The reconstruction of the Vršovice Chateau is nearing completion, with the occupancy permit expected in October

photo: Petr Vilgus

Prague - The reconstruction of the old Vršovice town hall into a senior home is nearing completion. Prague 10 has announced two public contracts for the interior furnishing of the building, with occupancy planned for this October. Jan Charvát, the spokesperson for the tenth district, stated this to ČTK.
    The value of the first contract is two million crowns. "The subject of the contract is fixed interior furnishings such as doors, lights, furniture, and so on," the spokesperson said. Another two million should go towards furnishing the dining area for delivered meals in the senior home. The total cost of the reconstruction is expected to be around 230 million crowns, with an additional 45 million allocated by the town hall for the interior furnishing of the building. The expensive repairs have been criticized by the opposition in the past.
    Part of the reconstruction, which began last year, includes the conversion of the southern forecourt into a park. A promenade and a gazebo are planned to be created in front of the building, which is also referred to as the Vršovický castle. "Now, the details are being worked out - assembling the gazebo, planting greenery, trees, as well as a wedding portal to the wedding hall," Charvát mentioned. The mayor of Prague 10, Bohumil Zoufalík (independent), would also like to organize outdoor weddings in the gazebo.
    The Vršovický castle, also known as Rangherka, is located on the site of the original Štočkovská vineyard at the Špendlikářka estate. In 1776, Italian silk merchant Josef Rangheri settled in Vršovice and advocated for the cultivation of mulberry trees in Prague. After 1842, his son Jiří had a luxurious two-story building with cube-shaped towers constructed here. The building served for the production of silk and drying silkworm cocoons. A mulberry orchard was established in the vicinity of the buildings. The Rangheri family owned the premises until 1882 when it was purchased by the municipality of Vršovice.
    Starting in the fall, the building is expected to serve as a senior home with nearly eighty beds. On the ground floor of the building, where the town hall of the tenth district used to be, a new ceremonial hall will be created. Only the outer walls and facade of the original historic structure will be preserved; the interior has been completely reconstructed.