The observation towers at Kohlern

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Since 1989 it has towered over the village of Colle, a destination for many citizens and tourists who want to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Bolzano basin. The 36-metre-high larch tower, which has always been a symbol of the area, has been demolished. It was decided by the municipality of Bolzano: the structural risk was too high, so much so that in September 2022 it was closed to the public for safety reasons. For years, weather conditions have put its stability at risk. ‘The structure is in very poor condition,’ explains Luis Walcher, deputy mayor of Bolzano, ‘we decided to pull it down immediately. The intervention was very complex given the location - difficult to reach - in which the tower is located, the prccess began in spring 2023 at a cost of about 82,000 euro. Walcher does not, however, close to the possibility of the tower being rebuilt. However, special funds are needed because the cost would be around half a million. ‘The budget does not allow us to cover the expenditure,’ continues the deputy mayor, ‘so we have to look around and see how, if at all, we can finance the intervention.