The government approved a program for the restoration and development of Terezín and Josefov

Prague – The government today approved the program of the Ministry of Regional Development (MMR) for the restoration and development of the fortress towns of Terezín in Litoměřice and Josefov in Náchod. Over the next ten years, 1.2 billion crowns will be allocated for it, said Minister for Regional Development Ivan Bartoš (Pirates) after the cabinet meeting. The plan approved today will complement the previously adopted rescue program of the Ministry of Culture, thus totaling three billion crowns for the restoration of heritage-protected sites in both towns.

"The fortresses were transferred to the ownership of the towns in a condition that was not satisfactory," said Bartoš. According to him, Terezín and Jaroměř, under which Josefov falls, do not have the financial means to ensure the repair of the monuments in the fortress towns, hence state assistance is warranted.

Funds from the MMR program will be directed towards the restoration of monuments, but according to Bartoš, they should also help find a new purpose for some currently unused buildings in both towns. Last September, the government approved the rescue program of the Ministry of Culture, based on which 1.73 billion crowns will be allocated for the repair of dilapidated buildings in both towns over five years, of which approximately 500 million should be released by the regions and towns.

The fortress towns of Terezín and Josefov were built in the 18th century by Emperor Joseph II as a defense against incursions from Prussia. They were complexes with extensive underground facilities and a complex above-ground section that served for housing troops and conducting battles. At their time, they represented a top defensive system, which, however, was never tested in combat, as enemies avoided it. During World War II, Terezín became a symbol of persecution and genocide, when German Nazis established a Gestapo prison and a Jewish ghetto there.