ABOUT US

The mining era is coming to an end. The František Tower remains.

Standing on the horizon of Horní Suchá is an 85-meter-tall reinforced concrete hero – the last mining Tower of the František is the one to survive its own demolition. Where coal skips once thundered and miners ended their grueling shifts, an entirely new era now begins.

We are not a quiet, dusty museum where history is observed from behind glass. The František Tower is a living symbol of the strength, defiance, and unbroken energy of the entire region. It is a technological monument of regional significance. We connect raw industrial architecture, concrete, and steel with a vibrant, modern life.

From the highest viewpoint in the wide surroundings, we are no longer mining coal, but a new kind of energy. We are rewriting the future of Silesia through culture, adrenaline in the depths of the shaft and unconventional experiences.

This is our rebellion against oblivion. Step into the vertical—because around here, shift’s end never comes.

The Birth of an Underground Giant

The story of the František Mine began at the turn of the last century, when mining equipment first bit into the earth of Horní Suchá. The founding of the mine was no mere opening of a new shaft; it was a catalyst that fundamentally rewrote the map of the entire region. An industrial energy factory rose on this spot, soon feeding the republic hundreds of thousands of tons of top-quality coking coal each year. The coal basin itself became the strategic heart of the nation, with Horní Suchá as its uncompromising, beating core around which all life revolved.

The Golden Era and the Year 1977

The peak of its prosperity and a true technological triumph came in the 1970s. The original wooden and lightweight structures could no longer keep pace with the extreme rate of extraction. The year 1977 proved to be a decisive milestone, as a monumental, 85-meter-tall reinforced concrete skip headframe began to rise above the landscape. This modern colossus was built with a clear purpose: to haul massive coal skips directly from the depths with maximum efficiency. František became a symbol of progress for its era and a unique technological feat, instantly dominating the Silesian skyline as an unshakable landmark.

A Dark Period of Silence

When the winding engine finally fell silent in the 1990s and the last shift emerged from below, a chilling silence settled over František. What was once the beating artery of the region turned into a deserted brownfield. Decades of neglect, leaking water, and passing seasons took their toll. The raw concrete turned gray, and the tower morphed into an empty, deteriorating backdrop of a bygone glory. All around, a massive wave of demolitions was raging. One by one, the skip headframes of neighboring mines fell to the ground, vanishing into clouds of dust. František was slated to be next.

Rebellion Against Demolition Crews

While heavy machinery was already awaiting the command to demolish, a plan was born that went strictly against the grain. The vision was clear: do not let the last witness of the coal era fall. Saving the 85-meter-tall giant from destruction, however, required immense courage and a rebellion against the system. It was necessary to convince authorities, fight against time, overcome bureaucracy, and push back against the skepticism of a public that saw nothing more than a dangerous ruin. This turning point transformed František from a passive victim of industrial decline into a hero given the chance to fight its greatest battle.

Up to the Sky

František is only just beginning its mission. Our vision doesn’t end with simply opening the doors—we are looking far ahead and aiming for the horizon. The main draw of this first phase is the highest viewpoint in the wide surroundings. From a height of 85 meters, we will offer visitors a brand-new perspective and breathtaking views across all of Silesia—from the Beskydy ridge to the industrial panoramas. This thrilling experience high in the clouds will be complemented by a unique escape game hidden right at the foot of the massive tower, where you can feel the tension of the mining environment firsthand.

A Community Standing Together

The František Tower grows from local roots, which is why it is becoming a place alive seven days a week. We are planning a gradual expansion of community services, building stylish industrial facilities, and creating a gathering space for local patriots and tourists from Czechia, Poland, and Slovakia alike. We want to create a living organism that will pump new energy into Horní Suchá and the surrounding towns. The František Tower is no longer mining coal; from now on, it mines the courage to shape the future. Join us on this journey—because this is going to be one hell of a ride.