Šternberk has been nominated for the title of Historical Town of the Year for the tenth time

Šternberk - The Expert Committee has nominated the town of Šternberk for the title of Historical Town of the Year for the tenth time. The reason is the regeneration of the town's heritage reserve last year. ČTK was informed of this by Tomáš Tichák, spokesman for the Olomouc branch of the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ). They contributed to the nomination together with the Ministry of Regional Development and the Association of Historical Settlements of Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia.
    The director of the NPÚ Olomouc branch, Pavel Konečný, stated that the committee particularly appreciated the involvement of experts as well as local politicians, but especially the engagement of citizens. "An inspiring aspect for other towns is primarily the method of open communication with the owners of heritage buildings and other houses in the town center," the committee's report states.
    The spokeswoman of the Šternberk town hall, Irena Černocká, told ČTK that financial support for private owners for the renovation of the façades of historical houses located in the town's heritage zone, but not listed as immovable cultural monuments, also played a role. "Last year, we contributed 4.2 million crowns from the municipal budget to the residents, benefiting 55 applicants. The support program is also announced for this year," Černocká specified. The town hall's contribution covers 75 percent of eligible costs, but can be a maximum of 100,000 crowns.
    The award and the resulting right to use the title Historical Town of the Year has been granted since 1994. A crystal sculpture accompanies a reward of one million crowns. It is awarded on the occasion of the International Day of Monuments and Sites. No town from the Olomouc region has received it so far, although Šternberk was a finalist last year for the reconstruction of the square in 2006. In previous years, towns like Třeboň, Kroměříž, Kutná Hora, Litomyšl, Nový Jičín, Prachatice, Františkovy Lázně, and last year Polná have received the award. This year, it will be awarded on April 16 in the Spanish Hall of Prague Castle.