Znojmo will replace another 37 windows in the Louka Monastery this year

Znojmo - This year, Znojmo will replace 37 windows in the next phase of the reconstruction of Loucký Monastery, specifically in the courtyard part of the eastern wing's risalit. The current investment amounts to over eight million crowns, stated city spokeswoman Petra Šuláková in a press release. The city has been restoring the windows for ten years with the support of the Ministry of Culture and is gradually getting closer to its goal.

With this year's phase, it will almost be 300 windows. "According to expectations, we still have two phases ahead next year and the year after; by 2028, we should have it completed," said Deputy Mayor Jiří Kacetl (For Znojmo) to ČTK.

This year, nine oval windows, 27 double-leaf windows, and one ventilating window with a baroque grille will be restored. "The new windows will be exact replicas of the historical ones. They will be made from larch wood, hand-painted in a matte ivory shade," said Kacetl.

Loucký Monastery is also gradually opening to the public, and there is significant interest in it. "There is great demand among the residents of Znojmo and tourists for regular visitor operations in the so-called new convent. Although these enormous spaces currently have no permanent use apart from seasonal exhibitions, it is a great experience for anyone to just walk through and admire the architectural art of the late Baroque," said Kacetl.

The city has been gradually restoring Loucký Monastery and the surrounding area since 2010 when it acquired it from the state in very poor condition. "I am glad that this national cultural monument is slowly but surely rising from the dead. A popular Visitor and Cultural Center Louka has been established, and the operation of the Riding Hall Center is now being launched. We are working on hotel use for the officers' pavilion," Kacetl said.

The outdoor area between the Louka Center and the Riding Hall Center is also being gradually transformed, and in April, the city purchased land between Loucký Monastery, Aninská Street, and the swimming pool. This will allow the predominantly neglected area to be transformed into a recreational and entertainment space for the city's residents.