Jihočeské heritage experts are restoring buildings, construction work continues

České Budějovice - South Bohemian monument caretakers are currently carrying out preparatory, restoration, and construction work. The restoration of the Mint building in the second courtyard of Český Krumlov Castle is ongoing, at Hluboká they are restoring underground systems and preparing documentation for the repair of the historic Vltava waterworks, which should begin later this year. The interiors of Rožmberk Castle and the castle in Jindřichův Hradec will be beautified with original painting. This was announced today in a press release by Markéta Slabová, the spokesperson for the South Bohemian monument caretakers. Czech monuments are currently closed due to the coronavirus.

"The restoration of monuments continues without any restrictions. However, we had to cancel all cultural events scheduled for the first half of April. The fact that the main season will not start is a problem. We are trying to make the most of this time, but our priority remains to open the monuments as soon as external conditions allow," said Petr Pavelec, director of the South Bohemian heritage protectors.

Český Krumlov Castle is preparing for the season. While previously they had to organize work in such a way as to not disturb tourists due to high visitor numbers, now work is being done all day and things are being accomplished that otherwise would not have time. Employees are taking care of floors, the wooden structures of the tower, gardeners are planting flowers, and they are removing winter coverings from statues, fountains, and wells. In the Mint building in the II courtyard, floors are being dismantled, and original plaster will be restored. New exhibition spaces will be created above the central ticket offices of the former Schwarzenberg administrative residence and the castle guard by the end of next year, said castle caretaker Pavel Slavko. The Krumlov castle is among the most famous in the Czech Republic, attracting 367,102 visitors from January to October last year.

Hluboká Castle maintains its park and gardens, with the help of guides. Areas that do not get much attention during the season are also being cleaned. "We continue to investigate and restore underground systems, which are key to the good condition of the castle building and its surroundings. And after many years, we are recording new audios for foreign visitors," said the caretaker of Hluboká, Martin Slaba. According to the plan, the furniture that visitors will see in the newly accessible Valdštejn apartment on the second floor is being restored further.

At Landštejn Castle, restorers are conserving the plaster in the Romanesque chapel and the remnants of sgrafitto. Dačice Castle is preparing part of the apartment of the last owner from the Dalberg family, and visitors to Červená Lhota will be able to access a new room in the attic, which also intends to resume rental boat operations. The Golden Crown Monastery will expand the tour route to include historic toilets, and the restoration of the castle park continues in Třeboň. Replicas of Renaissance tiled stoves are being built for Vimperk Castle, and tapestries are being restored, while the exhibition in the Jacob's Tower at Rožmberk is being completed. The South Bohemian monument caretakers are also sewing masks, Slabová stated.

From January to October last year, South Bohemian monuments were visited by 1.09 million people. The revenue from ticket sales was 143 million CZK.