Rozhledna Floriánka

Floriánka Lookout Tower stands on a hill northwest of the village of Polešovice, in the Uherské Hradiště district of the Zlín Region in Moravia. Rising at an elevation of 349 metres above sea level, it has become one of the more popular viewpoints in the Slovácko region.

Where does the name come from?

Despite what the name might suggest, the tower is not named after Saint Florian. It takes its name from "Floriánka," a grape variety bred and registered in 2010 at the local viticultural research station in Polešovice — a village with a long winemaking tradition. That local connection to viticulture is what inspired the name of the new landmark.

What does the tower look like?

The tower stands 20 metres tall and combines a steel frame with larch wood cladding, giving it a light, natural look that blends with the surrounding vineyards and orchards. A spiral staircase of 80 steps wraps around the central column, leading visitors to the top. Construction was carried out by the company Teplotechna Ostrava a.s. between August and December 2013, and the tower opened to the public in January 2014.

What can you see from the top?

The observation deck offers a panoramic view of the Chřiby hills, the White Carpathians (Bílé Karpaty), and the lowlands of the Dolnomoravský úval. It's one of the few spots in the region where a single glance takes in both vineyard-covered hills and the broad plains of the Morava river valley. The view is particularly striking in spring and autumn, when the surrounding vineyards change colour with the seasons.

How do you get to the tower?

A paved road leads almost all the way to the tower, so you can drive nearly to the base. From the nearby parking area, it's roughly a 200-metre walk to reach it, making Floriánka easy to visit even for families with children or anyone who prefers to skip long hikes. The surrounding area also invites longer walks, with paths winding through the vineyards and orchards typical of the Slovácko region.

When is the best time to visit?

The tower is open year-round, but visibility is best on dry, clear days, when the Chřiby hills and White Carpathians are visible at their furthest range. Consider timing a visit with the spring blossom season in the orchards or the autumn grape harvest, a highlight in Polešovice and the surrounding wine villages.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is the Floriánka lookout tower? The tower itself is 20 metres high, standing on a hill at 349 metres above sea level, giving it an excellent vantage point over the surrounding countryside.

Where does the tower's name come from? It's named after the "Floriánka" grape variety, registered in 2010 at the viticultural research station in Polešovice, not after Saint Florian.

How many steps lead to the top? Visitors climb 80 spiral steps to reach the observation deck.

Can you drive close to the tower? Yes, a paved road leads almost to the tower, and it's only about a 200-metre walk from the parking area to the base.