Prague, May 11 (CTK) – The Czech Regional Development Ministry proposes that the Prague Castle complex be owned by the Czech Republic and it has sent a relevant draft constitutional bill to ministries to make their comments within 20 days on Wednesday, server Ceska justice.cz has written.
The Catholic Church owns a few buildings within the complex which is the seat of the Czech head of state.
The ministry justified its proposal by “both historical and practical reasons. It is not possible to adequately ensure the protection of this unique national cultural heritage sight and at the same time the security of the president of the republic at his seat…unless the buildings are in the exclusive ownership of the Czech Republic.”
The ministry writes that Prague Castle is not only a historical, most valuable cultural heritage item, which many tourists visit.
The buildings within the complex have been gradually added in the course of centuries. They are now used by both the state and the Roman Catholic Church, or by other persons, the document says.
Regional Development Minister Karla Slechtova said previously on social networks that “Prague Castle is a symbol of our national statehood, it is a symbol or our republic, and I do not think that any buildings at the Castle should be returned to the church…I espouse this opinion neither as a citizen of the Czech Republic nor as a patriot,” she wrote on Facebook according to the server.
Last March, representatives of the Presidential Office and the Catholic Church singed a property settlement agreement.
According to it, the All Saints’ Church, including the land and movable furnishings, will go to the All Saints’ Collegiate Chapter at Prague Castle. The Metropolitan Chapter will gain the Provost’s Residence and the Religious Foundation will gain the St George’s Convent.
The church gave up claims to another seven properties at Prague Castle, which will allow the Prague Castle Administration to repair and operate them.
