The public can propose South Moravian monuments for awards

Castle in Letovice

Brno - The public can propose their candidates for the competition for the best restored monument in South Moravia for the year 2009 until January 5th. The survey can include not only castles, chateaus and churches, but also bell towers and chapels, restored paintings and sculptures, said the regional spokesperson Jan Chmelíček today to ČTK.
    A jury will select 30 candidates from the proposals. They will be divided into three groups. The public will decide the winners in the categories of large structures, visual arts, and small constructions through SMS messages. Voting will take place from February 1st to 28th.
    The largest reward, 150,000 crowns, awaits the winner in the large structures category. The top prize in the other two categories will be awarded 50,000 crowns each. This is the third time the region has organized the poll. Its aim is to improve the condition of monuments in the region and to inspire interest in them among the people.
    The best restored monument in the South Moravian Region for the year 2008 was the castle in Letovice in the Blansko area. A few years ago, it was among the most dilapidated historical sites in the region.
    Its owner, Bohumil Vavříček, built a honeymoon suite in the castle with the awarded prize. The Letovice castle is the only monument in the region that offers such spaces for rent.