The castle in Čechy under Kosířem awaits further repairs and a battle against drought

Czech Republic under Kosíř - The castle in Czech Republic under Kosíř in the Prostějov region is awaiting further stages of reconstruction and a battle against the consequences of drought. Experts are completing extensive roof and rafter repairs costing tens of millions, and repairs to the remaining wings of the castle are also being prepared. The managers of the monument will have to address the acute problem of drying castle ponds and with the wilting greenery in the castle area, representatives of the monument said to reporters today.

The castle was transferred from the state to the Olomouc Region in 2008. Approximately 100 million has been invested in the repairs over time. "The Olomouc Region is aware that this is one of the most visited castles in the Olomouc Region. The roof and rafter repairs are now being completed, with an investment of around 50 million crowns. We are now facing the repair of the northern and eastern wings of the castle. Project work is being finalized, so costs cannot yet be estimated," said Deputy Governor Petr Vrána (ANO).

After previous renovations, the castle boasts restored rooms and new exhibitions. The first and second floors of the southern and western wings of the castle have already been repaired. Parking lots have been added, and the orangery built between 1850 and 1860 has been reconstructed, as well as the castle park established in the second half of the 18th century, featuring rare trees, water canals, floral niches, and dominated by the Red Tower.

In the park, which is a big attraction, it is necessary to solve the drought problems. The impact is primarily on the condition of the Large and Small ponds. "Currently, project work is also being developed on how to prevent drying out," Vrána added. The managers addressed the problem last year as well. According to the castle administrator Martin Váňa, the stream that is a tributary to the Large pond began to flow again last November. There had been no water in it since the previous April. "Thanks to this, the pond was filled to its capacity, but it will depend on what the summer will be like. We have a bigger problem with the Small pond, which has no own tributary. We have restored historical feeding there, but it is in very bad condition. It is very poor," said the administrator to ČTK.

In addition to the ponds, the trees in the historical park – a gem of the area – are also suffering. According to the administrator, conifers are particularly affected, which are also being attacked by bark beetles and must be gradually felled. "All other trees are mainly showing a greater susceptibility to various diseases that are destroying them," the administrator added.

The classicist castle surrounded by a naturally landscaped park of 21.5 hectares, which is one of the most valuable historical green sites in Moravia, is associated with the noble family Silva-Tarouca. The castle was opened to the public after extensive renovation on April 2, 2016.