The church takes care of the Zelená hora in Žďár, nothing changes for tourists

Žďár nad Sázavou - The church of St. John of Nepomuk on the Green Mountain is now managed by the local Roman Catholic parish of Žďár. The site, designed by the famous Baroque architect Jan Blažej Santini, was previously overseen by the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ). The agreement for the transfer of this national cultural monument, registered on the UNESCO list within the framework of church restitutions, was signed on Wednesday. Žďár’s priest Vladimír Záleský told ČTK that the conditions for tourist visitors to the site remain unchanged. The church also plans to continue the repairs of the monument seamlessly.
    “We have taken over the existing staff - the caretaker, the manager, and the lady who takes care of cleaning. The tour guides will also remain, there’s no drama,” said Záleský. He expects that the handover of the site will be completed today.
    The signing of the agreement for the transfer of the Green Mountain to the church was confirmed by NPÚ spokesperson Simona Juračková. She noted that the transfer still needs to be recorded in the property register.
    “Personally, I don’t see any problem with it,” said Žďár’s deputy mayor Ladislav Bárta (TOP 09) regarding the transfer of the monument to the parish. He recalled that the Žďár parishioners have taken good care of the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary at the castle, which was returned to the church in 2004. “In ten years, that church has come to life and many repairs have taken place in it,” he said. The church was later raised to the status of a minor basilica.
    Any possible strengthening of the spiritual program at the Green Mountain, according to Záleský, should not greatly interfere with the opening hours for visitors. “Most spiritual events take place in the evening hours, when there is no tourist activity. So it will blend well,” he stated. The program for the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the pilgrimage church's inscription on the UNESCO list, which will be held in cooperation with the city from September 5 to 7, also remains unchanged.
    The parish is gradually preparing to continue the repairs of the church on the Green Mountain. Its vault has been restored, and now the walkways should be next. The church was aware, according to the priest, that the monument would need further repairs. “We have always had access to the church, so we have a fairly good understanding of its condition,” Záleský said. The heritage authorities will also oversee the additional repairs. Záleský expects that many preparatory works will be done by the Žďár parishioners themselves, just as during previous repairs of the basilica.
    The Church of St. John of Nepomuk, built in the early 18th century in the Gothic Baroque style, is among the most significant works of Santini Aichel. The church's design is based on a circle and repeats the number five several times as a reference to the five stars of John of Nepomuk, which, according to legend, appeared above the body of the dead saint.