The Svojanov Castle is repairing walls that were damaged by torrential rains

Svojanov – The repair of the fortifications at Svojanov Castle in the Svitavy area has begun after it collapsed in the summer due to disrupted statics following heavy rains. The budget for the reconstruction of the walls under the Gothic gardens amounts to nearly two million crowns, and funds have also been raised through a collection. The work is expected to last until the end of the year. Representatives of the castle announced this today in a press release to ČTK.

"We received an extraordinary grant of 800,000 crowns from the Ministry of Culture, and 300,000 crowns were contributed by the Pardubice Region. A public collection also helped, raising 130,000 crowns for the repair," said the castlekeeper Miloš Dempír. The remaining amount will be provided by the town of Polička, which owns the monument.

A contracting company is already working on the damaged section of the wall. Craftsmen first dismantled the modern crown of the wall, which is a part of the fortifications built in 2012. The builders also dismantled the damaged sections and adjacent late Gothic parts.

"Alongside the work, an archaeological survey is also taking place. The construction company will excavate the ground. They will build concrete foundations on which a new wall will later be erected," said Dempír.

The new fortification will be equipped with drainage to ensure that the surrounding terrain is as dewatered as possible. Beneath the topsoil, there will be a space filled with gravel. "The drainage and outlets from the walls should prevent water retention in the future," stated Dempír.

Svojanov, formerly known as Fürstenberg, was founded by Přemysl Otakar II in the mid-13th century. The castle protected the trade route between Litomyšl and Brno. The historically valued House of the Squires was built after 1471 by Ješek Svojanovský of Boskovice. The castle has been owned by the town of Polička since 1910.