The repair of the second oldest observatory in the Czech Republic in Mikulášovice is expected to take longer

Mikulášovice - The reconstruction of what is probably the second oldest observatory in the Czech Republic, located in Mikulášovice in the Děčín region, will take longer than expected. It was supposed to open this year, but the town hall now estimates that the public will be able to visit it for the first time next spring. One reason for the extended repair time was the disturbed statics of the historic building, said the town's mayor, Aleš Jandus (Change 22).

The observatory was built in 1913 by pharmacist Adolf Kraus for his amateur observations. The building stands opposite the church in the town center. The town purchased the pharmacy and the attached observatory for hundreds of thousands of korunas, and the reconstruction of the dome was completed in 2012. Later, the town acquired a telescope and organized weekend observations during the reconstruction.

"Work is ongoing. The first phase should be completed by May, as we have encountered slight delays," Jandus told Czech News Agency today. The town took out a loan for the investment, and the repair will be about three million korunas more expensive than the town hall initially expected. Thus, the mayor estimates the costs at 30 million korunas. "There were, among other things, problems with the static stabilization of the building, which were discovered during the reconstruction," Jandus noted. Former mayor Miluše Trojanová added that this spring, councilors did not approve the withdrawal of additional funds from the loan for extra work. "That is also why it was delayed. We had to propose it again, and then it was approved, but there was a hold-up," Trojanová stated.

In the first phase, access areas to the observatory, the observation room, and the outdoor part of the former pharmacy will be restored. Jandus does not dare to estimate how much the interior will cost. According to him, additional funds will again need to be approved by the councilors. The town has tried several times to obtain a grant for the restoration of the monument but has not received one. The town has been concerned about the observatory. Due to the poor condition of the roof, it was leaking, which is why they borrowed money for its repair.

There is an astronomer living in the town who held tours for interested parties before the reconstruction and also organizes weekend observations. The town plans to open an astronomy club that this expert should lead. "A clubhouse should be created there, and we have also secured equipment," said the mayor. In the neighboring building, a social room will be created, and part of the house will be used for housing.