New Brno train station will also have a spiritual space

Royal Chapel in 1904, photo: Wiki

Brno - The planned Brno train station in the relocated position by the river should have its own spiritual space. Its concept will be designed by architects as part of a competition for the new station. This was stated today by the deputy mayor Petr Hladík (KDU-ČSL). According to him, the creation of a spiritual space is to be inspired by the Royal Chapel, which was located at Dominican Square from the 13th century and was demolished in the early 20th century. The jury will select the winner of the competition for the station, including the spiritual space, in June next year. The competition began at the end of August, and interested parties can apply until Friday.

According to Hladík, the spiritual space will complement the main hall of the station. "Similar to global airports or transport terminals, such as the nearby station in Vienna, there will be a designated area for passengers where they can spend time in silence with their thoughts or in a spiritual way," Hladík stated.

The space will be inspired by the Royal Chapel, which was established during the reign of Václav II in 1297 at the corner of Veselá Street and the then Fish Market, today’s Dominican Square. "The precious Gothic chapel was demolished in 1908 despite protests from many experts and the disapproval of the Vienna Monument Preservation Institute. However, the most valuable architectural elements were preserved and can be found in various locations in Brno or in the museum's depositary," Hladík mentioned. According to him, architects could use these elements in their designs.

The new station will be located by the river on the site of the current lower station. The location of the station was decided by city and regional representatives in 2018. The station is estimated to cost several tens of billions of crowns. The city is also working towards the establishment of the so-called north-south rail diameter, a subway-like underground railway that would transport people from the new station via public transport. Currently, the surface public transport is, according to the city, at the limit of its capacity.