The Pardubice Region is seeking new uses for the Rychmburk Castle

Prehradí - In two years, the last mentally ill clients of the Home at Rychmburk Castle will leave their current historical residence and move into new houses in the village of Podhradí. The Pardubice Region is considering how to utilize the medieval monument in the future. It has commissioned proposals from two students of the Faculty of Architecture at the Czech Technical University in Prague, for whom this was their diploma project, said Zuzana Nováková from the governor's office in a press release.

Both proposed multifunctional uses for the castle, albeit in their own ways. There should be a tour route that shows the constructions uncovered from the layers of the past years. The designs include space for social and cultural events, an area for exhibitions and long-term displays, as well as social and hygiene facilities. Both architects placed a café in the castle, an apartment for the caretaker, an information center, and several apartments.

The regional office must choose a solution that is financially viable. A working committee consisting of representatives from the region, local representatives, a local action group, and heritage conservationists will address it. "We would like the delay between vacating the castle and opening it to the public to be as short as possible. It is clear that adjustments will need to be made in cooperation with the municipality and the surrounding region in stages. We will also have to solve parking and access to the castle so that it does not disrupt life in the village," said Deputy Governor Roman Línek (Coalition for the Pardubice Region).

Those interested can already view parts of the castle. The Gothic cellars, where there is an exhibition on the history of the castle, are freely accessible. During events held at the castle or by prior arrangement, people can also climb the castle tower.

In the future, the Pardubice Region will also have the castle in Bystré in the Svitavy region freed up, where another home for people with mental and combined disabilities is currently located. No decision has yet been made regarding its further use.