The adjustment of the space in honor of Eliška Rejčka could begin next year in Brno

Brno – The renovation of the area in front of the Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary at Mendlovo Square in Brno could begin next year. A small park with an almond orchard and a sculptural work is to be created there as a tribute to Queen Eliška Rejčka, who lived, died, and is buried in Brno. The project documentation for these modifications will be prepared by Michal Palaščak and Helena Lukášová, who impressed the jury the most last year in an architectural-artistic competition. They will also undertake the creation of the artwork itself, the city council stated in a press release.

A total of 34 participants took part in the competition for the best design of the area transformation. The expert jury did not award the first prize, but appreciated the concept of Palaščak and Lukášová with a second place. It included white cubes symbolizing nine manuscripts created for the women's Cistercian monastery and the almond orchard, which is intended to represent the spiritual dimension of the place. "In accordance with the conditions of the competition, a so-called negotiation procedure without publication followed. The result is a contract with the authors, who will now develop the complete project documentation and create the artistic work," said Deputy Mayor René Černý (ANO).

The project is to be completed by the middle of next year. The authors will then submit the documentation to the city, which will select a contractor for the construction work. "The renovations should therefore start next year, however, the project preparation also includes various types of surveys, and since it is a historically very interesting location, we will see how long they will take. It is impossible to predict in advance what we will discover there," added the deputy.

The competition for the transformation was announced by the Office of the Architect of the City of Brno, which noted that the space in front of the basilica has become a leftover area without any connection to the square, does not create a cohesive impression, and lacks meaningful use and dignified representation considering the cultural and architectural significance of the monastery complex.

Eliška Rejčka (1288 to 1335) was the daughter of the Polish king and married the Přemyslid Václav II. After his death, she married Rudolf of Habsburg, who legitimized his claim to the Czech throne. She maintained her influence and position even after becoming a widow for the second time. She then lived in Brno as a partner to the nobleman Jindřich z Lipé.