The new appearance of the Holy Mountain may evoke emotions

Příbram - The extensive reconstruction of the baroque Sacred Mountain in Příbram, costing 190 million crowns, is nearing completion. Although construction activity has not yet ceased, the area has already been partially approved for use and on Christmas Eve, participants of the mass will see the renovated basilica for the first time. According to architect Richard Cibik, the modifications aimed to respect the historical context of the building structures. The new appearance of this pilgrimage site may evoke emotions, Cibik said to ČTK at today's partners' meeting in the Sacred Mountain area. Sacred Mountain is the most significant and oldest Marian pilgrimage site in Bohemia.

"Although we may not be so used to it, it's not like something out of a box, it should actually correspond to the historical place, both in expression and longevity," Cibik evaluated the results of the work. He suggested that visitors should prepare for the fact that the site "won't all play like in a new family house." "Many reactions can be expected regarding how Sacred Mountain looks today and how it looked just a year ago. But I think this is fine because architecture is supposed to evoke emotions," Cibik pointed out.

He pointed out that during earlier repairs in the 1980s, inappropriate façade coatings were applied, for example. "It turned out that those acrylic matters are not exactly suitable for this type of object, and over time they led to damage to the plaster and the unique original painted decorations in the area of the Prague Gate,” he noted. The new builders tried to approach the buildings with greater sensitivity.

Work began in the spring and included repairs to the exteriors of the pilgrimage site and restoration of the heart of the entire area, the stucco and painted decoration of the basilica's exterior chapels. "Essentially, the core was in the repairs of the outer shell of the structures and roofs, as they were nearing the end of their lifespans," Cibik said. According to project manager Václav Maršík, the project has cost 190.5 million crowns to date, with most paid for by the EU. Builders were pressed for time, and problems arose, for example, in sourcing a large amount of roofing material. However, the weather was favorable to them. "It's winter, and this morning it was ten degrees,” noted priest Jan Sokulski.

Archaeological research also delayed the work, revealing a number of valuable historical exhibits. A significant find was a baroque furnace, which will now expand the collection of the Sacred Mountain museum. "It can give us a beautiful idea of the history of the monastery and the pilgrimage site as such,” Cibik said.

According to Maršík, further parts of the area will be approved in January. For now, Sacred Mountain is still surrounded by workers, and the paths are covered with layers of mud. Today, heavy construction equipment and a crane were also visible in the area.

The reconstruction of Sacred Mountain is intended to serve as a model project for the restoration and use of monuments. The repaired spaces will serve spiritual activities and a permanent exhibition. They will also be adapted for hosting short-term thematic exhibitions, cultural events for a broad spectrum of visitors, and educational events for elementary and high school students.

The current form of the national cultural monument Sacred Mountain originates from the 17th century when the Jesuits built one of the largest and most significant early baroque structures in Bohemia. The statue of the local Virgin Mary with Jesus was carved, according to church tradition, by Archbishop Arnošt of Pardubice in the mid-14th century. In the 16th century, it was transferred to a chapel on Sacred Mountain, and soon processions began to flow to it. In 1632, a blind man was supposedly healed through it. Fifteen years later, the Jesuits took over the area, who in 1732 succeeded in crowning the statue, which was one of the most significant privileges granted by the papal commission. In 1861, the Redemptorists took over the administration of Sacred Mountain, where they served until 1950. They returned in 1990.