A number of South Moravian villages will get a new look

Brno - The squares and market places in southern Moravia have recently been gradually transforming and gaining a new face. In addition to tourists, greenery is being introduced to areas that have been neglected or derelict for years; the squares are either regaining their original historic form or receiving a modern appearance with a new landmark. The Czech News Agency found that municipalities are not hesitating to spend millions or even tens of millions of crowns on renovations. Now they primarily want to secure funding from the European Union.
    One area looking for a new face is Velké Pavlovice. The well-known wine center in the Břeclav region may spend as much as half a billion crowns on it. The square should reflect the wine-making tradition. One of many proposals even includes the construction of a building in the shape of a barrel.
    Elsewhere, people are more conservative and will maintain the more or less original appearance. In the village of Havraníky near the Austrian border, the rebuilding of the center is just beginning now, but only on paper for the time being. They plan to renovate the square and the park beneath it, the areas around the main road, and the so-called cellar alley, which is particularly appealing to tourists, within five years. Some statues will even be relocated. The municipality will seek funding from the European Union and is also looking for additional grants from other sources.
    In Boleradice, also in the Břeclav region, they are considering a new appearance for the square. In recent years, it has been in such poor condition that traditional feasts are no longer held there; they have moved to another part of the municipality. "The square has a good location; something just needs to be done about that ugly gray paved area," said Mayor Jan Koráb. How the village will look depends on the locals as well. They can express their opinions on the architects' proposals and add to them.
    Boleradice has been considering a modification of the square for 15 years, but so far there has been no money for it. This could now change with funding from the EU. Benches, trees, paving, a gazebo with a dance floor, and possibly a replica of the old town hall tower will be built with the funds. The neighboring village of Němčičky also wants to start working on their center as soon as possible, added Mayor Petr Slezák. This tourist-attractive village with the lowest ski slope in the country wants to improve the entry into the municipality, and like others, is relying on European funds.
    This, according to urban planner Karel Havlíš, is a problem for Czech towns. "They don't actively seek out the money and wait for it to be essentially served to them," he described. As a result, many Czech villages are currently in poor condition. However, those that have started renovations are generally doing well, according to him. "There is no universal recipe; sometimes a new face is better, other times it's better to preserve the original. The memory of the place is definitely important," he believes.