The Památková inspekce of the Ministry of Culture stated on 9 October 2026 that the first stage of the works on Plzeň's Náměstí Republiky had shortcomings in preparation and permitting.
The Památková inspekce of the Ministry of Culture stated in its methodological communication that there were shortcomings in the preparation and permitting of the first stage of the works on Náměstí Republiky in Plzeň. They concern the historic paving, the lines of trees, public lighting, street furniture and archaeological heritage [1].
Findings of the inspection
The communication has no legal effects. In it the inspection wanted to assess the procedure of the heritage-care authorities and to formulate recommendations for the second stage of the reconstruction [1]. According to its findings, the same problem recurs in all five areas. The heritage-care authority did not sufficiently identify the cultural and historical values to be protected, did not assess how the works would affect them, and did not weigh their protection against other public interests of the project [1].
The heritage-care authority may depart from an expert opinion of the National Heritage Institute, but it must justify this on substantive and reviewable grounds. The inspection states that the problem does not lie in a differing opinion but in the fact that the differing conclusion was not supported by reasoning that would make it possible to verify the assessment of specific values [1]. According to heritage experts, the city hall department repeatedly refers to the results of the architectural competition, which are not binding and do not replace the assessment by state heritage care. The approved documentation, moreover, contained a number of changes against the winning design that the competition jury did not evaluate [1].
Position of the institute's Plzeň branch and of the city
The institute's Plzeň branch stated that the reconstruction of the western part of the square is complete. In its view there is reason to believe that a number of standard procedures for protecting historic values were not applied also because of the short time for preparation and construction before the municipal elections. At the same time it claims that the project went ahead on the basis of a flawed binding opinion of the city hall's heritage-care department [1]. The institute had pointed out the failings earlier and called the project rushed. The city has rejected the criticism in the past [1].
Scope and costs
The first stage lasted five months and cost CZK 61 million. The second stage is being designed and is to be finished by the end of 2028. The total costs are estimated at CZK 200 to 250 million, and the city is paying for them from its own budget [1].
Related articles: Náměstí Republiky, Plzeň
Chronology
- — The heritage inspectorate of the Ministry of Culture found shortcomings in the preparation and permitting of the first stage of the redevelopment of Náměstí Republiky in Plzeň, concerning the historic paving, street furniture and lighting. Plzeňská Drbna
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Sources
- Plzeňská Drbna — 9 October 2026