The modernization of the archaeological park in Mikulčice will cost 150 million

Mikulčice (Hodonín Region) - The reconstruction of the archaeological park in Mikulčice, Hodonín Region, which aims to transport visitors to the vanished Great Moravian settlement of Valy, will cost 150 million koruna. This estimate has been provided by the project designers. The first funds will be sent by the South Moravian Region for the project this year. The project documentation will be prepared for one million koruna. It is necessary for the region to apply for European funds. Construction work could follow next year, said Anna Procházková (ODS), the deputy of the governor, to journalists today.
    The archaeological park has been designed by architects to resemble the former settlement for visitors. Based on the foundations of ancient buildings, they plan to erect structures with glass panels. Artists will etch into them how the Great Moravian structures looked centuries ago. Viewers will thus gain an impression of how it must have felt during its time.
    According to Procházková, the buildings above the so-called first and second churches will first be clad, and paths in the area will be repaired. The investment will cost ten million koruna and is expected to start next year. "Once it gets going, it will be easier to obtain (additional) funding," the deputy said.
    The modernization of the site is the most important step for the Czech Republic to apply together with Slovakia in 2013 for the inclusion of the Great Moravian site Mikulčice-Kopčany in the UNESCO World Heritage list. This year, the countries withdrew this candidacy, stating that the complex is not yet ready for expert assessment to determine if it belongs there.
    However, according to Procházková, the discussions about Mikulčice potentially making it onto the prestigious cultural heritage list have increased visitor interest. In mid-August, the exhibition welcomed its ten-thousandth tourist, and it is expected that the total number of visitors for the entire year will be six percent higher than last year.