The repairs on Masaryk Square in Ostrava will be extended due to excavations

Ostrava - The reconstruction of Masaryk Square in the center of Ostrava, which was supposed to be completed this December, will take longer. The reason is unexpected archaeological finds that have pushed the completion date to spring next year, said Marie Václavková from the Ostrava City Hall today.
    Workers from the National Heritage Institute began excavations in mid-August and expected to finish in September. Initially, it was assumed that the area for exploration would be disturbed. "However, this assumption was not confirmed, and the archaeologists were surprised to encounter almost intact layers and a plethora of beautiful artifacts," Václavková stated.
    The richest finds are mainly from the modern layer of the 17th century. The city was hit by several fires at that time, which destroyed the wooden-clay constructions. At the burnt site, archaeologists found a number of household items from that era, such as stove tiles, kitchen ceramics, and coins. During the excavations, objects lost at a medieval market were also found, including knives, pieces of clothing, horseshoes, and pilgrimage badges.
    According to Václavková, archaeologists particularly value the finds related to the settlement of the city even before its founding. They also uncovered an early medieval settlement structure, from which fragments of ceramics dating from the 9th to 10th centuries originate. The first written mention of the city is from 1267.
    Václavková added that the exhibits will be stored in the Ostrava Museum. "They will be presented to the public in the form of an exhibition, and some may even become part of the permanent collection," Václavková said.
    Due to the unfinished reconstruction of Masaryk Square, there will be no Christmas markets in Ostrava this year. The mayor of Moravská Ostrava and Přívoz, Miroslav Svozil, told ČTK today that while the markets will not take place, people will also not have the beloved skating rink, which is traditionally located on the neighboring Jiráskovo Square, this year.
    The reconstruction of Masaryk Square will cost approximately 94 million crowns. The original rectangular square, bordered by Střelniční and Solná streets and on the other side by Poštovní Street and the Ostrava Museum, will be renovated. A total of about 9,500 square meters will be reconstructed, with only the Marian Column being preserved from the existing form of the square. The square will feature about 30 brass plaques that are meant to remind people of important events from the history of Ostrava. A short text will be attached to each date.
    New public lighting, benches, and drinking fountains will be added to the square. The bust of the first president T. G. Masaryk will be moved from the city hall to the square, and a new fountain with water jets will be placed in the center of the square. The design also includes outdoor seating areas for restaurants.