Description
The objective of the project is to rescue, restore and open lost Romanesque St. Wenceslas rotunda from the 10th century to the public. As a consequence of an extensive renovation of the building Faculty of Matematics and Physics in a historical reserve protected by UNESCO, a torso of the lost rotunda was found in 2004. This finding with preserved and extremely valuable fragment of Romanesque ceramic tiles in the original historic store is considered as globally unique. Full restoration, conservation and climate protection treatment need to be done urgently (floor tiles, walling, terrain) accompanied by adjacent construction works necessary for opening to public. Archaeological works and sample analysis are also part of the project which extends its aim to development of expertise in monument preservation, restoration procedures, archaeology and practical education for students. This project will be thus beneficial not only for general public, but mostly for researchers and students. At the final stage of the project, an interactive exhibition will be installed.
Summary of project results
In 2004, a unique discovery was made on the premises of the Lesser Town building of the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University in Prague. Since the monument had been lost for many centuries, it was in a greatly damaged condition and required urgent actions to be taken for its preservation. Prior the project implementation, primary archaeological research had been carried out at the site, followed by basic stabilization of the monument, treatment of unearthed historical constructions and urgent structural adjustments necessary for the conservation of the historical terrain. Crucial project activities involved restoration, archaeological, and construction works, including securing of optimal climactic conditions. The historical value of the site is so momentous that all the works conducted were either directly of the restorative nature, or conducted by restorers or by craftsmen under expert supervision of restorers. Archaeological works were divided into several phases, including continuation of the field research initiated in 2004-2005, processing of the field research findings, analyses and historical evaluation of the archaeological research. Archaeologists have documented a jewel collection dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries, skeletons belonging to a knight’s family from the era of John of Bohemia and more than 3 000 pottery fragments. Restoration works were conducted throughout the project duration, including restorations of Romanesque masonry and tiling, conservation of archaeological findings, manufacturing and installation of replica of the 11th century tiling in its original position inside the rotunda. Construction works ensuring the accessibility of the rotunda and the adaptation of the space for presentation purposes involved adjustment of the entrance space, construction of stairs connecting the entrance to the pedestrian bridge, installation of metal pedestrian bridge and special air-conditioning equipment to ensure appropriate microclimatic conditions for the purpose of protection and preservation of the historical features and artifacts of the rotunda. Holographic projection and interactive presentation have been installed, as well as the selection of exhibits.
Summary of bilateral results