<blockquote>Pilgrimage site on Holy Hill awaits extensive renovation</blockquote>

Olomouc - One of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Moravia, Svatý Kopeček near Olomouc, is set to undergo extensive restoration. This will affect the basilica, garden, and courtyard, with costs estimated to reach up to 120 million crowns. These should be covered by European grants. If funding is successfully obtained, experts are expected to begin the restoration of this monument of extraordinary spiritual significance between 2017 and 2018. The site attracts up to 60,000 pilgrims annually, and post-restoration, a visitor increase of up to 5,000 people is anticipated.

"We are eagerly awaiting the restoration. The pilgrimage site has not undergone such restoration so far. Even the visitors themselves point out the condition of the cloisters. If the funding is secured, everything could be repaired and adapted for use," said Father Petr Slaboch of the Svatý Kopeček parish today to ČTK. The area at Svatý Kopeček is owned and operated by the Premonstratensians from Strahov. The basilica has undergone partial repairs, but many areas of the complex remain in inadequate condition. "Just today, the heritage conservationists were here, and based on their report, steps can be taken to submit a request," the priest added.

The project includes the reconstruction of the basilica, the so-called representative areas in the right wing, the residence, and the cloisters. Following extensive reconstruction, several locations should also be made accessible to visitors, including the so-called Holy Stairs, which represent an important pilgrimage site, and the historical library. The plan also includes the restoration of several historical sculptures and paintings, the reconstruction of altars, stained glass, and historical floors.

According to project manager Jana Feřtková, the plan also includes barrier-free elements and the opening of new guided tours of the complex. "The goal is essentially to complete the comprehensive restoration of the complex so that, after many decades, it can once again fulfill its function as a spiritual and social center and a pilgrimage site," the architect states in the project.

According to Minister of Culture Daniel Herman, Svatý Kopeček is one of the central pilgrimage sites. "It is our responsibility to care for our ancestors' heritage and pass it on to future generations. It is a unique cultural monument of not only historical and cultural but also spiritual character. This symbiosis is a high added value," Herman stated during his visit to Olomouc on Thursday. He noted that the project is already prepared and is awaiting the announcement of the call for funding.

The history of this site began in the early 17th century when the Olomouc merchant Jan Andrýsek had a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary built here. Due to the increasing number of pilgrims, the Premonstratensians from Hradisko built a new spacious church from 1669 to 1679 according to the design of the Wallachian architect Giovanni Pietro Tencalla. The local temple was elevated to the status of a minor basilica by papal decree in April 1995 and honored with a papal visit on May 21 of the same year.