The towers are returning to Malostranská beseda after two centuries

Prague - Builders today begin the installation of towers at the Malostranská Beseda. They are returning to the building almost 200 years later, and the Malostranská Beseda will thus regain its original appearance from the 17th century. The restoration of the towers is part of a comprehensive renovation that began two years ago. Representatives of the Prague 1 city hall acquainted journalists with the progress of the monument's reconstruction. The construction company will start placing the first parts of the towers today, and on Sunday morning, a large crane will lift the ten-meter wooden tube of the main tower.
The former Renaissance towers were added to the building in the 17th century to emphasize the importance of the structure. They were removed in 1828. The installation of the towers is expected to be completed by mid-October. The costs will amount to 26 million crowns. "The total price of the reconstruction of the Malostranská building will soar to nearly 190 million crowns," added Jiří Vaculín from the mayor's office.
"We do not take such a significant intervention into the silhouette of Malostranského náměstí lightly. Therefore, besides the agreement of experts, we were also interested in the opinions of other architects, artists, and citizens of Prague," stated councilor Filip Dvořák (ODS). Prague 1 Mayor Petr Hejma (ODS) added that discussions with experts were very complex.
The repairs of the building were originally supposed to be completed by mid-2007. Due to the need for more extensive actions, the reconstruction was extended; for example, the Renaissance roof structure was in a state of emergency. Original frescoes were also discovered here, which will be accessible to visitors upon completion. "If there are no further technical obstacles, the repairs should be completed by the end of 2009," clarified Hejma.
The Beseda is to become a cultural and social center. It will feature a multifunctional hall for concerts, theater, and entertainment, as well as various courses and educational events, with a restaurant and café on the ground floor and basement. The tender for the operation of the Malostranská Beseda was won by the company 2media, whose program proposal met the expectations of the local city hall's management. "Currently, we are discussing the terms of the lease agreement," Hejma told ČTK.
The Malostranská Beseda served as the town hall of the Lesser Town of Prague from the late 15th century until the end of the 18th century. In 1575, representatives of the non-Catholic nobility drafted a common confession of faith there, known as the Czech Confession.