Students' Square in Kadaň has come to life, it has a new look

Kadaň (Chomutovsko) - The renovations of Studentské náměstí in Kadaň have been completed, designed by former student of the Kadaň secondary industrial school David Šmíd. The city invested nearly 25 million crowns into the transformation of the former bus station and market. In the first days after completion, the place notably came to life. When David Šmíd submitted his proposal for the reconstruction of the area, he was only 19 years old, he told ČTK today.

"One of the main ideas was to lower the terrain to get closer to the original ground level in these areas, that there would be a water element and some other features to attract visitors here," said Šmíd. An open-air gallery was also created in the square, people have access to a chessboard, and free internet access is available throughout the square.

One of the dominant features of the square is the colored statue of Joseph II, which was designed by another Kadaň student and artist Daniel Hájek. From several options, the council selected the variant where Joseph II has a sash with the inscription "Maturant" across his body and holds a parchment with the text "Knowledge is a privilege of will and attention." It thus symbolizes the very name of Studentské náměstí.

Initially, the square was to be completed before the summer holidays. However, the work was delayed due to discoveries by archaeologists who uncovered the foundations of a cannon bastion on the site. "The bastion was stabilized in agreement with the conservationists, was filled in again, and a replica was created directly in the square. The original stone was used, and the mortar was also made from the sand found at the bastion," said the mayor of Kadaň, Jiří Kulhánek (ODS). The replica is thus almost indistinguishable from the original bastion.

The reconstruction of the square, which directly connects to the historical core of the city, is the largest investment by Kadaň this year. Last year, the city also renovated the nearby Löschnerovo náměstí, which has a more relaxing character. All areas adjacent to the city center are to be connected in the future thanks to a city wall circuit. A study for gradual accessibility improvement of the city walls has already been created, and work will now begin on individual projects.