At Pustevny, the construction of the new Libuša has begun

Pustevny - A new Libušín has started to be built in Pustevny in the Beskids. A new foundation and several beams are already in place where the former lodge designed by Slovak architect Dušan Jurkovič burned down. The rough construction of the restored Libušín is expected to be completed by the end of this year, Jindřich Ondruš, the director of the Wallachian Open-Air Museum in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, which manages Libušín, told reporters today.

"We are starting the most important phase of the renewal of Libušín, which means the construction of the timber frame. From this moment, the building will visibly rise up," Ondruš stated.

The wood designated for the reconstruction of Libušín was harvested in winter and was subsequently processed according to traditional methods. The structure of the building was prepared in a hall in nearby Bystřička in the Vsetín area. Hundreds of new beams will be used, about 20 percent of the building will consist of beams from the original Libušín that were able to be salvaged and were usable.

The original Libušín, which served as a restaurant and was one of the symbols of the Beskid Pustevny, was built in 1899. The building burned down three years ago.

The lodge is expected to start serving again in the autumn of 2019. The restoration is estimated to cost a total of 100 million crowns. People also contributed to this, sending about ten million crowns to the collection. Together with funds from regions, companies, and other contributions or in-kind donations, about 16 million crowns have been collected. The museum will also receive additional funds from the insurance company and its founder, the Ministry of Culture.