Historical monument „Oscar“ comes to Český Krumlov for the second time

 

The renowned award of the European Union for cultural heritage Europa Nostra for 2007 was gained in the main category (realization) for the project of conserving the southern facade of the Upper Castle of the Český Krumlov State Castle and Chateau, which represents one of the most extensive restoration works in the Czech Republic.

 

The project was hailed as an exceptional example of a sensitive approach towards the restoration of a historical monument, preserving the authenticity of the restored object. During the repair work, only authentic techniques and procedures were applied. This method had been so far applied only for works of art. „The European Union also appreciated the amount of remarkable information discovered that the restoration brought forth and allowed us to recognize the monument and clarify a number of so far undiscovered chapters about not only the constructional history of this remarkable monument, but also about the techniques and technology of the gradual constructional activities over the past 500 years. Emphasis was placed heavily on a process which prioritized the use of traditional historical craftsmanship and technology for the rescue of original historical constructional elements and authenticity of materials,“ noted the NIHMC general director Pavel Jerie.

 

In contrast to the renovation of the western facade of the Upper Castle which began in 2001, the realization of this southern facade was more difficult not only due to the much larger area of the reconstructed plaster, but also due to the articulation of the surface (bay windows, rock cliff protrusions, etc.). The reconstruction included cleaning, fixing and strengthening the plaster with many coats of limewater, and the wooden and stone elements were specially treated.

 

The excellent results of the work were due to the well-orchestrated teamwork of the best professionals that the Czech world of historical monument care has to offer, including: Pavel Jerie (preservationist to the central NIHMC, present general director of NIHMC), Václav Girsa and Miloslav Hanzl (architects of the studio Girsa AT s. r. o.), Dagmar Michoinová (historical technologist to NIHMC), Petr Pavelec, Pavel Slavko, Ludvík Horák, Daniel Šnejd (workers of NIHMC, regional office in České Budějovice), Karel Hrubeš, Josef Novotný, Petr Novotný, Jaroslav Kerel, Radek Černý, Stanislav Tomečka (restorers) and the construction company SD Hrad Karl Mikeš and Jiří Škarvada from Český Krumlov.

 

The award, together with a financial award of 10 thousand Euro, was accepted by representatives of the team on June 12. at a gala ceremony in Durham Cathedral in Great Britain.

 

Also in the category of realization, the conservation of the archeological local of Skarkos in Greece as well as the renovation of Van Nelle factory in Rotterdam were recognized. In the category of project, significant events were recognized in Spain, Holland and Romania. In addition to the six awards of the European Union for cultural heritage / Europa Nostra, 21 medals were awarded.

 

The highest award, Europa Nostra, was already awarded to Český Krumlov Castle in 2002. Recognition in the category of artistic collection was awarded to the project of restoration and presentation of the collection of the Český Krumlov Castle Baroque Theatre. The jury appreciated the exceptional result of restorational work including the stage scenery set, technical infrastructure, and costumes, preserved to a remarkable extent in their original location.