower of Death during guided tours on weekends and holidays from May to October. The tour also includes an exposition of part of the museum exhibition III. resistance, prisoners' products or period prison clothing. You can sign up for the tour here.