Brno will allocate 90 million for the repair of the Měnínská Gate and the guardhouse at Špilberk

Brno - Brno will repair the guardhouse at Špilberk and Měnínská Gate for nearly 90 million crowns. The guardhouse shows structural defects and the gate is dealing with the emergency condition of some parts, said the mayor Markéta Vaňková (ODS) in a press release.

The council agreed to develop an investment plan for the guardhouse, while a plan for the gate has already been completed and approved by the council. The guardhouse is the last structure that has not been repaired during the renovations at Špilberk. According to the mayor, the facade is damaged, and most of the interior and exterior plaster, floors, windows, and other parts of the building, which now serves the castle administration, are also in poor condition. The estimated cost of repairs is 40 to 45 million crowns.

The repair of Měnínská Gate is expected to cost over 42 million crowns, which is the only preserved city gate in Brno. Its core dates back to the 13th century when it was part of the city walls. It is now under the management of the Museum of the City of Brno, which uses it as exhibition space. It has been a protected monument since 1964. However, since its inception, it has undergone many reconstructions, including a significant one at the end of the 1970s. "The planned investment arises from urgent needs and represents a solution to the emergency condition of certain parts of the building. A major reconstruction of the elevator shaft is also planned," said Vaňková. According to her, a survey revealed moisture in the masonry, as well as leaking sewage.

After the repairs, a multimedia exhibition is to be added that will document the development of the fortifications of Brno. It is intended to include 3D virtual reality and possibly a computer game with period themes. There are also plans for exhibitions of historic weapons and building or military technologies. "The aim of the repairs is to preserve the existing function of the building, that is, exhibition spaces with the necessary facilities meeting the demands and requirements placed on similar places in the 21st century," added the councilor for culture Marek Fišer (Pirates).