At the Svojanov Castle, part of the waterlogged rampart collapsed

Svojanov - Due to waterlogged soil after prolonged rains, part of the outer late Gothic wall collapsed at Svojanov Castle. The event will not affect visitors, who cannot access the disturbed section of the fortifications. The town of Polička, which owns the castle, is seeking funds for the monument's repair.

"The destruction occurred over approximately a four-meter section of the wall, which is six meters high," told ČTK the castle administrator Miloš Dempír.

The wall also serves as a retaining wall for the inner courtyard, with the terrain behind it being elevated. Following the recommendation of a structural engineer, it was necessary to excavate part of the soil to prevent further collapse of the fortification. This section of the wall was restored in 2012, which included drainage work. "We really did not expect this in this place," Dempír stated.

Polička is preparing a project for the preservation of the wall. They have set up an account where people can contribute to the repairs and are negotiating possible assistance with the Pardubice Region and the Ministry of Culture.

Svojanov was originally named Fürstenberg; it was founded by Přemysl Otakar II in the mid-13th century to protect the trade route between Litomyšl and Brno. The valued House of the Squires was built after 1471 by Ješek Svojanovský of Boskovice. The castle has been owned by the town of Polička since 1910. Last year, it was visited by a record-breaking more than 83,000 people.