Prague reconstructed the lighting on Čech Bridge
The work will probably include the restoration of the original technologies, thanks to which the statues of three-headed dragons could spew water and the statues of female light bearers had gas torches in the torches. The head of the THMP, Tomáš Jílek, told reporters on the spot today that the workers are now doing a survey of the statues, which will determine the next step.
Now the THMP has started the reconstruction of the festive lighting, which is located on the bridge, as well as on dozens of other Prague monuments. “Čechův most is the most illuminated bridge, it has about 235 luminaires,” said Jílek. He added that some of them had been replaced by LED lights in the past, now all of them should be modernized. At the same time, THMP technicians will be able to control the lighting remotely and monitor its condition from the control room.
The bridge was put into operation in 1908 and it includes bronze statues of three-headed dragons or hyders and female torches with torches. According to Jílek, THMP plans to put the original technologies into operation in the sculptures, thanks to which the hydras could spew water and the torches of the light carriers functioned as gas burners. However, the director added that not enough information could be found in the archives for the exact operation of the technologies, and that a survey was therefore needed.
“We decided to do an endoscopic camera survey on such a flexible carrier inside the statues to confirm if we could find gas and water pipes. Only then does it make sense to start a discussion with conservationists, “Jílek explained. He added that it is not even clear from historical sources whether the technologies in the sculptures were ever fully operational. “There are speculations that part of the effects equipment remained only as intended,” he said.
Councilor Jan Chabr (TOP 09) added that the total cost of modernizing the lighting and the restaurant will be about 16.5 million crowns. Following a survey of the sculptures this year, a project will emerge and their restoration will follow. “Some of them will need to be removed and restored in the restorer’s workshop,” he said, adding that it would take 14 months.
Use the ship they bought for this purpose to work on the THMP bridge. “The bridge is extremely difficult to access, it does not have a service bridge. This is also one of the reasons why the THMP bought their own work boat. For example, on Charles Bridge, a large part of the wiring and lighting fixtures is accessible only from water, “said the director.
Čech Bridge was built between 1906 and 1908 according to the design of architect Jan Koula. The 169-meter-long bridge connects the Old Town and Holešovice. It has three arches of lattice construction on two pillars and rich decoration, which consists of bronze sculptures or reliefs. The bridge has been a protected monument since 1958.