Staré Město begins restoration of 12th-century Romanesque chapel

Restoration work has commenced on the Chapel of St. John the Baptist in Staré Město, a Romanesque cultural monument dating back to the second half of the 12th century. The project aims to address long-standing issues with rising dampness that had caused moisture maps on the facade and falling masonry inside.

Sanitation efforts, which began in the autumn, include the removal of old plaster, the installation of drainage systems connected to the sewage network, and terrain adjustments to improve ventilation in the crypt. Following a period of drying the exposed foundations, workers will proceed with lime plastering, new flooring, electrical upgrades, and the installation of new stairs. The project is expected to be completed by the end of September at a cost of 1.6 million CZK.

Despite the renovations, the chapel will remain inaccessible to the public, as it primarily serves as an entrance to the crypt, which historically functioned as an ossuary.