On Monday, archaeologists will occupy the area around Národní třída station

Prague - Archaeologists will occupy the area around the Národní třída metro station on Monday. Tomasz Cymbalak from the Prague branch of the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ) told ČTK. Several archaeologists have already supervised the construction this week, but now dozens will begin their research. They consider the excavations in this area to be one of the last major archaeological studies in Prague. A multifunctional building, the Copa Center, worth approximately four billion crowns, is set to be built above the station.
    According to Cymbalak, it is not possible to expect any findings in the first days. "We will first clean the area," he told ČTK.
    The research will last about five months. What the archaeologists will encounter at the site during the research is still unknown. During the construction of the metro station in the 1970s, research was only partially conducted here. They now want to explore nearly 3,500 square meters, which is more than half of the entire construction area. Part of it has been damaged by modern buildings, but scientists expect that intact findings will be under their basements.
    Archaeologists anticipate that they may find Gothic cellars on site, and they do not rule out other surprises. For example, there was a Jewish cemetery in close proximity to the planned building.
    They will need to dig to a depth of about 3.5 meters, although there may be deeper structures in places, such as wells, cesspits, or trenches. As four underground floors are planned beneath the Copa Center, builders will excavate soil down to a depth of about 16 meters. All findings will thus be destroyed.
    Archaeologists hope to negotiate with the investor about the possible preservation of the Gothic cellars that should be located on Spálená Street. They are aware of their existence but do not know their condition. At least part of them could potentially be incorporated into the construction of the building.
    The construction of the Copa Center is expected to last about 20 months. The building will contain apartments, offices, shopping arcades, and parking for 250 cars. The entire metro station will also be reconstructed. As a result, trains will only pass through the station for about ten months. The NPÚ did not agree with the construction of the Copa Center, but the superior municipal heritage department eventually approved it.