The restoration of the Heather Spring is hindered by unresolved church restitution

Heather Spring in 1921.

Loučná nad Desnou (Šumperk region) - The Association for the Restoration of the Pilgrimage Site Heather Spring has been striving for several years for a chapel and a mountain lodge to be built in the area again, similar to those that once stood at this well-known tourist spot in the Jeseníky mountains. However, the intention is currently hindered by unclear ownership relations. The state has not returned the land to the church in restitution, and the church has filed a lawsuit, said the chairman of the association, Pavel Holubář, to ČTK today.
    Both structures had a long-standing tradition at the pilgrimage site. However, the lodge was demolished in 1988, and the chapel burned down in 1946 after being struck by lightning. "It's not just about building a structure. We strive for the restoration of cultural and spiritual heritage. We also want to remind that life existed in the mountains, not just in the valley,” Holubář stated. The buildings should respect the original layout, and original materials such as wood and stone along with glass elements should be used.
    The costs, estimated in the tens of millions of crowns, are to be covered by donations or from a collection organized by the church for the construction of the chapel. According to Holubář, to start construction, either the completion of church restitutions is necessary or obtaining consent from the state regarding the placement of the building. "Without that, we cannot do anything; we are at square one. I estimate that construction could begin as early as next autumn,” noted the association chairman.
    In the future, the municipality of Loučná nad Desnou and the local parish are expected to become members, which Holubář said supports the initiative. "The chapel will serve the purpose it has always served. We plan to resume two pilgrimages held in August and September. The lodge should serve as a base for refreshments and will also offer very simple tourist accommodation for ten to twelve people,” described Holubář.
    Given that the buildings will be located in a protected landscape area, the use of environmentally friendly resources is planned. "There will be solar panels, for example, and heating will be done with wood,” Holubář added. The original bell and cross that have been preserved are to return to the chapel. The association aims for the project to be non-profit but also self-sufficient, operating without subsidies.
    The restoration of the pilgrimage site was attempted at the end of the 1980s by three students of the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague: architect Miroslav Vochta, sculptor Otmar Oliva, and painter Jan Jemelka. However, the prevailing circumstances thwarted the plan. In 1993, they at least built a small stone mound with a two-meter cross on the remaining foundations of the destroyed chapel.
    The pilgrimage site at Heather Spring has a tradition dating back to the 17th century. The chapel served the people until May 1946, and the dilapidated lodge was demolished 42 years later after unsuccessful attempts to repair it.