Architect Hrůša: The low cost of the repair in Valtice will not be jeopardized

Valtice (Břeclavsko) - The low price at which the reconstruction of the Baroque theater, the castle riding school, and the gardener's house at the castle in Valtice in Břeclav was tendered will not jeopardize the repair project according to its architect, Petr Hrůša. However, he stated that more generous funding helped the reconstruction. Hrůša said this to ČTK today. The reconstruction was originally estimated to cost up to a quarter of a billion, but the construction company PSJ won the contract with a price of 107 million crowns. He considers the construction prestigious.
According to Hrůša, with similarly demanding projects, there is always a risk that the tendered funds for construction will not be sufficient. "With the effort we observe here, it is realistic to complete it," Hrůša stated. According to him, literally every brick is turned over twice at the site. "As architects, we would, of course, be happy if there was more money for the construction," Hrůša added.
According to him, it will not ultimately be necessary to change some of the Baroque rafters in the riding school. The construction is, on the contrary, delayed by archaeological research. The air conditioning channels need to be adjusted. "Two-meter walls were found underground at the theater that correspond to historical views," Hrůša stated.
The Spanish riding school, where events such as the Valtice Wine Markets are held annually, will again take on the form of its original use. The floor will be made of thick ash planks, which will also enhance the acoustics of the hall.
According to Hrůša, traditional hunts could also return to the area. "It's nothing pompous, but it’s about utilizing the landscape," Hrůša believes.
In addition to the repair project of the riding school and theater, where the National Center for Theater and Dance will be created, additional smaller repairs of the complex are also planned. The Ministry of Culture will contribute 12 million to repair the walls and terrace in the courtyard. Most of the courtyard will be repaired next year. According to the castle custodian Michal Tlusták, funds are still lacking for the last area, which is the facades of the upper horse stables.
The Valtice Castle is part of the Lednice-Valtice Area, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Approximately 45,000 paying tourists visit the castle each year. Additionally, there is an exhibition of the Wine Salon in the cellars, which attracts tens of thousands of other visitors.