Charles Bridge needs more thorough repairs than expected

Posted on 2008-Mar-26 at 06:54 - Post Comment

A high number of original stones on the 14th-century Charles Bridge, the oldest bridge in Prague hotels and one of the major tourist attractions, fall apart and must be replaced during the ongoing scrupulous reconstruction, heritage protector Ondrej Sefcu has told.

He explained that many stones were irreversibly defected during a poor-quality reconstruction in the 1970s. Bricklayers then used a wrong technology, putting cement-based mortar on natural stone.

That is why a number of original sandstone blocks are in too bad condition that it is not possible to restore them.

Four to six stone blocks out of ten must be replaced, unfortunately, Sefcu said.

Sefcu said the main reason for the reconstruction was the need to lay down a new insulation to stave off damage to the masonry by leaking water. The bridge will be also installed with a better ventilation, he added.

New underground services will be also completed Prague hotels, including gas lamps on the bridge.

The repair works, the costs of which have been put at some 220 million crowns, should be completed in mid-2010.

They are accompanied by an extensive archaeological research. Experts have uncovered fragments of ceramic vessels, the oldest of which date to the 8th and 9th centuries.

The Prague hotels bridge exterior stone covering will be repaired in the last phase of the reconstruction.

Charles Bridge will remain partially open to the public during the reconstruction to a great relief of travel agencies and tourists Prague.