Observation tower on Gomila

The symbol of Gomila is the viewing tower at its very peak, where the borders of the four municipalities of Ptuj, Gornja Radgona, Ljutomer, and Ormož once met. From the top of the tower, tourists can enjoy a magnificent view over the Slovenske gorice, the Ptuj and Drava plains, Haloze, and Pomurje, all the way to Boč and Pohorje; in good weather it is even possible to see the outlines of Lake Balaton. This tower has an interesting history. The first, a 12-meter-high wooden tower, was built in 1946 through voluntary work, but was blown down by the wind in the spring of 1948. In the same year, members of the Gomila Tourist Association began collecting and purchasing timber for a new viewing tower. This second tower, 18 meters high, was once again built largely through voluntary work and contributions by members of the association and local residents in 1951, and completed in 1952. At that time, the viewing tower on Gomila was a true tourist attraction. Later, a wooden annex was built beside the tower to house a buffet, which operated regularly during the summer months. After 20 years, this tower too deteriorated, and today a third, metal prefabricated tower stands in its place, also 18 meters high, erected in 1992. Opposite the viewing tower stands a tourist lodge, and numerous marked hiking and cycling trails pass by.