In Horní Maršov in the Krkonoš Mountains, work has begun on the restoration of the burned-down castle

Horní Maršov – Construction work has begun at the site of the burnt castle in Horní Maršov in the Trutnov region, aimed at securing the monument and preparing it for reconstruction. This is the first phase of the restoration of the castle, which has been in a state of emergency since the fire in 2018. The reconstruction of the castle can only begin after the overall structural security of the building and its roofing are completed, which will prevent further deterioration. Tomáš Perman, spokesman for the investor and owner of the monument, Krkonoše Resort Invest, told ČTK.

The company Krkonoše Resort Invest has owned the castle since 2024. Regarding the future use of the castle, the spokesman mentioned that it could involve a combination of hotel and accommodation services. The project will also include the restoration of the castle park.

"Our primary goal at this moment is to rescue the monument and complete the demanding reconstruction. We can initiate the next phase of the revitalization of the castle only after we manage to completely dry the building and eliminate the wood-destroying fungus. Regarding the future use of the castle and its grounds, we are considering a mix of various types of hotel and accommodation facilities, including a senior residence of hotel type," said Perman to ČTK.

In the first phase, which should be completed by the end of this year, builders will remove biologically affected and structurally compromised parts. "All interventions will be carried out with maximum respect for the historical value of the building. The oldest vaulted spaces will be preserved in the northern and eastern wings, while the main southern wing, including the representative entrance staircase, will be completely cleaned and prepared for a demanding reconstruction," Perman stated.

Part of the first phase also includes cutting the walls to allow for the gradual drying of the masonry. According to Perman, this is a necessary condition for starting the remediation work aimed at eliminating the wood-destroying fungus that has attacked the monument after the fire and seriously threatens its existence. "At the same time, it is necessary to stabilize the outer walls with subsequent installation of a temporary roof structure, which will protect the preserved parts of the building from weather influences and allow the restoration to continue in the coming years," the spokesman conveyed.

The actual restoration of the castle and its grounds, which should begin within three to five years, will also include the restoration of the castle complex, including the park and the preservation of the former brewery cellar. One of the goals is to make the park and part of the castle accessible to the public, thereby expanding the town center. The investor estimates the total costs to be in the hundreds of millions of crowns, with an expected return on investment of more than 20 years. The original front wing with the staircase will remain, and the remaining parts will be completed.

The castle in Horní Maršov was confiscated by the state after World War II. In the 1990s, the municipality sold the building to a Russian businessman, from whom it was purchased in 2018 by the company Zámek Horní Maršov. The monument burned down in the summer of that same year and has been without a roof since then. The police reported that the fire was intentionally set. Two years ago, the ruin was bought by the company Pec Resort Invest, now Krkonoše Resort Invest.