The landmarks of the Plzeň Region are the brickworks in Boubín and the Marian column in Stříbro

Plzeň – The landmarks of the Plzeň region for the year 2025, that is, the best restored historical buildings, are the mechanical brickworks in Boubín near Horažďovice in the Klatovy region and the restored Marian column with statues in Stříbro in the Tachov region. The brickworks won in the construction category, and the column received the grand prize for sculptures and small architecture, as reported today by ČTK.

They were selected by an expert committee from 19 nominees, whose restoration or significant part was completed last year. Nominations for the eighth year of the competition were submitted by local authorities with extended powers and the Plzeň National Heritage Institute.

"In the competition, we appreciate the work of those who participate in the preservation and protection of valuable cultural monuments in the region – owners, designers, contractors, and restorers, who can contribute to the preservation of the cultural legacy that is appreciated not only by its inhabitants but also by visitors who come to us," said regional councilor Libor Picka (STAN) during the announcement.

The brick kiln with a chimney, engine room, and dryer in Boubín was repaired by its owner Miroslav Boček, who also has a family farm. He purchased the cultural monument six years ago from the former owner and intends to open it to the public soon. "There is fully functional technology for brick production, which ended in 1985. Since then, the area has been deteriorating, and in 2020 a demolition order was issued," Boček told ČTK.

Second among the renovated buildings was Konstantinovy Lázně in the Tachov region for the nine-year restoration of the interior and exterior of its Villa Käthi, which represents unique villa spa architecture and houses the municipal office. Following this was Chudenice Castle in the Klatovy region, which belongs to the homonymous town that has been trying for several years to save and completely restore it. Last year, the restoration of the facades of the southern and eastern fronts and the securing and conservation of Renaissance sgraffito were completed.

The restoration of the Marian column with sculptural decoration and fencing, which received the second grand prize, was carried out by the town of Stříbro. In 2024, they renovated the statue of the Virgin Mary and the statues of saints, and last year the monumental baroque work by sculptor Lazar Wideman was fitted with sandstone columns connected by a metal chain.

Second in this category was the statue of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, belonging to the municipality of Žinkovy in southern Plzeň. Restoration work began in 2017 and the last stage last year was the repair of the column with stonemasonry copies of the heads of angels and cartouches. The third place was awarded to Vladimír Lobkowicz for the restored pair of statues of St. Notburg and St. Isidor on the boundary wall of the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Plzeň-Křimice. The baroque statues were in a state of emergency with missing parts and damaged sandstone surfaces.

Public awards were won by municipalities from the Rokycany region. In the construction category, Lhota pod Radčem won for the painting of the interior of the Church of St. James and Philip, while Podmokly succeeded for the restoration of the Wayside Cross with restored reliefs and a peak cross.