The designs for the visitor center at Zelené hory await the Žďár municipal office by Christmas

Žďár nad Sázavou – The city is expecting architectural designs for the form of the information and tourist center at Zelená hora in Žďár nad Sázavou in a competition by December 20. The pilgrimage site at Zelená hora, a UNESCO monument, lacks adequate facilities. However, the plan for its construction is unpopular among local residents, who have written a petition against it. The town hall has promised to invite them to discuss the proposals. The mayor, Martin Mrkos (Žďár - a lively city), said this today to reporters.

"From my perspective, the petition has slightly missed the mark in that there’s currently nothing to fight against," the mayor stated. He pointed out that the task of experts is not only to propose the design of the building but also to make adjustments to the surrounding area, including transportation and parking solutions. Zelená hora lacks basic infrastructure for visitors and staff; the visited monument does not even have its own sanitary facilities. "I think that neither the monument, nor the tourists, nor the citizens of Žďár, who are proud of Zelená hora, deserve this," the mayor said.

The information center is to be located in the lower third of the hill, near the intersection of Vejmluvova and Sychrova streets. According to the demands of heritage conservationists, the new building can only rise to such a height that it does not disrupt the views of the significant work of architect Jan Blažej Santini-Aichl.

The city will request the architectural competition in collaboration with the Roman Catholic parish that administers Zelená hora. According to earlier information from the town hall, the costs of the competition will be half a million crowns. The initial deadline for submitting proposals was supposed to be by the end of September. The deadline was extended due to adjustments in the competition conditions. In addition to individuals authorized by the Czech Chamber of Architects, participation has also been allowed for experts under the Czech Chamber of Authorized Engineers and Technicians active in construction (ČKAIT).

The commission should meet in January to evaluate the submitted proposals. "I think that by February there will already be something to discuss with the public," said the mayor. He added that the funding for the construction of the center should be secured by the church.

Next year marks the 300th anniversary of the consecration of the Church of St. John Nepomuk at Zelená hora. The town hall, together with the church, the association "Putování za Santinim," and other organizations, is preparing a rich program for this anniversary. According to Deputy Mayor Ludmila Řezníčková (ANO), the association has requested regional and state support for the preparations. Before receiving the grant, the city will provide a repayable financial loan of 200,000 crowns.