Český Krumlov Castle Receives the Europa Nostra Prize for the Second Time

The European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage is the most prestigious international award in the sphere of preservation of historical monuments. This year, this Prize in the main category (implemented projects) has been awarded to the restoration project of the Southern Facade of the Upper Castle in the Český Krumlov State Castle and Chateau .

"The European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage Europa Nostra 2008 goes to a project which has launched an entirely new trend in the preservation of historical monuments in the Czech Republic. It is often quoted as en example of a sensitive approach to conservation of a highly authentic monument. This restoration of the southern façade of Český Krumlov’s hallmark is one of the largest conservation projects in the Czech Republic. Another significant feature of this project is an innovative approach, using conservation techniques and ethical approach previously only applied to restoration of art work to the area of care of historical monuments as well. The European Union Prize committee has also praised the restoration team for uncovering a wealth of information during the restoration work, contributing to better knowledge of this monument and clarifying a number of previously unknown chapters on building development and techniques from its 500-year long history. The approach to restoration, with preferential usage of traditional building crafts and technologies in order to preserve authentic historical construction features and materials, has also been well appreciated”, says Mr. Pavel Jerie, Director General of the National Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage.

A well-functioning team of distinguished experts and skilled workmen has contributed to this brilliant achievement: Pavel Jerie (Expert, HQ of National Institute for the Preservation of the Cultural Heritage), Václav Girsa and Miloslav Hanzl (Architects of the Studio Girsa AT s. r. o.), Dagmar Michoinová (Monuments Technologist with the National Institute for the Preservation of the Cultural Heritage), Petr Pavelec, Pavel Slavko, Ludvík Horák, Daniel Šnejd (employees of the National Institute for the Preservation of the Cultural Heritage, regional office in České Budějovice), Karel Hrubeš, Josef Novotný, Petr Novotný, Jaroslav Kerel, Radek Černý, Stanislav Tomečka (expert restorers) and the construction company SD Hrad of Karel Mikeš and Jiří Škarvada based in Český Krumlov.

In addition to the Český Krumlov restoration project, this year´s Europa Nostra Awards in the implemented projects category also went to the conservation project of an archeological site on the Skarkos Island (Greece) and the renovation of the Van Nelle Factory in Rotterdam (the Netherlands). Various prominent undertakings from Spain, the Netherlands and Romania have also received prizes. In addition to the six prizes, 21 medals were also awarded. In total 109 projects were nominated across all categories from 29 countries.

The restoration team representatives will receive the award, together with prize money of 10,000 Euro, during a festive European Heritage awards ceremony in the Durham Cathedral in Great Britain on the 12th June 2008.

The Castle of Český Krumlov has already received the highest Europa Nostra award in the year 2002. This prize, awarded in the Art Collections category, went to the project of restoring and presenting the artifacts of the Český Krumlov Castle Theatre collection. The jury has commended an excellent restoration job including on various artifacts including scene decorations, technical background and costumes uniquely preserved in a large extent in their original location.

Additional Information

• The Castle of Český Krumlov Begins to Restore its Largest Facades (2003, czech only)
• The Reconstruction of the Western Facade of the Upper Castle Begins in the Castle of Český Krumlov (2001, czech only)