Heritage conservation

From 3 November 2025, there will be a change in the programme director for the Příbram ORP at the NPU. The NEW PROGRAMME DIRECTOR FOR THE PŘÍBRAM ORP for Architectural Design, Building Construction and Urban Planning is Ing. arch. Guido Carrai, Ph.D. (carrai.guido@npu.cz), 775881474, 274 008 162                  

 Division of the Příbram ORP territory by staff

Administrative officer Jitka Musilová, DiS.    ( 318 402 457), jitka.musilova@pribram.eu
Bratkovice, Březnice, Bukovany, Čenkov, Dlouhá Lhota, Drásov, Dubenec, Dubno, Hluboš, Chrást, Jince, Kamenná, Kotenčice, Koupě, Lhota u Příbramě, Modřovice, Narysov, Nepomuk, Nestrašovice, Obecnice, Ohrazenice, Ostrov, Pičín, Počaply, Podlesí, Příbram, Rejkovice, Smolotely, Solenice, Starosedlský Hrádek, Svojšice, Těchařovice, Tochovice, Trhové Dušníky, Třebsko, Tušovice, Brdy Military Training Area, Vrančice, Vysoká u Příbramě, Zalužany, Zduchovice. Protection zone of the immovable cultural monument of the Church of St James the Greater (Příbram), Březnice Municipal Conservation Area.

Case officer: Ing. Kateřina Sýkorová    (318 402 226), katerina.sykorova@pribram.eu
Bezděkov pod Třemšínem, Bohostice, Bohutín, Buková u Příbramě, Březové Hory, Cetyně, Drahenice, Dolní Hbity, Drahlín, Háje, Hlubyně, Horčápsko, Hudčice, Hutě pod Třemšínem, Hvožďany, Chraštice, Jablonná, Kamýk nad Vltavou, Kozárovice, Křešín, Láz, Lazsko, Lešetice, Milín, Občov, Obory, Pečice, Pňovice, Březové Hory, Drkolnov, Radětice, Rožmitál pod Třemšínem, Sádek, Sedlice, Suchodol, Věšín, Višňová, Volenice, Vranovice, Vševily, Vystrkov, Zbenice. The protection zone of the Ševčiny Mine cultural heritage site, the Vojtěch Mine site and the Anna Mine engine house (Březové Hory), the Rožmitál pod Třemšínem Town Conservation Area,  the Drahenice–Račany Village Heritage Zone, and the Drahenice Village Heritage Reserve. 

Before submitting an application for a binding opinion or decision, the owner or designer shall discuss the preparatory and project documentation for the restoration with a representative of the National Heritage Institute in Prague during the course of its preparation.

Architectural Style, Building Construction and Urban Planning: Ing. arch. Guido Carrai, Ph.D. carrai.guido@npu.cz, 775881474, 274 008 162

Folk architecture: Mgr. Markéta Hanzlíková (hanzlikova.marketa@npu.cz), 606 756 336, 274 008 264

Technical Structures: Mgr. Michaela Písaříková (pisarikova.michaela@npu.cz), 274008270, 606629325

Landscape Architecture: Ing. Aleš Rudl (rudl.ales@npu.cz), 274008 268, 602579984

Archaeology: Mgr. Zdeněk Neústupný (neustupny.zdenek@npu.cz), 274008209, 602252897

Conservation, sculpture, arts and crafts: Mgr. Marie Kuldová (kuldova.marie@npu.cz), 274008252, 602275368

What, why and how we protect:

Are you carrying out repairs to a cultural monument? Have you checked that one of the forms of heritage protection actually applies to you? If so, we would be interested in any changes you would like to make during routine maintenance, repairs or when planning a complete restoration.
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maintenance -
repairs -
reconstruction -
restoration - or other alterations (extension, conversion, etc.), and in the case of immovable cultural heritage sites, all alterations both inside and outside the building.

Are you carrying out repairs to a building in a heritage conservation area? A building or other property need not be a cultural monument in its own right; nevertheless, if it is situated within a designated conservation area, a specific form of protection may apply to it. Urban or rural heritage zones and reserves, conservation areas with original buildings and other elements that contribute to the historic environment are valuable as a whole; therefore, heritage protection applies not only to buildings but also to site plans, paving, greenery, street lighting, etc. Heritage conservationists are therefore interested in any changes taking place within a protected area. It is thanks to the joint efforts of heritage property owners and heritage conservation experts that many towns and villages remain so picturesque today.
- planned
construction works - building alterations (installation of roof windows, thermal insulation of the building, new openings for windows and
doors - maintenance works (repair and replacement of windows and doors, painting and repair of façades, replacement of roofs and metalwork)
– installation of advertising signage all building alterations that affect the appearance of the building (e.g. replacement of windows, repair of the façade, replacement of roofing, construction of a fence, thermal insulation of the façade, etc.)landscaping (e.g. demolition or construction of a retaining wall, felling of trees in public spaces, etc.)
the installation of all noticeboards, advertising signs and banners, including those not subject to approval by the planning authority, and other alterations

New-builds in heritage conservation areas – Any building plans – whether they are large-scale development projects in historic town centres or simply adding a garage to your family home – must therefore be discussed in advance with heritage conservation experts.

What we usually deal with

Historical structures and elements Every building consists of structures and elements such as load-bearing walls, ceilings, vaults, roof trusses and others, made from various materials. In the past, stone, bricks, timber or clay were most commonly used; in modern architecture, concrete, metal or glass have been added – often in various combinations. A survey will indicate how to proceed.  Repairs to structural elements should be carried out using the same materials, techniques and to the same standard – even if they are to be concealed. On the one hand, they are important evidence of historical development; on the other hand, each material has different physical properties, so that if different types are used, cracks, stains and the like may appear on the final surface. If, during building alterations to a historic house, the owner wishes to make changes to the structures, it is essential to consult a specialist in historic preservation. Any architectural-historical survey will determine which structures are modern – meaning alterations to them are not problematic – and which, on the other hand, are of historical value and must therefore be preserved. The survey will also reveal where original openings have been bricked up, which can then be utilised for new purposes, as well as a number of other points of interest. Surface treatments of structures In certain periods – and this applies mainly to older architectural styles – all structures and stone elements (jambs or portals, plinths, corners and cornices) were concealed, most often beneath plaster. Today, people want to reveal them and show off their beauty. However, this is not only historically inaccurate, but can often cause technical damage to the monument as well. Plaster and other surface finishes not only ‘adorn’ buildings but also protect the structure from the effects of rain, frost and the like, or from mechanical wear and tear. Furthermore, they are a source of information about the building’s architectural development and the fashions and tastes of the period. Removing them – most commonly by chipping away the plaster – means losing this historical record. Therefore, plaster, render, paint and various types of cladding, whose value is equal to that of the structures themselves, also deserve heritage protection. A survey is the best way to determine exactly what needs to be preserved and why. An expert from the National Heritage Institute can then advise on how to proceed.

The façade is like the ‘coat’ of every house: its appearance is determined not only by colour and material, but also by the placement, size and orientation of windows and doors, architectural elements (pilasters, columns, cornices, pilaster strips, etc.) and other features, such as stone or ceramic cladding and glass or metal fittings. All of this tells us about the development and history of the house – and if it is of value, it should also be preserved. How it used to be – research from photographs, in archives and in the field Before starting any restoration or renovation work, it is important to find out what the façade originally looked like. At home, in the archives, a museum, a heritage organisation or at the building control office, you can try to find old photographs or building plans. If no such documentation exists, heritage conservationists can carry out an on-site survey of the façade. Depending on what they manage to uncover in the layers of plaster, they will then consider whether it is appropriate to restore the façade to its original condition or to take a different approach. Old and new: forms, materials and technologies As every part of the façade that is left in its authentic form contributes to preserving the genius loci, conservationists will, in the vast majority of cases, wish to preserve as many art-historical elements and layers of plaster as possible (provided, of course, that their technical condition allows this). In the case of parts that have already been destroyed, they will wish to reconstruct the elements, i.e. replace them with copies; conversely, they will wish to remove secondary, unsuitable solutions. New elements and surfaces must be made from materials as similar as possible to the original – not only so that any differences do not stand out, but also so that the physical properties of the work remain unchanged. The most valuable elements deserve to be restored If the façades feature particularly high-quality artistic and craft elements (such as stone sculptures and carvings, but also paintings, mosaics, etc.), an ‘ordinary’ tradesperson will not be sufficient for the restoration. To ensure that a valuable work is not damaged, it must be entrusted to a restorer – that is, a specialist with the appropriate licence. Your heritage officer will advise you on who to contact. Which colours suit the building? The shade of the façade should be based on the findings of a survey carried out before work begins – this often reveals several colour schemes that the house once boasted. It is usually best to choose the one that matches the current character of the façade. If it has not been possible to determine the original colour scheme, bear in mind when selecting colours just how valuable your house is and how valuable its surroundings are. The current trend for bright colours and unconventional variations and combinations would not only be detrimental to the house itself, but would also damage the entire historic setting.  Thermal insulation – more harm than good Although conservationists understand the desire of owners of historic houses for thermal comfort, conventional methods of thermal insulation are not usually the ideal solution. Leaving aside the frequent problems caused by increased damp and other negative consequences of unsuitable technical solutions, thermal insulation often results in the deterioration of a valuable historic building. In order to attach the insulation layer, most of the historic features are removed or covered up, and windows, doors, plinths and cornices are ‘buried’ within the façade. Even if the builder attempts to replicate the original character of the house by attaching historic-style (often simplified) elements to the new surface, the subtle irregularities that gave the façade its liveliness are lost, and their place is taken by sharp edges, precise lines and a different surface texture. There are, of course, exceptions – in some cases, a simple façade without any articulation or decoration can accommodate thermal insulation.

Windows, doors and other openings: windows, doors, gates, shop windows, as well as gates leading to courtyards, outbuildings and the like – in other words, so-called ‘opening elements’ – are not only functional parts of a building but also help to shape and complement its architecture. They often stand out for their artistic craftsmanship. That is why heritage protection also applies to them. This applies not only to the frames or ‘sashes’, but also to their components – hinges, handles, latches, locks, various opening mechanisms, corner brackets and spindles. Nor must we forget other components, such as external and internal shutters, grilles or various types of shopfronts made not only of wood but also of metal. Indeed, on a single building we can often see fillings from different periods. If they are of high quality, they can last a hundred years or more. They often belong to different architectural styles and may even have a stylistic character distinct from that of the building itself. This reflects the historical development of the building or monument, and this diversity is, in itself, a value that deserves to be preserved. Repairs and replacements If the owner of a listed building or a building in the heritage-protected centre of a town or village is considering replacing its glazing elements, they should first consult with heritage conservationists. They will help determine which elements are of value – and therefore worth repairing and preserving – and which, conversely, can be replaced with others. Repairs to most windows, doors and other fixtures take the form of traditional craftsmanship, whilst regular maintenance involves simply repainting. Elements of greater artistic value, created using more complex techniques (such as carved or inlaid doors, or stained-glass windows, etc.), must be restored by a specialist with the appropriate licence. If a valuable historic building has modern, unsuitable windows which detract from its architecture, either aesthetically or technically, it is beneficial to replace them with ones that will ‘suit’ the building better. We recommend basing this on the original condition as recorded, for example, in historical photographs, or on similar situations in the neighbourhood, and so on. Experts from the Heritage Institute will help you determine which elements were originally present (or may have been present) on your heritage building and find the optimal solution. Colour scheme One of the essential aspects of restoring historic window and door frames is determining the colour scheme. In this case, it is advisable to have a colour survey carried out at the relevant locations. If the elements are significantly degraded, or if the surface was cleaned so thoroughly during the last intervention that it is impossible to determine the colour scheme, it is advisable to consult an expert from the Heritage Institute. The colour scheme should be stylistically based on the element’s form and, at the same time, fit in with the façade’s overall colour scheme. Plastic windows, Euro windows The current trend of replacing windows with plastic or Euro windows is based on the misconception that they are maintenance-free and will last forever. However, heritage conservationists insist that wooden, handcrafted windows are not only aesthetically but also technically more suitable for historic buildings. Although window manufacturers strive to meet customer demands and offer plastic windows with historicising features – that is, imitations of historic windows – they can never achieve the same appearance, detail, division and subtlety of profile as a handcrafted wooden window. Details and features typical of historical originals, such as corner pieces, hinges, handles and the like, are lost. Neither the metal mullion strips nor the plastic adhesive strips, which are intended to replace the original window divisions with mullions, look authentic – not to mention the fact that they often come unstuck over time. The way the windows are fitted into the reveal also matters. Plastic windows or ‘Euro-windows’ are bricked in where the inner frame of double-glazed windows originally stood. As a result, they are recessed too far behind the face of the façade, so that the window openings look like deep holes in the masonry.

Register of Cultural Monuments – Cultural monuments are entered into the Central List of Cultural Monuments of the Czech Republic, which is maintained by the National Heritage Institute, Head Office – Valdštejnské nám. 3, 110 00 Prague.  Lists and information on immovable cultural monuments are publicly accessible via the Monument system and can be obtained online at www.npu.cz.

Svatá Hora – the Church of the Virgin Mary with its monastery is a national cultural monument; however, its surroundings form part of the conservation area of the Church of St James the Greater OPPB2.pdf

• Protection zones for immovable cultural monuments                                                                                                                                                                             The heritage protection zone for the preservation of the surroundings of the Ševčiny Mine, the Vojtěch Mine and the Anna Mine engine house.                    The conservation zone for the preservation of the surroundings of the St James the Greater Church, an immovable cultural monument OPPB2.pdf

• Municipal conservation areas
  Březnice and Rožmitál pod Třemšínem
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• Village heritage reserves
  The Drahenice heritage reserve with its collection of folk architecture

• Village conservation areas
  The Drahenice-Račany heritage zone featuring a collection of folk architecture

A detailed step-by-step guide

I. Consult an expert from the National Heritage Institute in advance

Heritage conservationists from the National Heritage Institute are available for free consultations. It is best to invite them directly to the site of the planned works, where they will explain which of the general principles of heritage conservation apply to you and why. They will also advise you on how best to reconcile these principles with your plans, both technically and aesthetically. The National Heritage Institute has a regional office in every region; you can find contact details and further information on our website.  What to avoid. Without prior consultation, owners often invest a great deal of time and energy into planning a project that heritage conservationists will then be unable to approve if it would result in damage to the monument’s value.

II. Submit an application to the authority

An application for a decision regarding the proposed works must be submitted in advance to the local authority with extended powers: Most authorities have their own application form. The authority is then required by law to request a written statement from the National Heritage Institute regarding the proposed alterations – and this is the moment when it pays off to have already consulted everything with the heritage officer from the National Heritage Institute. WHAT TO AVOID
Do not start the work without a decision from the authority; you would likely face an unpleasantly high fine. If the authority does not have all the necessary documentation from you, it will ask you to provide it, which will prolong the processing time. It is therefore best to find out in advance which documents you will need.

III. Next up is the expert from the National Heritage Institute

In order for a heritage conservationist from the National Heritage Institute to prepare a professional written assessment responsibly, they usually need to see your heritage property (if you have not already shown it to them in step I) and know exactly what you intend to do. They will take photographs on site – there is no need to worry; photographs or sketches of the interior are for the National Heritage Institute’s use only and will not be published anywhere without your consent. The heritage conservationist from the NPÚ usually has 20 days to draw up the expert report, though this period may be extended in more complex cases. WHAT TO AVOID
Do not change your plans at a later stage, as you would have to go through most of the steps again.

IV. What is written is final

The National Heritage Institute will send its written expert opinion to the relevant authority. The authority will then issue a binding opinion stating whether the works specified in your application are permissible from the perspective of the interests of state heritage conservation. In this binding opinion, the authority will set out the basic conditions under which this work may be prepared and carried out. WHAT TO AVOID Dealing with the ‘paperwork’ is not merely a formality that has no bearing on reality. In fact, major problems can arise during inspections, not to mention the fact that failure to follow the statutory procedure may result in penalties. Check whether the work you intend to carry out requires a permit from the building authority.

V. Get to work

Once you have all the necessary permits in hand, we recommend that you first contact both heritage conservation officers (the one from the National Heritage Institute and their colleague from the local authority) and inform them that you are starting the work. They will oversee the work to ensure everything complies with what is set out in writing. Both can assist you in resolving various unexpected issues, and you may also need their experience and support when negotiating with the contractor working for you. WHAT TO AVOID Proceeding in a manner that contravenes the approved documentation or the conditions set out in the binding opinion or the planning permission. Once again, you risk a heavy fine of up to 2 million crowns; at best, you will have to redo the completed work. 

Forms – applications for a binding opinion / decision from the heritage conservation authority:  

protected area: protected-area.docx

cultural monument: cultural-monument.docx

Time limits for processing applications: The time limit for processing an application – the issue of an administrative decision – is set out in Act No. 500/2004 Coll., on Administrative Procedure, namely 30 or 60 days; this is a statutory time limit. The application must contain all the necessary details. 

Legislation: The new Act on State Monument Care No. 20/1987 Coll. (updated 15 August 2022) and Implementing Decree No. 66/1988 Coll. , Act No. 500/2004 Coll., on Administrative Proceedings (Administrative Code) and Act No. 283/2004 Coll., on Spatial Planning and Building Regulations (Building Act), Decree No. 131/2024, and the implementing decrees of the Act on State Heritage Protection.

Penalties for failure to comply with prescribed obligations: In the event of failure to comply with the conditions of a binding opinion, or where building alterations are carried out without a binding opinion, the Department of Building Control, Spatial Planning and Heritage Protection of the Příbram Municipal Authority will impose a fine. A fine of up to 2,000,000 CZK may be imposed.

Heritage conservation officers:
Ing. Kateřina Sýkorová, Jitka Musilová, DiS.