Bzenec is looking for an investor for its dilapidated castle

photo: Jiří Kuča

Bzenec (Hodonínsko) - The town hall in Bzenec in the Hodonín region is looking for an investor to renovate its dilapidated castle. The building needs repairs, which are estimated to cost between 100 and 150 million crowns. Pavel Čejka, the mayor of Bzenec, told ČTK today. According to him, the city does not want to overly restrict the developer in how they use the property. In exchange for the renovation, it offers a long-term lease of the castle, which will remain the property of the city.
   "The castle could be converted into a hotel, a retirement home, a community center dedicated to winemaking or tourism, which would probably be our favorite option. It is up to the investor to propose what they envision. Their plan must be approved by the city leadership," emphasized the mayor. Bzenec cannot afford a large investment in the restoration of the monument.
     The current form of the castle is the work of the Baroque Italian builder Domenico Martinelli, who remodeled the residence for the former owner of the Bzenec estate, Count Erdman of Pruskovo.
     A major attraction of the castle complex is the Bzenecká linden, one of the oldest trees in Moravia. Its original trunk has not survived. From the roots of the tree in the castle park, however, about 100-year-old trunks grow, creating an unconventional natural sculpture.
     The building needs new engineering network installations and extensive renovations of the interiors. The castle complex consists of five historical structures with a total area of 1,500 square meters.
     Similar issues with their dilapidated castles are faced by more town halls in southern Moravia. This includes Břeclav, Ivanovice na Hané, and Hrušovany nad Jevišovkou. Municipal representatives are trying to attract investors who would help with the restoration of the monuments and also come up with ideas for their use.