Prague has announced a contract for the first phase of improvements to the park at Vítkov

Prague - The Prague city council has announced a tender with an estimated value of 98.2 million crowns excluding VAT for the first part of the planned improvements to Vítkov Hill. This was reported by ČTK from the public procurement bulletin. The improvements will include a new surface and landscaping around the memorial, where, among other things, a bistro with a public restroom is to be added. This is the first part of the renovations, which, according to the city's plans, will take several years.

After the planned renovations, a modern boulevard and piazzetta are to be created at the hill between Karlín and Žižkov. The current condition of the main road is, according to the city council, in a state of emergency and does not correspond to the fact that Vítkov is classified among so-called parks of city-wide significance.

According to earlier information, during the first part of the work, 29 more trees and flower beds, lawns or climbing plants will be added near the memorial in the historic alley. The historic fountain will be put into operation, supplemented by a system of illuminated water features such as water jets, misting areas, geysers, and water cascades. The plan also includes the replacement of benches and other furniture.

This is the first of a series of tenders that the city is preparing. Work on the first part of the renovations is expected to last until 2024. According to previous information, the entire revitalization is to be divided into six parts, and besides improvements to paths, greenery, or benches, a promenade is to be established on Pražačka Street, which leads to Ohrada.

The dominant feature of Vítkov is the National Monument with the equestrian statue of Jan Žižka. It was created in the 1930s. It was meant to commemorate the birth of the Czechoslovak state and the heroism of legionnaires, but also to serve as a seat for the parliament and for other events. Later, the memorial became the mausoleum of communist leaders. Currently, it houses the Museum of Modern Czech and Czechoslovak History, which opened in 2009 and falls under the National Museum.