Monuments were visited by 150,000 more people by September than in the entire year of 2013

Prague - State castles, chateaus, and other monuments have welcomed 150,000 more visitors this year from January to the end of September than in the entire previous year. So far, 4,413,451 visitors have come, which is 16.5 percent more than last year in the same period, reported Jana Tichá, spokesperson for the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ), which oversees the monuments. More visitors also means higher revenues for the institute, allowing for an extra 30 million crowns for the restoration of the monuments.
    The greatest interest from paying visitors was recorded at the Lednice Castle and the Český Krumlov Castle and Chateau, where attendance increased by about 15 percent year-on-year. Following them are Hluboká Chateau and Karlštejn Castle.
    The NPÚ, which receives government subsidies for its operations like another thirty cultural institutions, demonstrates a higher degree of self-sufficiency compared to the others. "Revenue from tickets or rentals accounts for more than 40 percent of the institution's budget, and planned income is an integral part of its budget," said the spokesperson. With revenues exceeding expectations resulting from this successful season, the organization can manage those funds at its discretion. This year, the NPÚ will use approximately 30 million crowns from ticket sales for repairs and maintenance. This will add to the more than 100 million crowns already budgeted for repairs in the regular budget.
    "Since 2009, the contribution from the founder has been decreasing, and we are passing on more responsibility for generating income to our monuments. Income from them is steadily increasing and covers a part of operating costs; however, we still do not have enough funds to meet all the restoration demands. Our internal debt for regular maintenance now amounts to about 110 million crowns. Therefore, I am very glad that we can at least pay off a portion of it and provide the monuments with the care they deserve," says NPÚ Director Naďa Goryczková.
    The high attendance at the monuments was ensured by the spokesperson through a combination of favorable weather, early spring openings, and cultural programs prepared by the caretakers. The most significant growth in interest for tours was recorded at some lesser-known monuments, particularly Kunštát Castle, which is the center of this year's Year of the Lords of Kunštát with a new exhibition. By the end of this year, the number of visitors at Kunštát is likely to double compared to last year.
    An even greater increase in the number of interested visitors was recorded at Zákupy in North Bohemia, which has already welcomed double the usual number of lovers of Czech history - this year 33,300, whereas last year it was 16,358 for the entire year. The management of the castle, which belonged to the House of Habsburg and witnessed the marriage of Franz Ferdinand d'Este and Sophie Chotek, prepared many events to engage the castle in the commemorations of the centenary of the Sarajevo assassination.