<translation>Žďárská Zelená hora serves believers and tourists even during renovations</translation>

Žďár nad Sázavou – The pilgrimage site Zelená hora in Žďár nad Sázavou serves believers and tourists even during renovations. In the initial stage of this year's project, costing approximately 45 million crowns, workers restored about a third of the facade of the Church of Saint John Nepomuk and replaced four windows. Next year, they are expected to complete the repairs of the exterior plastering, while also starting work on restoring the furnishings in the church. This was stated by priest Vladimír Vojtěch Záleský on the occasion of the December light celebration at Zelená hora.

Builders will return to Zelená hora in the spring. The completion of the facade repairs should go faster than this year, according to the priest, as they have already tested the technology. "It is a very complicated process because the plasters that are being preserved are holding," he explained. Concurrently, restorers are expected to begin work next year on renewing the church's interior decoration, including the altar and statues.

The pilgrimage site, designed by architect Jan Blažej Santini Aichel, is listed as a UNESCO heritage site. The monument remains open even during repairs. "We definitely do not want to close the church," said Záleský. It should also remain accessible during the flooring replacement, which, according to the priest, will likely be the most complicated period for organizing visitor arrangements. Masses will continue to be held in the church. The restoration project funded by the EU will last until 2020.

The pilgrimage site can also be visited during the winter. Today and on Wednesday, the church will be freely accessible from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Visitors will also see the Žďár nativity scene, which was carved by local parishioners in previous years. From December 29 to 31, the last tourist tours of the year will take place at Zelená hora, but interested parties should reserve their spots in advance. The last mass of the year will be held in the pilgrimage church on New Year's Eve, starting an hour before midnight. Details can be found on the monument's website.

By mid-December, over 31,000 tourists had visited Zelená hora, according to custodian Michaela Kokojanová, with additional people participating in religious ceremonies and various events. Compared to the previous year, she noted that attendance has only slightly decreased.