The National Heritage Institute announced a competition for the reconstruction of Karlštejn

Karlštejn - The National Heritage Institute (NPÚ) has announced a competition for the reconstruction of Karlštejn Castle in the Beroun region. The restoration includes the Imperial Palace and the castle's burgrave's office, as well as the development of new exhibitions and a modern visitor center. The estimated value of the contract is 104.5 million crowns excluding VAT, and proposals can be submitted until July 8, according to the public procurement bulletin.

Work is expected to start this September and last until October 2022. The castle will remain open to visitors, but people should expect possible one-day or two-day closures.

The castle suffers from hidden ailments and high visitor traffic. The goal is to restore the deteriorating ground floor, basement, and cellar spaces of the Imperial Palace, the arcade annex, the rock cellar, and the eastern part of the castle's burgrave's office, where a visitor center will be established. Renovation will also take place in the utility garden located in the southern courtyard and engineering networks.

Nearly 224,000 people visited Karlštejn last year, which is about five percent less compared to the previous year. According to the castle's curator, Lukáš Kunst, the decline is due to multiple influences. Tourists are said to travel abroad more often, and the weather also played a role. In summer heat, people prefer to spend their leisure time by the water, while in rainy weather, they stay at home.

The Gothic castle Karlštejn was founded by Charles IV in 1348. It was built as a place to store royal treasures, particularly collections of holy relics and imperial coronation jewels. It is among the most visited monuments in the Czech Republic.