Kuks (Trutnov Region) - The world-famous baroque complex and the village of Kuks in the Trutnov region are awaiting repairs and investments amounting to over a billion crowns. The majority of the funds for the project are to be obtained by the Hradec Králové Region from European funds; after the repairs are completed in 2013, the area should host, for example, the Institute of Baroque Studies of the University of Hradec Králové, a diocesan museum, an exhibition on hunting, and other services. This was stated today to journalists by the director of the Center for European Projecting, Klára Dostálová.
    "By the end of this year, we want to select the companies that will design the project next year. Reconstruction of the hospital could begin in 2010," said Dostálová. Construction work is expected to be completed by the end of 2013, and operations throughout the area could start in 2014. Plans include the reconstruction of the baroque hospital, including the adjacent baroque gardens and nativity scene. "Then, projects directly in the village of Kuks will also begin, where it is necessary to reconstruct the waterfront or former spa houses," said Dostálová.
    The reconstruction of the hospital is expected to cost approximately 650 million crowns, with 85 percent intended to be obtained from European Union subsidies, and the remainder from the state budget. "Another 200 to 250 million will go into investments in the village of Kuks, which should be covered by funds from various grants, and another 200 million crowns will be private investments in tourism services," said Dostálová.
    Today, in Kuks, representatives of the region, preservationists, and the Ministry of Culture signed a Partnership Agreement for the implementation of the entire project. "The potential of Kuks is great; the plan includes the expansion of services, the establishment of new exhibitions, and also educational opportunities," said Pavel Jerie, the general director of the National Heritage Institute, to journalists today.
    The baroque complex in Kuks began construction in 1692 by František Antonín Špork. Construction activities peaked around 1710. Of the originally extensive spa complex, only the hospital with the Church of the Holy Trinity and the crypt has survived to this day. The palace and several other buildings were lost in floods and fires. The world-renowned Braun sculptural decoration of the complex is also notable.