In Mikulov, after many years of repairs, the Church of St. Wenceslas was reopened

Photo: mikulov.cz

Mikulov (Břeclavsko) - Today in Mikulov, Břeclav region, the Gothic church of Saint Wenceslas was opened after extensive reconstruction. It is one of the most significant Gothic monuments in Moravia. The repair cost 14 million crowns. The church was being reconstructed for 15 years and was completely closed for the past five years. A service was held today to mark its reopening, said Martina Jandlová, spokesperson for the Brno bishopric, to ČTK. During the ceremonial mass, the church of Saint Wenceslas was filled with believers to the last seat.
    The reconstruction of the building was extensive. The most demanding part was the restoration of the Mannerist stucco decoration of the ceiling, which was loosening. It was necessary to remediate the damp walls, repair the presbytery vault, the trusses, and the roof of the entire Catholic church.
    Repairs were spread over several years due to lack of funds. The church has so far been largely restored. Another important project will be the repair of its tower, for which funds have not yet been available.
    It will cost several million crowns and could become a new tourist attraction in Mikulov in the future. There are plans to make it accessible as a viewpoint. Similarly, since last year, the tower of the church in nearby Břeclav-Poštorná has been made accessible.
    The church of Saint Wenceslas likely originated in the 13th century. Four centuries later, Cardinal František Ditrichštejn elevated it to a so-called collegiate chapter, which is still headed by provosts. At that time, there were only four such chapters in Moravia.
    Mikulov is one of the oldest historical towns in Moravia. Its pride is the castle, numerous chapels on Holy Hill, the tomb of the noble family Ditrichštejn, the historic central square with the Sgraffito House, and the church of Saint Wenceslas.