Description
The objective of the project is overall structural and historic renewal of the neo-gothic temple, national cultural monument, located in centre of chateau park Krásný Dvůr. The monument is a unique example of garden architecture designed in 1792 being the first example of neo-gothic structure in the Czech Republic. Today the temple is at a state of disrepair – all three staircases made of sandstone are loosened and may cause collapse of the entire structure. Originally used as a romantic observation tower and from mid 19th century as a memorial of a military leader General Schwarzenberg, it has never been opened to public. The project plans reconstruction of the entrance staircases, renewal of interior paving, repair of the interior wooden ribs, reconstruction of the turret coat, repair of the wooden ribs along the perimeter of the turret, installation of a copy of the observation platform, repair of the spiral staircases, renewal of the statue, installation of security system and subsequent exhibition on history of landscape parks and opening the monument to the public. Tours around the interior and the observation platform, concerts and other social events will be held. Educational programmes and educational activities for organised groups of children and youth from pre-school children to secondary school students will be also organized.
Summary of project results
The project focused on restoration of the Neo-Gothic temple located in the landscape garden of the Krásný Dvůr castle. As the temple represents the first site of Gothic Revival movement built in the Czech Republic and one of the first observation towers in the Czech lands, it is of historical significance. The objective of the project was to reveal and recover the state of a historic building as it appeared at a particular period in its history, while protecting the heritage value. Prior the project implementation, the temple had been in state of disrepair, deteriorated and closed to the public. The project endeavoured to remedy the unsatisfactory situation by way of historic preservation, including conservation and protection. Stairways have been reconstructed, tiles restored, internal wooden ribs fixed and other necessary building interventions made. In order to provide an appearance that is compatible with the historic original, the construction and conservation works aimed for a high level of authenticity, leaving as much material untouched as possible, accurately replicating historic materials and techniques and using modern ones only in a concealed manner where they would not compromise the historic character. The new material used is compatible with the historic material, matching the detail and craftsmanship of the original in terms of the colour, surface texture and reflectivity, which brings the building to a historically accurate condition of one particular time period. Exhibition on the history of landscape parks and garden architecture buildings has been installed in the temple. Concerts and other social and cultural events are planned to be held on site. Moreover, special attention has been devoted to creation and organization of educational programmes, including special modules for children from nearby social care institutions. Educational activities for children and young adults contribute to spread the importance of landscape parks and cultural monuments preservation. The courses continue after the project completion and will be run by the castle employees who have been trained within the project to lead the educational activities. The project has helped to preserve both the historic, architectural and aesthetic character of the temple and increased the attractiveness of the castle grounds. General revival of the Krásný Dvůr area shall contribute to the development of tourism in the region, better public understanding of cultural heritage importance and value.
Summary of bilateral results