Mind-boggling new 'shipwreck skyscraper' to be built in major European capital

One of Europe's most picturesque capitals, Prague, is set to welcome a unique addition to its skyline: a 135-metre (442ft) skyscraper with a massive rusted shipwreck sculpture embedded into it.

The post-apocalyptic-style building, named Top Tower, has just been given the green light by city officials and is poised to become the tallest building in Czechia, beating the AZ Tower in Brno by nine metres.

Situated in Nové Butovice, an expanding business district in the southwest of the city, the tower will showcase a sculpture of a crashed ship's hull bursting through the upper levels, designed to underscore themes of climate disaster and human survival.

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The concept was conceived by Czech architect Tomáš Císa and sculptor David erný, who is renowned for his provocative art installations across the country.

The project was initially announced in 2019 but faced strong opposition from some local residents and politicians, who argued that the tower conflicted with Prague's historic Gothic and Baroque character, reports the Express.

Now, after years of discussion, the revised design has been approved under an agreement that will see developers Trigema, led by entrepreneur Marcel Soural, contribute 75.7 million Czech crowns (£2.7 million) towards local infrastructure.

The skyscraper will house 250 rental flats, office and retail space, as well as a cultural and experience centre. The plans also include a rooftop viewing deck, underground pedestrian tunnels, and several public area upgrades, including new lifts, walkways, and a revamped square near Poliklinika Lípa.

Despite its contentious appearance, supporters are convinced that the skyscraper will inject fresh vitality into the area. Officials have defended the design by highlighting that the building is a considerable distance from Prague's UNESCO-listed Old Town and won't obstruct views of the iconic Prague Castle.

Once finished, Top Tower is set to become one of the city's most discussed landmarks, although Prague already boasts an array of attractions for visitors.

Every year, tourists descend on the Czech capital to visit Prague Castle, the Old Town Square with its Astronomical Clock, and the Charles Bridge, which links the city's most picturesque districts.

Other must-see spots include the cobbled lanes of Malá Strana, the Jewish Quarter, and the Dancing House.

For sweeping views, the Petín Lookout Tower is a popular choice, while Prague's renowned beer halls and historic pubs offer a taste of Czech culture that's hard to top.

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