Postoloprty bought a dilapidated castle, the renovation will take several decades

Postoloprty – Postoloprty in the Louny region purchased a deteriorating castle from a private owner, with repairs expected to take decades. Meanwhile, the city plans to create social housing and offices in the building, previously owned by the Schwarzenberg family. Now, the local government is waiting for the announcement of suitable grant titles. This was stated today by the city's mayor, Zdeněk Pištora (Triklóra).

"We officially took over the building last week from Castello Posloprty, which is an Italian company. The castle is in a desolate condition," Pištora said. He mentioned that the city paid 13.2 million crowns for the castle. The local government had several reasons for the purchase. It wants to preserve the monument for future generations, unify property ownership since the city also owns the castle garden, and follow a strategy. "Currently, we are investing in the town center. Houses in the square are being repaired, the entire square will be renovated next year, so this fits into our strategy for the reconstruction of the Postoloprty center," the mayor added.

Time and vandals have left the city with a castle that, according to a property appraiser, is 82 percent worn down. The Italians only did some security work; otherwise, they neglected the property and did not occupy it according to the mayor. As a result, drug addicts and the homeless settled in the castle. Originally, each room had tiled stoves, but today only sooty walls remain. The smooth stone floors have been torn up, and there is no wrought-iron railing around the stairs. Windows with shutters lie, at best, shattered amidst the rubble and piles of trash. Mattresses scattered in some rooms remind one that someone once inhabited the castle, along with cigarette packs, old clothing, and alcohol bottles.

"It is important to secure the roof and safeguard the property to prevent further deterioration," the mayor stated. According to him, the reconstruction of the entire building could cost over 600 million crowns at current prices. The city can now draw funds from its budget, loans, or from the Ministry of Culture. However, according to Pištora, the financial resources from the ministry are very small, which is why the city hall is considering obtaining funds from Norwegian funds. It is also waiting for the state to announce grants from which it will be possible to obtain more money.

To obtain any grants, the city needs a feasibility study, which will then determine the purposes for which the property will be used. Pištora mentioned that he can envision using the castle for housing, municipal office departments, or for contribution organizations. Next weekend, on November 7 at 2:00 PM, residents will have the opportunity to tour the castle during an open house event.

The castle was last modified into its current form in 1790. Previously, it had four wings, but the Schwarzenbergs demolished one, and in its place, visitors are greeted by a gate featuring their coat of arms. The family used the castle for diplomatic purposes and for gathering with friends. Since 1945, the building has been owned by the state, which used it as a depositary for the national library. In 2004, the Italian company purchased the property from the state.