The competition for the restoration of Bečov has announced its winner, it will be made accessible in 2015

Prague - The architectural competition for the restoration of the medieval castle Bečov nad Teplou has been won by the Prague office MCA atelier. The significant monument under state administration has been undergoing restoration for a long time; the competition was for the overall solution for the rescue and utilization of the previously inaccessible part of the upper castle complex. The results were announced today by representatives of the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ).
The architectural competition is part of the project Bečov nad Teplou - exemplary restoration of the castle and adjacent buildings for the presentation of heritage care through educational programs. Its aim is not only exemplary heritage restoration and making the castle accessible but also the actual implementation. Castles and chateaus under the management of NPÚ are considered by conservationists to be ideal model workplaces for experimentally verifying professional methods and processes.
A total of 16 proposals were submitted to the competition, six of which were disqualified by the jury due to violation of the rules. The evaluation focused primarily on the overall architectural quality of the proposals, adherence to the principles of contemporary heritage protection, and respect for authenticity. However, the jury also considered the economic aspects and took operational safety parameters into account.
From January 16 to February 17, a joint exhibition of NPÚ and NTM will be held at the National Technical Museum, which will present not only the competition proposals but also unrealized designs by prominent Czech architects of the 19th and 20th centuries.
The rescue and restoration of the Bečov castle and chateau will be completed in 2015 with the opening of the entire complex. According to previous information, it is expected to cost approximately 94.5 million crowns. Currently, plans include the reconstruction of the Pluhovské houses in the upper castle area. There, after the completion of repairs, an expanded exhibition of the relic of Saint Maurus will be relocated, which is currently housed in the lower chateau building. From that building, a classical exhibition showcasing period interiors and furnishings will be created.
Bečov Castle, from the first half of the 14th century, is a unique testament to historical architecture - it was not rebuilt during the Renaissance or Baroque periods, as was customary, and thus has preserved its original form.