The conservationists are ready for the restoration of the Český Krumlov Bellaria and garden

České Budějovice - Heritage preservationists have been ready for several years to restore the exterior of the Bellárie summer palace and the rear section of the castle garden in Český Krumlov, but the commencement of works is blocked by the operation of the outdoor theater, known as the točna. Petr Pavelec, director of the České Budějovice branch of the National Heritage Institute, said this to ČTK. After a meeting on Tuesday at the Ministry of Culture, there is hope that the točna will gain a new form, and along with it, the garden and summer palace will be revitalized.
While České Budějovice is to announce an architectural competition for the new točna and the South Bohemian Theater is to present technical requirements for its operation, the Heritage Institute must document its readiness to revitalize the garden and also Bellárie, which currently serves as an actors' backstage.
"In the last ten years, we have focused on the interiors of the summer palace. There are completely restored unique wall paintings and repaired wooden elements. The problem is that it is hard to repair the exterior because, during the time when masonry and restoration work can be carried out outside, the rotating audience is in production. Rehearsals take place during the day and performances at night, so it is difficult to have scaffolding up and have construction activity going on there. For this reason, the general renovation of the exterior of Bellárie has been postponed for years," said Pavelec.
Theoretically, according to him, it would be possible to carry out repairs even during the operation of the točna, but some agreement would need to be made. For example, a canvas could be lowered over scaffolding. However, if a new točna is built in the garden, there would be sufficient time for the restoration of the summer palace. The director estimates the costs of the facade restoration at ten million crowns, including moisture remediation and modernization of the social facilities, which are in a state of emergency. The construction is largely administratively prepared.
The heritage preservationists would prefer to operate Bellárie themselves. This is not excluded, as the theater could find support in the new točna building. According to Pavelec, two million crowns in rent for operating the theater could offset losses from ticket sales and commercial activities. The summer palace could become a part of another tour route in the central part of the park, into which it is incorporated along with a fountain, and it could be rented for social events like the Masquerade or Mirror Hall of the castle, making it ideal for intimate theater and music activities.
According to Pavelec, the revitalization of the rear section of the castle garden behind the točna is also prepared in detail, a place seldom visited by anyone. It would cost millions of crowns. It includes a romantic pond. Communications, watercourses, and perhaps even a maze would need to be restored.
The current appearance of the točna in the castle park bothers the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which has been requesting its removal for several years. In June, at a meeting in Paris, it urged the Czech Republic to expedite its dismantling, as according to the preservationists, it disrupts the authentic space of the Baroque garden. The Czech Republic must submit a report on the status of the protection of heritage sites in Český Krumlov and on the fulfillment of the organization's requirements by February 1, 2013. Otherwise, Český Krumlov may be listed as an endangered site.