Přerov will build an outdoor exhibition in the places where Komenský walked

Přerov - Přerov is preparing to build an outdoor exhibition in a location called Na Marku, where archaeologists uncovered unique finds associated with the personality of Jan Amos Comenius. It will include presentations of the finds, symbolic elements outlining the former church, and a marked historical alley. This was stated today by the spokesperson of the Přerov city hall, Lenka Chalupová. The location was declared a cultural monument in the spring at the suggestion of representatives from the Comenius Museum. The city hopes for increased interest from tourists from the exhibition.
    Archaeologists uncovered the foundations of the spiritual center of the Moravian Church three years ago, which included, alongside a prayer house and a unique Renaissance path, also a school building where Comenius worked from 1614. “Originally, a parking lot was planned for this part of the city. However, after the archaeologists stumbled upon the foundations of the buildings and retrieved interesting historical artifacts from the ground, the plan was reassessed,” said Pavel Košutek (ANO), the deputy mayor of Přerov.
    The new outdoor exhibition will cost 1.6 million crowns without VAT. It is primarily intended to present Comenius's ideas. “According to him, a person attains knowledge of the world through the senses, reason, and writing - and the designated area is thus divided into three symbolic parts,” said the city architect Klára Koryčanová. There will also be a memorial to the prayer house of the Brethren, and a pillar will indicate the site of the historic bell tower. "Visitors can also expect an outdoor presentation of the finds - they will see texts, diagrams, but also copies of artifacts that were unearthed by archaeologists. The exhibition will also include playful elements aimed at sharpening attention, judgment, and memory - all in the spirit of the ideas of the teacher of nations,” added Deputy Košutek.
    The exhibition will also feature the uncovered historical path, which provided access to the school and along which both Comenius and Jan Blahoslav, a native of Přerov and bishop of the Moravian Church, walked. “The path is excellently preserved. After its uncovering, however, an expert will be called in to determine a detailed procedure for its conservation,” added architect Zbyněk Musil, who is behind the design.
    The city is now preparing the documentation for a public tender, and the selection of a construction company should begin in the fall, with construction expected to start in the spring of next year.
    Archaeologists worked at the Na Marku site from 2012 to 2013. Their unique finds were already nominated for the find of the year award last year and were put forward for the Patrimonium pro futuro Award from the National Heritage Institute.