America News Agency

Czech President Petr Pavel noted that a significant proportion of the country's castles and chateaux are privately owned, saying private property owners also bear an important responsibility for preserving cultural heritage.

During a meeting with members of the Association of Castle and Chateau Owners, Pavel reviewed efforts to bring historic buildings that had been neglected for years back to life.

Pavel said most castles and chateaux in Czechia are privately owned and that, alongside the state, private property owners also make an important contribution to preserving cultural heritage.

Pavel said, “Most castles and chateaux in Czechia are privately owned. We are in a situation where care for our cultural heritage is, to a large extent, not left solely to the state.”

Pavel said that during his meeting with members of the Association of Castle and Chateau Owners, he discussed the challenges of restoring historic buildings that had remained in a dilapidated condition for many years, noting that such work requires considerable effort and investment.

Pavel said restoring historic buildings is not only about allocating financial resources, but also requires people who are willing to take responsibility for the future of these structures.

The Czech President said, “Their restoration means years of work, considerable investment and people who take responsibility for their fate.”

Pavel emphasized that the purpose of the work carried out by castle and chateau owners is not to keep historic buildings closed, but to restore them and make them available to the public again.

Pavel said, “They are not doing this to shut their doors tight, but to reopen them to the public.”

The Czech President thanked the members of the Association of Castle and Chateau Owners for the meeting and highlighted the importance of efforts to keep historical heritage alive and accessible to society.

Pavel said, “Thank you for today's meeting and for the work that keeps history alive and accessible.”