Jaroměř requests funding to revitalize part of the Josefov fortress

Jaroměř (Náchod District) - The town hall in Jaroměř, in the Náchod District, is preparing repairs for the so-called Retranchement No. XVIII in the area of the fortress Josefov. After the repairs, which will cost approximately 35 million crowns, this part of the fortress should offer facilities for visitors to the fortress area. Jiří Klepsa, the mayor of Jaroměř, informed ČTK about this.
    The town hall has submitted an application for a European grant of 25 million crowns; if the funds are obtained, the repairs could begin later this year, with the opening of the new area planned for 2012. "We would like to reconstruct about six buildings located in the moat. These will include an information center, a museum of the history of Josefov, or a club space for associations and technical facilities," said Klepsa.
    The renovated area should also include an amphitheater for 300 to 500 people. "We lack a place for outdoor cultural events; this would be a great opportunity," said Klepsa. The city is also considering the construction of a mini-golf course.
    The fortress of Josefov was built above the confluence of the Elbe and Metuje rivers from 1780 to 1787 and is considered one of the pinnacle works of European fortress construction. The fortress was designed to accommodate up to 12,000 troops; however, the actual number of soldiers typically hovered around 3,000. This extensive military structure never directly participated in a battle, although in 1866, Austrian and Prussian soldiers fought nearby in the Battle of Chlum.
    Today, the fortress, especially its underground passageways, is a popular tourist destination, with around 30,000 visitors annually taking the underground tours.