Jičín will repair part of the Jesuit college for organizing cultural events

Jičín - The town of Jičín will repair part of the dilapidated historic Jesuit college in the city center. An investment of 3.44 million crowns will enable the college to host exhibitions, theatrical and musical performances, as well as art workshops and courses. Until now, a special regime has been necessary for holding similar events in the college. This was stated today by the Deputy Mayor of Jičín, Jan Jiřička (Choice for the City).

The planned construction modifications are the first investment that could initiate the gradual repair of the extensive college building. "The current repairs consist of making the college accessible on the ground floor around the second courtyard. Entrance will be through the main gate, and operational access will be via a staircase from the courtyard. The repair of the courtyard will follow in the second phase," said Jiřička.

The modifications of the interior spaces should be carried out this year by the winning company Ritus from Nasavrk, according to the selection procedure. The repair of the courtyard is planned for next year.

Previous projects to revitalize the empty Jesuit college building have so far ended without result. The most promising intention for the use of the college was a project for the construction of a science and technology park. The city had obtained a European subsidy of a quarter of a billion crowns for the reconstruction, which was estimated to cost several hundred million crowns. However, the councilors eventually abandoned the project in 2012. Critics mainly pointed out that the city would have to incur significant debt due to the construction.

The Jesuit college was commissioned by Prince Albrecht von Wallenstein at the beginning of the 17th century. The former school buildings later became barracks, which were occupied by the Soviet army after 1968. Since 1990, the area has been deteriorating, and the city is seeking a use for it.