Praha wants to get involved in the sale of Jindřišská Tower

Prague - The leadership of the capital city wants to engage in the sale of the historically protected Jindřišská Tower in the center of Prague. This was reported today by Deník N, quoting the outgoing mayor Zdeněk Hřib (Pirates). The tower was offered for sale by the Prague archbishopric for 75 million crowns, justified by the rationalization of assets.

"I have already spoken with the mayor of the Prague 1 district Tereza Radoměřská and the city councilor for assets Jan Chabr (both TOP 09). They will meet for a joint approach," the newspaper quotes Hřib.

"I truly regret that the archbishopric did not first offer this type of construction for direct sale to the city or the district, especially since it is evident that the reason for the sale is the economic disadvantage of the tower, and I assume that some investment will also be required now, making it difficult to find a commercial buyer," Hřib added.

To address the sale, city councilor Ondřej Prokop of the ANO movement called today on Twitter. "I've been dealing with it for a long time," Hřib responded.

Jindřišská Tower is part of the Prague Monument Reserve, listed on the UNESCO cultural and natural heritage list. It used to be the belfry of the nearby Church of St. Henry and St. Kunhuta. The 15th-century structure stands nearly 66 meters tall and is equipped with an elevator.

According to Deník N, Jindřišská Tower has been rented long-term by the company Jindřišská věž, s.r.o., owned by builder and entrepreneur Martin Podzimka. The lease agreement from the year 2000 was concluded for a fixed term until the end of 2044, as stated in an advertisement on the archbishopric's website.

The sale is being brokered by Center Capital. Its spokesperson Barbora Hanáková stated to Deník N that the details of the cooperation are part of trade secrets.

In the ten floors of the tower, there is a souvenir shop, a whisky café, a gallery, and a permanent exhibition. The tower is also used for cultural programs, exhibitions, author readings, and theatrical or musical performances. The restaurant on the seventh and eighth floors features a bell from 1518. The top floor provides a viewpoint of Prague's panorama.

Even two months after the municipal elections, Prague has not established new leadership. The elections in Prague were won by the Spolu coalition, which holds 19 mandates in the 65-member council. The second ANO has 14 councilors, the third Pirates have 13, and the fourth Praha Sobě has 11. The STAN movement secured five mandates, and the SPD has three. Coalition negotiations began immediately after the elections at the end of September, but so far have been unsuccessful.