The UNESCO World Heritage Centre has issued a letter to the Czech Ministry of Culture emphasizing the need to preserve the railway bridge at Vyton in Prague. The letter states that the bridge is an integral part of Prague’s panoramic view and holds cultural significance as a declared monument of the Czech Republic.

Despite previous attempts by the bridge’s owner, the Railway Administration (SŽ), to have its monument protection status revoked, the Ministry has consistently rejected such requests. Technical reports have indicated that the preservation of the bridge is not only feasible but also allows for necessary repairs and improvements to the railway track. The recent letter from UNESCO, signed by Lazare Eloundou Assoma, the Director of its Cultural Section, supports the preservation of the bridge.

According to Eloundou Assoma, the proposed new bridge lacks the elegance and sophistication of the existing railway bridge. Constructing a new bridge would negatively impact Prague’s river panorama, which plays a significant role in the city’s inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The removal of the bridge cannot be supported, as its cultural value stems precisely from its current location.

The Czech National Committee of ICOMOS, an organization focused on the preservation of cultural heritage, has also expressed support for the repair and preservation of the bridge in its current form, considering it a priority due to its cultural value. The Výtoň 21 initiative, which represents local residents, advocates for the preservation of the bridge while modernizing it to meet contemporary standards.

In March, the Prague City Council announced its support for the reconstruction of the bridge in its existing form, recognizing the importance of its third track for the city. Minister of Transport Martin Kupka, from the ODS party, intends to make further decisions regarding the bridge’s future by the end of the year.

The plea from UNESCO, along with the support of local organizations and the Prague City Council, highlights the significance of preserving the Vyton Railway Bridge as an essential element of Prague’s cultural and architectural heritage. The ongoing discussions and decisions will determine the fate of the bridge and its role in maintaining the city’s UNESCO World Heritage status.

Article by Prague Forum