The kiosk at the Hradec Prague Bridge has been repaired and will receive a decorative fountain

Hradec Králové - In recent days, builders in Hradec Králové completed the repair of the roof of the Art Nouveau kiosk on the protected Prague Bridge over the Elbe River. This marked the completion of the repairs to all four kiosks on the bridge, which began in 2016. The Prague Bridge, built in 1910, is one of the typical buildings of the city. The kiosks, designed by the famous architect Jan Kotěra, are also protected as cultural monuments.

The oval kiosk on Tylovo nábřeží on the right bank of the Elbe received a new copper roof. The actual kiosk structure, which previously housed a sock shop, was repaired in 2016. "This summer, the roof was also repaired. Its sheathing was in very poor condition and needed to be replaced," said Blanka Nováková from the city Property Management to ČTK.

On Tuesday, the roof of the kiosk is to be complemented by an ornamental copper fountain with gilded elements, which belongs there according to Kotěra's original design. The city already had the same fountain installed at the opposite oval kiosk last year.

The repair of the kiosk's roof, which cost 930,000 crowns excluding VAT, was carried out by the city hall under the supervision of heritage protectors. "The goal was to preserve the historical character and architectural value of the building," said Deputy Mayor Pavel Vrbický (Pirates). A wine seller is expected to lease the kiosk.

The kiosks, which are significant examples of Art Nouveau architecture, were repaired by the city hall gradually. Not everything went smoothly. The repairs faced issues with the selection of construction companies. Delays were also caused by the fact that the wooden structures were infested with wood rot. The repair of one kiosk had to be modified to accommodate discovered historical documentation from Kotěra. The current roof repair was delayed because thieves stole parts of the copper sheeting from the builders.

The single-arch iron Prague Bridge was opened in July 1910, replacing the stone fortress bridge. The kiosks were built between 1911 and 1912. The kiosks on Eliščina nábřeží, on the riverbank of the historical part of the city, were designed to resemble cylindrical medieval towers with battlements. In contrast, the kiosks opposite on Tylovo nábřeží had an oval appearance and a bell-shaped roof.

The city completely renovated the bridge from 1992 to 1993. From March to the end of July this year, the city performed maintenance and repairs on it for approximately six million crowns excluding tax.