The sculptures on Čechův Bridge in Prague will be able to spew water and fire, a survey has shown

Prague - The bronze statues on the pillars of the Čechův bridge in Prague may soon be able to spew water and fire, as was likely the case when the bridge over the Vltava River was built. This was revealed by an internal survey of the statues conducted by the Technology of the Capital City of Prague (THMP). Cameras uncovered the original gas lines within the statues, reported Martin Drozd, spokesperson for the municipal company THMP, to ČTK. Due to the potential reactivation of the technology, the statues will need to be repaired. The bridge was opened in 1908.

"The bridge is a protected technical monument, so we must first gather enough information for the National Heritage Institute and city conservationists and propose a way for potential restoration. We concluded that the most suitable path would be to start with endoscopic surveys and searching for remnants of pipelines within the statues," said Prague councilor for property Jan Chabr (TOP 09).

The camera survey of the interiors of the statues, aimed at uncovering the original technologies, was conducted by THMP in mid-April. According to THMP board chairman Tomáš Jílek, the company undertook the survey partly because there was insufficient information in historical records regarding the exact functioning of the technologies.

The survey now revealed that the statues, which resemble female lightbearers, contain parts of the original gas lines. The piping is located in the arms of the statues, and according to Jílek, the lines are relatively well-preserved. In contrast, no plumbing was found in the inner part of the hydrants. However, restoring the lines to enable effects from the time the bridge over the Vltava was built is possible. This will be facilitated by the fact that the internal parts of both types of statues are freely accessible and passable, Jílek added.

According to the THMP board chairman, new gas and water lines should be supplemented during the reconstruction of the festive lighting located on the bridge. The bridge will have LED lights that THMP technicians will be able to control remotely. The festive lighting, comprising 235 fixtures, should serve as a symbol during significant events. The cost of modernizing the lighting and restoring the statues is expected to be about 16.5 million crowns, announced councilor Jan Chabr (TOP 09) last year.

The Čechův bridge was built between 1906 and 1908 according to the design of architect Jan Koula. The 169-meter-long bridge connects the Old Town and Holešovice. It features three trussed arch spans supported by two pillars and rich decoration made up of bronze sculptures and reliefs. The bridge has been a protected monument since 1958.