Litomyšl wants to repair the back part of the house U Rytířů

Litomyšl (Svitavsko) - The town hall in Litomyšl wants to reconstruct the rear wing of the valuable historic house U Rytířů on Smetanovo Square. The town completed the reconstruction of only its front part in the 1970s. According to the project by architect Ladislav Kuba, the entire building should return to its original condition and be made more accessible, Litomyšl spokesperson Michaela Severová informed CTK today. A condition for the repairs is obtaining a grant from the so-called Norwegian funds.
    "The reconstruction will primarily bring to life the middle and rear wings of the currently unused and decaying space of the house. It will improve the gallery spaces, but also provide a pleasant environment for visitors," said Dana Schlaichertová, director of the Municipal Gallery of Litomyšl, which is located in the building.
    A lift to the first floor will be newly built, the exhibition spaces will be expanded, a children's corner and workshop will be created, along with a small café and seating area in the courtyard. The project proposes removing the added staircase and parts of the storage areas in the courtyard, and also revealing the arched ceilings of the connecting corridor. The gallery's service areas, such as restrooms and a multipurpose room, could be placed in the rear wing. Adjustments are also planned for the second floor and the attic of the house.
    The town wants to obtain the necessary approximately 20 million crowns from the Norwegian funds. However, the submission of the application and the issuance of the building permit are complicated by the demands of the owner of the neighboring house. She disagrees with the restoration of the connections between the houses that were created in the past.
    The house U Rytířů was built in the Renaissance style in the 40s of the 16th century and is one of the most beautiful houses in Litomyšl. Its original appearance was complemented by a high Renaissance gable, which was replaced by an Empire attic after the fire in 1814. The stone facade is adorned with relief decorative and figurative decorations, the themes of which are derived from contemporary graphic templates. The house also got its current name from the figures of two armed men on either side of the middle window. In addition to them, the facade is decorated with figures of a student, a merchant, a mermaid, a lion, or a unicorn. Inside, the Renaissance coffered ceiling and relief-decorated stone pillars have been preserved.