The management of the National Cultural Monument Vyšehrad wants to replace the lighting and expand the park

Prague – The management of the National Cultural Monument (NKP) Vyšehrad wants to replace the lighting and expand the park. The reason is the obsolescence and economic burden of the current lighting. The park expansion should take place at the site of the current tennis courts by Leopold's Gate. Petr Kučera, the director of Vyšehrad, told ČTK. The modifications are to take place as part of the approved development concept of the NKP. When exactly the changes will occur is still unclear.

"One point of the concept is also light pollution. It is produced here. The lighting is from the year 2000, so it is technically outdated. It is considered that it should be replaced with something that is gentler, more economical, and more ecological," said Kučera.

When exactly the lighting will be replaced has not yet been decided. The city company Technology of the Capital City of Prague (THMP) is preparing a concept for the modernization of monument lighting. According to Kučera, the management of Vyšehrad would like it to be included in a pilot project.

The change is planned around the middle Leopold's Gate. On the left, in the direction from the Congress Center, there is the so-called central court, which was established during the First Republic. On the right, there are courts that no longer serve their purpose. "As part of the concept study, we would like to modify the forecourt of the gate to be a bit more dignified, as there are views into the courts, and there is also a passage to Lumírovy Gardens. We would like to revitalize the space and create another part of the park," said Kučera.

The NKP has a project that plans to remove the mentioned unused courts and create a passage. When this will happen is still unclear, as property rights issues need to be resolved, since the land belongs to the city but is leased. "I believe that we will be able to resolve this and start preparing the revitalization project. It is a long-term endeavor; for now, we only have a vision," added Kučera.