Heritage Monuments Shaping Our Future: National Heritage Institute Awards

Every monument has its own unique history. Some are widely recognized, while others might seem plain, but they all share a common trait—the dedication of the people who revived them. The National Heritage Institute celebrates these tales every year through the Patrimonium pro futuro competition. At Where to go from boredom, we provide you with not only suggestions on places to find past and present winners, but also share their fascinating stories.

What is Patrimonium pro futuro

The Patrimonium pro futuro competition was established in 2014 to shine a spotlight on the finest examples of restoration, preservation, and promotion of cultural heritage in the Czech Republic. Awards are given out annually across categories such as Monument Restoration, Discovery of the Year, Monument Preservation, Presentation and Popularization, and the Award of the Director General of the National Institute of Natural History. Special awards known as “Monuments Thank You” are selected by the public. Glass statuettes representing the supportive role of conservation are crafted by the Lasvit glass company based on a design from the noted sculptor Kurt Gebauer.
Throughout its run, the competition has introduced numerous inspiring stories—ranging from notable restorations of castles and churches to the revival of technical monuments and quaint chapels. Most of these sites are open for visitors, making the Patrimonium pro futuro a wonderful source for trip ideas filled with rich history.
Patrimonium pro futuro acknowledges monuments that have been rejuvenated. Follow in their footsteps on your journey!

Winners of 2024: For beauty and depth

Windischgrätz Riding School in Světce u Tachova

The winner in the Monument Restoration category and also the recipient of the public award “Monuments Thank You” is the Windischgrätz Riding School in Světce near Tachov. This impressive 19th-century structure, which is the second-largest riding hall in Central Europe, was in ruins just a few years back. Thanks to the dedication of the local town council in Tachov and collaboration with specialists, the building has been restored and is now open to the public. It currently hosts cultural events and guided tours.

Terezín Castle in Albers

The Empire-style Terezín Chateau in Albers, located near Nová Bystřice, received the Award for Monument Preservation. The structure, built in the early 19th century, was on the brink of collapse after many years of neglect. However, the new owners undertook a total renovation, saving not just the building itself but also preserving a piece of South Bohemia’s history. Once fully restored, it will be a site for cultural events and may even house a museum or gallery. While exploring, don’t forget to discover the scenic cycling paths, ponds, and tranquil spots that have a nostalgic charm around Nová Bystřice.

Cemetery in Kamenický Šenov

The restoration award was given to the historic cemetery in Kamenický Šenov. It used to surround the Church of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist but now only lines its northern edge. The restoration team meticulously revived the stone tombstones from the 18th and 19th centuries. Each tombstone is a unique piece of art, collectively offering touching insights into the lives of the town’s early residents. Kamenický Šenov is a short drive from Panská skála, famed for its basalt organ featured in the fairy tale The Proud Princess—make sure to include it in your travel plans!

Julie pit tower and engine room

In the Presentation and Popularization category, the project that saved the original mining tower and engine room of the Julie pit at the former Jan Šverma mine in Lampertice was recognized. In the foothills of the Krkonoš Mountains near Žacléř, you’ll find a remarkable collection of technical monuments tied to coal mining. This site provides visitors insights into the history of coal extraction in the Trutnov region and an understanding of the mine’s technical workings.

Capuchin Monastery in Žatec

The Director General’s Award of the National Institute of Natural History, presented across all categories, was given for the project Saving the Capuchin Monastery in Žatec. This expansive monastery complex, built in the late 17th century, had been neglected for many years. Now, it boasts renewed life and purpose as a cultural hub and a venue for community events. The restoration work on the roofs, facades, and interiors was a successful partnership between experts, the municipality, and dedicated volunteers. Don’t miss the opportunity to stroll through this hop-growing town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the monastery and its refurbishment are perfect for a day visit.

• • The Award for Discovery of the Year recognized the discovery of the remains of a medieval settlement in the town of Valašské Meziříčí. Rescue archaeological efforts revealed the oldest settlement dating back to the late 13th century as well as a collection of metal tools related to agriculture and warfare, unmatched in Europe.

• • The Prize for Exemplary Monument Management was awarded to Eva Kolářová, the emerita castellan of Raduň Castle. She was instrumental in the castle’s construction and restoration, developed tour routes, and facilitated the reconstruction of the orangery and ornamental gardens. She has also lectured and published extensively on Raduň Castle’s history, serving as its castellan for 33 years.

• • The honor of Personalities of Conservation was granted to doc. PhDr. Josef Štulc, a distinguished theoretician and methodologist of monument conservation. He is a well-known representative of the Czech Republic in international heritage organizations and has assessed the condition of foreign sites nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage List. His networks, expertise, and diplomatic skills have greatly aided in the inclusion of our monuments and sites on this prestigious list.

Which monuments were awarded the Patrimonium pro futuro prize in 2014-2023

What monuments have received recognition in previous years of the Patrimonium pro futuro competition?
Behind every winning monument lie the individuals who restored its vitality. Discover the winners of the Patrimonium pro futuro competition and plan a visit with Kudy z nudy to those places where history has once again come to life.