Cultural heritage specialists are preparing the next phase of renovations for Kunětická Hora Castle

Ráby - The National Heritage Institute (NPÚ) is preparing the next phase of repairs for the Kunětická hora Castle. The project, named Theatre at the Castle and in the Castle's Environs, focuses on restoration work and the heritage renewal of the castle palace. This was stated by NPÚ spokesperson Lucie Bidlasová from Sychrov. It is expected to start in the autumn of this year and be completed by the end of 2022.

Heritage conservationists aim to modify the surfaces of the palace courtyard, restore the historic plaster of the southern wing, renovate masonry elements, repair electrical installations, and install security lighting and sound systems for the exteriors and exhibition spaces. A wooden structure will be created in the northern palace wing at the first-floor level, with an adjoining gallery on the second floor of the former royal hall. For the first time in modern history, this castle wing will be accessible to the public. "The structure will also allow for the use of these spaces for exhibition, theatrical, and musical events," Bidlasová stated.

The project also includes the revitalization of the natural amphitheater in the castle's vicinity, which serves as a summer venue for, for example, the East Bohemian Theatre. It involves the repair of the stage, modification of surrounding areas, and complete renovation of the hygiene and technical facilities of the amphitheater. The NPÚ will utilize European funding to finance the construction work.

In 2018, the first phase of repairs began at Kunětická hora, which is expected to be completed by June 2021. The goal is to clean the structure of modern interventions, reconstruct a fragment of the external staircase, the viewing walkway, and canopies. The historic masonry plasters are being restored, a modern self-supporting glass-steel installation is being created that is sensitive to the monument, and the foundations and walls of the historic defensive tower in the basement areas will be made accessible. The modifications are partly based on a project by the significant architect Dušan Jurkovič, according to which the castle was restored during the First Republic. The NPÚ received a grant of 61 million CZK for the project, with total costs reaching nearly 79 million CZK.