The main church in Chrudim is awaiting extensive renovation

Chrudim - The Gothic Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Chrudim is awaiting major repairs. The parish wants to repair the tower roofs, their facades, and the church front with the help of Norwegian funds. The budget is estimated at 30 million crowns, and the grant will cover about 80 percent of the costs. Jiří Heblt, the archdeacon of the parish, told ČTK.

"During the inspection of the towers, one stone had to be removed because it was at risk of collapsing. In September, part of a finial broke off. In January 2015, strong winds compromised the roof covering on the northern tower. New ones need to be made," said Heblt.

The three-nave church from the 13th and 14th centuries has undergone many reconstructions throughout its history, and in the second half of the 19th century, under the guidance of František Schmoranec, it acquired neo-Gothic towers and a facade. The parish has been gradually repairing the church in smaller sections. Thanks to grants, they could undertake more sections at once.

"In the second quarter of next year, grants will likely be announced. We want to submit an application; the project is already ordered. The parish does not have the funds for such an expensive repair," said Heblt.

For the past ten years, the parish has been gradually repairing the roof. Since 2009, sheet metal covering has been replaced by fired tiles, with the latest work completed this November. Over the last two decades, the parish has invested about 20 million crowns into the roof, with roughly a quarter paid by Chrudim. The church still requires further repairs.

"We still need to do the facades on the naves and the stained glass windows. About 25 years ago, three windows in the presbytery were repaired; the others have not been fixed," said Heblt.