In a proactive and innovative step, the town of Pec pod Snezkou in the Czech Republic has opted to preserve its historic post office, which was facing closure like many others across the country. Pec pod Snezkou, known for its cable car service to the highest mountain in the Czech Republic, has acquired the building that has housed the post office since 1911, thwarting its impending closure.

The town’s decision to purchase the building from the Czech Post through a real estate agency is estimated to cost nearly 29 million koruna. Starting from May this year, the town plans to operate a partner post office in the historic building, ensuring continued postal services for locals and tourists, a crucial move given the city’s status as one of the most visited mountain resorts in the Czech Republic.

The alternative would have forced residents and visitors to travel 15 kilometers to Dolní Maršov for postal services, making the preservation of the post office vital for the community’s convenience. The two current postal clerks, well-acquainted with every resident, will remain in Pec.

This initiative aligns with a trend observed in other mountain resorts, where the closure of state post offices has led to the establishment of partner post offices to maintain essential services. In Pec pod Snezkou, the preserved post office will continue to offer various postal and marketing services, with the exception of managing bank accounts and insurance for ČSOB.

The historic post office building, constructed in 1911 by local citizen Adolf Hermann, houses the post office on the ground floor and two apartments upstairs. The building underwent a comprehensive reconstruction in the mid-1990s. By preventing the commercial use or conversion of the post office building into apartments, the town has not only preserved a century-old landmark but also ensured the continuation of essential postal services for its community. Last year, the Czech Post closed 300 post offices nationwide, prompting various localities to explore creative solutions to maintain access to postal services.

Article by Prague Forum