The reconstruction of the square in Hrádek nad Nisou will commemorate its history

Hrádek nad Nisou (Liberec Region) - The new shape of the square in Hrádek nad Nisou in the Liberec Region will also remind of the city's history, which was revealed during the reconstruction through archaeological research. In addition to the originally planned elements, such as a fountain or a sundial, there will be a well covered with glass tiles that is at least 400 years old, a timeline running through the square, and the foundations of a former plague column built in 1714. After the war, the column was demolished and taken away to an unknown location, leaving only the foundations, said Hrádek mayor Martin Půta today to ČTK.
    The revitalization of Hrádek's Upper Square and the surrounding streets began last autumn and is the largest construction project in the border town since 1945. The entire project will cost 68 million crowns, and the town can only afford it thanks to a grant from the regional operational program, which will cover most of the costs. The construction is accompanied by a demanding archaeological survey, which has already cost more than five million crowns. However, it has revealed very valuable information about the city's past. Among other discoveries, archaeologists found the remains of a man buried against the cemetery wall face down. There have been only a few similar finds on Czech territory so far.
    The architects decided to incorporate the archaeological discoveries into the new shape of the square. "One of the most attractive elements will certainly be the historical well, which was uncovered by archaeologists at the beginning of May," noted Půta. According to him, the age of the well is estimated at 400 years but it may be even older, which will only be revealed by further research. The well is six meters deep and is in excellent condition. Its entire depth is reinforced with a stone rim topped with a sandstone head. "Given the uniqueness of the well, it has been decided to preserve it and present it in the new shape of the square," Půta said.
    The design for incorporating the historical well into the new shape of the square was presented by the architect Richard Černý, who is the author of the architectural solution for the square. "Around the well, there will be a square stone rim, on which there will be nine glass tiles," the author described the plan. The glass covering of the well will be placed about 15 centimeters above the surface of the square but will be able to support a person. Additionally, the interior of the well will be illuminated, according to him. Residents and visitors of the town will thus be able to look into the well, which served as a source of drinking water for centuries and was thus the focal point of life in the town.
    Another element that will reference the city's history will be a "timeline" paved with light stone across the square. "It will run approximately in the axis of the historical bridle road, uncovered in winter during the archaeological survey of the square," described another feature the mayor. Along the timeline, five squares will be paved with original pavement from different historical periods. The oldest, paved with cobblestones from the bridle road from the 17th century, will be located in the upper part of the square. The next square will feature pavement from 1749 when the bridle road was covered. In the lower part of the square, there will be a square of pavement that constituted the surface of the square until last autumn.
    The reconstruction of Upper Square and the adjacent streets will be completed by August 22 of this year. The last weekend in August will then see the new square become the venue for the City Celebrations and the Bartholomew Pilgrimage, which will take place in the spirit of the festive opening of the reconstructed city center.