In Žďár n.S., they opened the renovated square with a new granite fountain

Žďár nad Sázavou - In Žďár nad Sázavou, the renovated Republic Square was officially opened today with the launch of water in a new granite fountain by sculptor Jiří Plieštik. The central area of this town has been repaved, has new street furniture and landscaped greenery, and a carillon and medieval well, unexpectedly discovered by archaeologists during construction works, have been added. Hundreds of people came to the morning ceremony despite the cold weather.
    "I think that the newly reconstructed square is a good foundation for life to return to the square," said Mayor Zdeněk Navrátil (Žďár - a vibrant city). The first event was today’s farmers’ market; in a week, people will gather in the square to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. Additional programs are planned.
    The appearance of Žďár's square was marked by construction during the socialist era. Its revitalization has been discussed at the town hall since the late 1990s. The construction work, which took place last year, cost 28 million crowns. The town received 11 million from the European Regional Operational Program for it.
    The new fountain in the shape of a massive basin symbolizes five springs of rivers in the Highlands, said sculptor Plieštik, one of the guests of the ceremony. The fountain was carved from a single piece of stone, weighing over ten tons. Three stonemasons, under the sculptor's guidance, chiseled it from an eighty-ton block of famous mrákotín granite from last April to September. The built-in system allows for changes in water flow and lighting.
    The carillon was made by metalworkers from the Žďás company, which donated it to the town. It was installed on the side wall of the Old Town Hall. During the day, it plays every full hour, two minutes before the bells of the neighboring St. Prokop Church ring. The parking areas for cars have also been newly arranged in the square.