Jihlava is preparing repairs for the Gate of Our Lady for 35 million crowns

Jihlava – Jihlava is preparing the reconstruction of the monumentally protected Gate of Our Lady. After the repairs, which are expected to take place in the next two years, there will be a new interactive exhibition in the upper floors of the gate focused on the development of urban fortifications. The use of the gate as a viewing tower will be preserved. The city will apply for a grant from the European IROP program for the restoration of the gate, with estimated costs of 35 million crowns including tax. The application was approved today by Jihlava's municipal representatives.

Jihlava has prepared project documentation for the revitalization of the monument. The city could receive a grant of 85 percent of the total eligible expenses from the IROP program for its implementation.

The 24-meter-high Gate of Our Lady is, according to the monument catalog, the only preserved gate from the original five central city gates. Currently, it houses a tourist information center, an exhibition with a model of the city from the 15th century, and reproductions of paintings by the painter Gustav Kruma can also be seen there.

According to the materials discussed by the city representatives today, the gate after the external repairs will have the appearance corresponding to photographs from the early 20th century. The masonry of the monument should also be better protected from damage caused by moisture.

The restoration will also include a complete renovation of the interiors of the monument. The new exhibition will focus on the development of Jihlava's fortifications from the first half of the 13th century up to their gradual demolition after the military fortress was abolished in the second half of the 18th century. The public will retain the opportunity to view the city from the tower. The exhibition in the gate will be followed by a tour route along a part of the preserved fortified courtyard measuring approximately one kilometer.

According to the monument catalog, the prism tower of the gate is built two-thirds from unplastered quarry stone. Its upper part with an attic and battlements is of Renaissance style.