The renovation of the monastery in Teplá for 500 million has been completed

Teplá (Cheb region) - The renovation of the Premonstratensian Monastery in Teplá, Cheb region, has been completed at a cost of 500 million crowns. The baroque core of the monastery underwent a comprehensive revitalization over five years, and unique historic tunnels will be made accessible to the public. The renovated spaces will also house the so-called Hroznata Academy, which will serve as a cultural and educational center. On the occasion of the ceremonial completion of the construction, Minister for Regional Development Karla Šlechtová (ANO) stated this today to ČTK.
    "First and foremost, the renovation is of crucial importance for the Karlovy Vary region - it is the largest grant for a cultural monument that has ever been received. We will therefore strive to do everything we can to ensure that the monastery is filled with tourists as soon as possible. It is also significant for schools. It is necessary for children to know what happened here. In this building, there used to be barracks; when I was here at the age of seven, I was surprised at what a pigsty it was, with roosters and pigs running around. And now? It's a beautiful monastery that will serve its original purpose," said Šlechtová.
    From European funds, it was possible to obtain 425 million crowns for the renovation of the monastery; the remaining funds were provided by the state. In 2009, a five-year archaeological research began at the monastery, with the actual repairs starting in 2012. "A major problem on the site was the enormous humidity. The Teplá River flowed through the convent's basements, and it was very challenging to drain and dry everything out. We also focused on details - in the decoration, in the fittings, and in other individual elements," project manager Václav Maršík told ČTK.
    The public will for the first time in history have the opportunity to visit the tunnel system beneath the convent. "Visitors will be able to see the unique tunnels for the first time, through which the Teplá River flows and which maintain the climate of the entire building. Such a system of drainage channels cannot be found anywhere else," described Maršík.
    The way modern technologies have been integrated into the restoration is unique as well. "The buildings themselves are historical and very valuable, but at the same time, they are equipped with the most modern technology that can be used in construction today. And this is not only in terms of electronics but also other aspects," the manager said.
    The cultural and educational center Hroznata Academy will open on July 1. Visitors will be able to embark on a freely accessible educational trail in the monastery grounds or explore an exhibition mapping the archaeological research. The center will provide space for educational seminars and conferences and will also collaborate with art schools and Palacký University in Olomouc.
    The monastery in Teplá was founded in 1193 by Blessed Hroznata. For centuries, it was a center of education and an important economic entity. However, in 1950, it was closed like other monasteries in Czechoslovakia and served for 28 years as barracks for the Czechoslovak People's Army. Only the church and library have been accessible since 1958. After the army left, the buildings fell into disrepair. Only in 1990 was the monastery returned to the Premonstratensians.