The masons are repairing parts of the façade of the castle in the center of Zlín

Zlín - Bricklayers are repairing parts of the western and eastern facade of the Zlín Castle. In some places, the unsightly facade and cornices with cracks and missing plaster are taking on a better appearance, at least in the worst spots, said Zdeněk Dvořák, spokesperson for the city council, to ČTK today.

The building is awaiting a complete reconstruction. The city council would like to use subsidies for this purpose. "We are waiting for the announcement of a suitable funding title from the European Union," Dvořák stated. As the owner of the building, the city repairs at least the most problematic areas every year.

Currently, the focus is primarily on repairing the winter garden, through which access is provided to the café. "Work will also be carried out in the arcades, where the entrance to the courtyard of Zlín Castle is located," said Jiří Jelínek, head of the internal administration department of the magistrate. The repairs will cost about half a million crowns.

The castle is the oldest preserved building in Zlín; a small Gothic fortress stood on its site during the Middle Ages. Four years ago, the regional gallery and the Museum of Southeast Moravia moved out of the castle to the new Baťa Institute in the area of the former Baťa factories. The monument was then closed, and the city council sought its use. It leased it to the non-profit organization Zlínský zámek, which proposed a revitalization study of the castle, created by architect Pavel Míček. However, the city council rejected it, and it was not approved by the heritage protectors either.

The Zlínský zámek organization organizes a number of events in the building, which is also used by other event organizers. The castle is one of the venues for accompanying events of the Zlín Film Festival for children and youth. The building also hosts the interactive exhibition Orbis Pictus Play Zlín, featuring sound, light, and motion installations according to the concept of Zlín native Petr Nikl. The Gallery of Václav Chad also operates in the castle, and a café is available to visitors.