Repair of the lock in Červená Řečice is set to be completed in 2022

Červená Řečice – The Červená Řečice Castle is undergoing an extensive reconstruction costing around 100 million koruna. The entrance wing, facades, and windows are being repaired. The first phase of the repairs is expected to be completed by autumn 2022. The Zámek Šebestián cooperative, which owns the castle, has received grants for the repairs. It also intends to apply for grants for the planned second phase, which would allow for the repair of other parts of the originally Gothic fortress from the 14th century, which later served as a rural residence for the Archbishop of Prague. There are also plans to build accommodation facilities at the site of the former granary. Commercial operations are expected to contribute to the maintenance of the castle in the future. Daniel David spoke about this on behalf of the cooperative.

"We are looking forward to the second phase of the IROP 2021 - 2027 call, which should be around the turn of the year or next year. This will allow us to continue further. We already have the next phase designed,” said David.

The long-awaited repairs began last autumn. Beyond the original plans, it was necessary first to repair the access bridge that once spanned the water moat. Its condition did not allow heavy machinery to access the castle, David said.

The work is proceeding under the supervision of the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ) in Telč, and archaeologists are also working on site. The castle well was a rich excavation site, where they even found tin utensils from the 17th century. It is currently about nine meters deep and is still being filled by a strong spring.

In the entrance wing, a tour circuit is set to be created, where the owners plan to exhibit collections of weapons. Included in the wing are representative spaces and the Archbishop's bedroom. Some rooms will receive new coatings, while in other areas, David said, the original paintwork will be preserved. One of the renovated rooms could serve as a ceremonial room for community needs as well.

"The appearance of this unique fortress-type castle has been most influenced by Renaissance and Baroque modifications, yet the Gothic phase is still very readable today. Particularly valuable are the preserved typical features of Renaissance architecture – sgraffiti with figurative motifs, high Renaissance gables, lunette cornices, or crest vaults,” said Terezie Vohralíková from the NPÚ office in Telč.

The Zámek Šebestián cooperative has owned the castle, which has been a national cultural monument since 2014, for about ten years. So far, it has invested in the castle, with the help of the Ministry of Culture, for example, to eliminate the emergency condition of the roofs.