20 August 2007

After years of anticipation, Prague City Hall today begins the reconstruction of the Charles Bridge, one of the city's most popular landmarks.

"We want the reconstruction not to be a burden for Prague and for tourism, but another attraction. We want the reconstructed parts to be open to the public," Prague Mayor Pavel Bém said.

Parts of the 14th-century bridge, famous for its Baroque statues, will remain accessible to the public.

The first stage of the reconstruction, expected to cost about CZK 220 million, will last until June 2010, and the second stage could last as long as 10 years.

Archaeologists say they are looking forward to new findings. "We know nothing about the origin of the bridge. Every new finding will bring new information," archeologist Jaroslav Podliška said.

If the archeologists succeed in finding anything interesting, the items would be exhibited in the Charles Bridge Museum next to the bridge.

The bridge will be reconstructed by the Stavby mosty Praha company.

Bém told journalists Friday that gas lamps would return to the bridge.

In July, celebrations of the 650th anniversary of the Charles Bridge took place.

Bém also said that City Hall plans to announce a tender for the architectural design of Prague's Old Town Hall.

Part of the Old Town Hall was destroyed during World War II. After the war, a park appeared on the site of the destroyed part of the building. Tenders for the construction have failed to produce a winning company whose design Prague would be able to implement.