The reconstruction of the castle park in Bruntál will be completed in April

Bruntál - The reconstruction of the castle park in Bruntál is expected to be completed in April next year. The repairs, which started this spring, will cost the city 23 million crowns. Zuzana Pršalová from the Bruntál city hall told ČTK. This year, the renovation of the castle's garden hall, known as the saly terreny, has already been completed.

"Work on the grounds of the Bruntál castle has been ongoing since this spring. It involves a complete restoration of the park including modifications to the greenery, paths, and all buildings in the park except for the saly terreny building," said Jitka Koščáková, director of the Bruntál castle.

According to her, the experts have already treated the trees and cut down dead ones. In the front part of the park, the civil defense shelter has been repaired. "The preserved remains of the fortifications have been reconstructed, work is underway on the modifications of both bastions. New allegorical statues have also been installed in the front part of the park. These statues complement the French style of the park's layout," she said. Technicians are currently repairing the pond and the fencing surrounding the park. "Paths and sidewalks still need to be completed, and the grassy areas need to be adjusted," she added.

According to the director, the work is progressing more than well. If no unfavorable unforeseen circumstances arise, the project could be completed by April 2021. "We plan to ceremonially inaugurate the new season together with the operation of the newly renovated park, and the saly terreny will also be opened to the public," Koščáková added.

The sala terrena, or garden hall, is an open architectural structure characteristic of Baroque palace and castle gardens. The space opens to the garden, which is at the same level or accessible by several steps of stairs. It served for relaxation, snacks, or concerts.

After the reconstruction, the sala terrena in Bruntál will be used for smaller and intimate events. "We will host chamber concerts, recitals, and lectures here. Starting next year, a café will also operate here. So people will be able to just come and relax in the castle garden," said the castle spokesperson Ema Havelková. The project's costs amounted to around 31 million crowns excluding VAT. The EU covered 85 percent of the renovation, with the rest of the funding provided by the state and the region.