Stropnický: We will not return the Radecký monument to Malostranské náměstí

Prague - The statue of Marshal Radecký is unlikely to be restored in Prague's Malostranské Square. However, a fountain could return to the square. This was stated today by Deputy Mayor Matěj Stropnický (SZ) to journalists. The city plans to start the reconstruction in 2017. The contract with the current parking lot tenant should also end in the same year. The future revitalization of Malostranské Square is estimated to cost 100 million crowns.
    "I believe that the returns of Habsburg monuments to public spaces are not entirely appropriate. Given how the reconstruction is planned, we as the capital city would contribute to the celebration of the Habsburg monarchy for the 100th anniversary of the founding of the republic, which I do not think would be the best idea," said Stropnický.
    Austrian Marshal Jan Radecký from Radče was a Czech nobleman and is considered one of the best military leaders of the 19th century. The Marshal's monument by Professor Christian Ruben and sculptors Josef and Emanuel Max was unveiled in Malostranské Square in 1858. It stood there until 1919. Since then, the valuable statue group has been in the Lapidarium of the National Museum. The Radecký Prague Society has been advocating for its return to Malostranské Square for several years.
    The city aims to obtain a building permit for the adjustments to the square in 2017 and to start the actual reconstruction in the second half of that year. As part of this, curbs will be reduced, underground containers for sorted waste will be relocated, and benches and bins will be replaced. The city will also consider the placement of artworks in the square. Future concerts and other cultural events are to be held here. The Malostranská fountain could return to the square, and the placement of more trees should be considered; currently, there is only one plane tree, Stropnický stated.
    The parking lot will also disappear from the square. "As part of the renewal, traffic calming will be taken into account, but this will be gradual and will relate to other adjustments in the area. The design is also variable; it can absorb various options. It is evident that some traffic calming must occur," said architect Pavla Melková from the Institute of Planning and Development.
    By announcing an architectural competition, the city responded last year to the pressure from people who are dissatisfied with the current appearance of the square. They primarily disagree with the fact that the ancient site under Prague Castle, dominated by the Church of St. Nicholas, serves as a parking lot, among other things, for the nearby buildings of Parliament. Local residents even compiled a petition due to this, collecting 5000 signatures.