At Vřesová Spring, a cottage and chapel should be built again

Image of Vřesová studánka likely from around 1933; source: vresovka.cz

Olomouc - The sought-after location of Vřesová studánka in the Jeseníky Mountains could once again see a tourist lodge and a chapel. Both buildings had a long-standing tradition at this pilgrimage site. However, the lodge was demolished in 1988, and the small church burned down in 1946 after being struck by lightning. The association Pro obnovu poutního místa Vřesové studánky is working towards the restoration of the original site. The funding for the construction will come from donations. The project is already being approved by authorities, and if there are no obstacles, preparations could begin as early as next year.
    Some members of the association are revisiting the idea of restoring the pilgrimage site after almost 40 years. In the late 1980s, three students from the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague, architect Miroslav Vochta, sculptor Otmar Oliva, and painter Jan Jemelka, attempted to do so. However, their plans were thwarted by the circumstances of the time. It has now been revived with the help of the association's chairman, Pavel Holubář, who, along with others, is also financially supporting the project. "We want to build both a lodge and a chapel, which go hand in hand. We do not want it to be a commercial venture, but a self-sustaining project that does not rely on subsidies," said Olomouc academic painter Jan Jemelka to ČTK.
    Experts have spent half a year on the project, and architect Miroslav Vochta has given the buildings their final form. The lodge is to be built using original materials - wood and stone, and it will also incorporate glass elements. According to Jemelka, the dimensions respect the original floor plans of the buildings that are still evident on site. "The idea is to maintain year-round operation and continuous care for the chapel. If everything goes well, we would like to get started next year," added Jemelka.
    A team of enthusiasts and experts has already begun complex negotiations and approval processes. The church is also favorable to the project; the lands are under restitution claims. It is also supported by mountain rescuers from Jeseníky. "It is an ideal place where something could be. It will not harm nature, there is a wide access road. Moreover, there is nothing like it on the route from Červenohorské sedlo to Šerák. It would be another stopping point, helping tourists and us," said Michal Klimeš, head of the Jeseníky mountain service, to ČTK today.
    The pilgrimage site at Vřesová studánka has a long tradition dating back to the 17th century. The chapel served people until May 1946, and the dilapidated lodge was finally demolished 42 years later after unsuccessful attempts to reconstruct it. The long-standing tradition is now only remembered by a mound with a two-meter iron cross and a bronze relief of the Virgin Mary, which was erected here in 1993 by sculptor Oliva and painter Jemelka.