In Vyškov, the restoration of the castle garden has begun at nearly 50 million crowns

Vyškov - The restoration of the castle garden has begun in Vyškov. According to the city hall, it is set to offer a modern relaxation zone near the city center that will reflect the historical significance of the place. The work will cost 49.6 million korunas and should be completed by next summer. The Vyškov city hall informed about this on its website.

"The garden hardly evokes its former beauty. When trying to take into account all opinions, decision-making can be complicated and endless. At a certain point, it is necessary to find a balance – to listen to relevant views, create space for feedback, but at the same time set clear goals and deadlines so that things can move forward. We want to give the people of Vyškov and visitors a reason to go to the castle garden with their whole family," said Deputy Mayor Roman Celý (KDU-ČSL).

Architects were partly inspired by the preserved plan of Alžběta Birnbaumová while creating the garden restoration proposal, which was redrawn from a currently missing original from the 18th century, and by the similarities of the Vyškov garden with the principles in the Paris Jardin des Tuileries. The public park there, within sight of the Louvre, is incomparably larger, offers diverse activities for the whole family, and experienced a boom during a similar historical period as the Vyškov garden.

The works include the restoration of pathways, new irrigation systems, and extensive planting, with over 70 new trees. Water and play elements, as well as corners with benches, will be added. Conversely, a malfunctioning fountain will be removed. A flower meadow is proposed around the perimeter of the garden. The lower part will have playing and sports elements. Terraces with a slide, swings, and a balancing net will be created.

The reconstruction of the garden will be followed by the renovation of the site’s dominant feature, the castle lodge. It underwent a significant restoration about 20 years ago. "Currently, we are preparing steps, naturally in connection with the garden reconstruction, to ensure that the lodge remains a dignified element of the site," Celý said. According to him, this is a separate investment, just like the much-discussed renovation of the gardener’s house next to the main entrance gate. The plan includes a café with outdoor seating and a view into the greenery, social facilities, and backstage for performers, Celý added.

The Vyškov garden has a long history. It reached its peak in the second half of the 17th century under Bishop Karl II of Liechtenstein-Castelcorn. Along with the castle, it served as his main representative residence at the time when he was restoring the Flower Garden in Kroměříž. It is precisely this connection that links the Vyškov castle garden with the author of both concepts, Giovanni Pietro Tencalla. The seven-arched lodge and entrance gate also date from that time. Over the following three centuries, the garden underwent many transformations.