The reconstruction of the former monastery for 100 million korunas in Žatec is halfway through

Žatec - The reconstruction of the former Capuchin monastery in Žatec in the Louny region is about halfway done. The city hall will invest 100 million crowns into one of the largest projects in the city in recent years. The abandoned building will be repurposed as a robotic and community center after reconstruction. The main benefit of the reconstruction is the preservation of a cultural monument, for which the city has previously unsuccessfully sought a use and even offered it for sale, said city hall spokesman Tomáš Kassal today to ČTK.

Completion of the extensive reconstruction of the building in the city center is expected in September next year. Currently, the contracting company has completed the rough construction, heating, electricity, water, and sewage systems. Part of the work also involved replacing some wooden elements affected by wood rot. The floors are finished, and an extension is being built in the area near the main entrance to the Cloister Garden, which will serve as the main entrance to the building. Workers will also completely restore the paradise garden, including new flower planting.

"Restoration work is expected to begin in January, which will involve the restoration of decorative painting on simple frames and lines in the multifunctional hall on the ground floor and in the first-floor hallway, as well as in some rooms with floral motif repainting. Some historical paintings that are not so significant for this building will remain hidden under a new monochrome paint," said Denisa Harajdová from the city development department.

For the conversion of the monastery, Žatec will allocate 40 million crowns from its own budget over two years. An additional 24 million will come from European grants from the IROP program and from the funds of the local group Vladař.

According to the city management, the result should be an attractive connection of the cultural monument with modern robotic center technologies. One of the symbolic transitions between the two historical periods is to be a metal staircase with the outlines of robots in the robotic center. The building was constructed in the 17th century and underwent a significant reconstruction in the 19th century.