The Black Tower

The Black Tower (Černá věž, built in the 16th century) is the best-known landmark in České Budějovice. It also offers some pretty amazing views of the town. But what really surprised me is that the same guy who sold tickets to anyone keen to climb all 225 stairs when I first arrived in the Czech Republic, more than two decades ago, is still there today. For 26 years Jan Vančura has spent almost every day on top of the tower, 72m above the square. And he still looks exactly the same.

Přemysl Otakar II Square from the top of the Black Tower...

The yellow house in the middle of the photo with the bell-shaped gable is where I used to live... 

Here's a closer look...

I also used to live in the green panelák (prefabricated block of flats) in the middle of this photo. Except in those days it was a less cheery shade of grey...