The burnt-out castle in Horní Maršov awaits another winter in a provisional state

Horní Maršov - The burned baroque castle in Horní Maršov in the Trutnov area awaits another winter in a provisional state. It has been protected from rain and snow since last autumn. In November, some modifications are expected to prepare the castle for winter, said Pavel Mrázek, the mayor of Horní Maršov, to ČTK today. A fire last August destroyed all the roofs, two towers, and an attic extension of the castle.

"Of course, we are not pleased with the state of the building. On the other hand, it is better than if the condition were to further deteriorate. If the security is monitored regularly, the state should not worsen. The provisional security should last up to four years with proper maintenance," Mrázek told ČTK.

According to him, the owner does not have the funds to cover the building. "We are negotiating with the owner's representative; they have arranged regular inspections of the building, and that is happening," Mrázek said to ČTK.

The current state, according to him, will not change until the investigation of the arson attack is completed. Among the six accused is a man who bought the castle last year from the Sagna company of Russian entrepreneur Sergei Majzus and who is in custody. Investigators have labeled the accused as an organized group, which, according to them, is responsible not only for the burning of the castle in Horní Maršov but also for the fire at a car dealership in Humpolec. "The investigation has not yet been completed," said Dana Čírtková, spokesperson for the regional police in the Vysočina region, to ČTK today without further details.

Mrázek rejected speculation that the municipality would want to buy the property. "It is not on the agenda; the municipality does not have the resources for that. And even if it did, I have no information that the owner wants to sell the property," Mrázek told ČTK.

The heritage-protected castle was destroyed by fire on August 19, 2018. Investigators found several fire hotspots, and experts confirmed traces of highly flammable substances. Police ruled out technical failure, negligence, and insurance fraud. The damage was estimated at around five million crowns. According to heritage protectors, the building is a significant example of a rural late baroque castle that has been gradually modernized. The castle has not been used since 1994.