1.
Historic Centre of Český Krumlov (Czechia) (C 617)
Year of inscription on the World Heritage List 1992
Criteria (iv)
Year(s) of inscription on the List of World Heritage in Danger N/A
Previous Committee Decisions see page http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/617/documents/
International Assistance
Requests approved: 0 (from 2003-2003)
Total amount approved: USD 10,000
For details, see page http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/617/assistance/
UNESCO Extra-budgetary Funds
N/A
Previous monitoring missions
January 2005: ICOMOS reactive monitoring mission
Factors affecting the property identified in previous reports
Revolving 80-seat theatre transformed into a permanent building
Illustrative material see page http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/617/
Conservation issues presented to the World Heritage Committee in 2009
The 2005 reactive monitoring mission strongly supported the removal of the revolving theatre from the
17th century’s garden, which has a major detrimental impact on this part of the property.
In its report on the state of conservation of the property dated 28 January 2009, the State Party reiterated
the necessity to have the opportunity to produce open-air theatre performances until a new location for
the revolving theatre has been resolved.
The report also informs that the surveys and analyses of the area of interest and the wider surroundings
were submitted to the Municipality of Český Krumlov in the second half of 2008 and the first changes to
the Land Use Plan of Český Krumlov will be discussed in 2009. It was stated in the Decision dated 29
October 2008, issued by the Building Authority of the Municipality of Český Krumlov, that with regard to
the current character of the construction, a change of use of the revolving amphitheatre construction in
the castle gardens of the Český Krumlov State Castle and Chateau is permitted.
a) Date for dismantling of the existing theatre
The report confirms that the deadline for use of the existing revolving ampitheatre has been extended
to 30 September 2009, the deadline for dismantling the revolving amphitheatre has been extended to
31 December 2009 and the deadline for rehabilitating the affected areas into the original condition has
been extended to 30 April 2010.
b) Timetable for transferring the theatre to the buffer zone
No timetable has been provided, but the report states that it was always the intention to continue playing
theatre in the open air until the new theatre is built.
c) Impact of a new theatre
The State Party underlined that it is fully aware of its obligations to maintain the Outstanding Universal
Value of the property, its integrity and authenticity. However, the preparatory stage for the entire project
as well as its tender stage or the architectural competition would require time for undertaking the
necessary steps, including the modification of the Land Use Plan of the Municipality of Český Krumlov.
The National Institute for the Protection and Conservation of Monuments and Sites is setting the safety
and technical conditions, so that the negative impacts of the revolving amphitheatre operation on the
castle garden environment are minimized.
d) Conservation issues
The State Party provided also very detailed information, in particular on problems concerning current
issues in monuments conservation identified by the state administration authorities, site management
issues, land use and planning and management and protection of monuments in the historic centre of
the town and castle of Český Krumlov, principles and territorial development of the South Bohemian
region, plan of restoration of buildings within the boundaries of the property and its buffer zone, the
programme of preservation of the municipal heritage site of Plešivec- Český Krumlov for the period of
2004-2010; an action plan of development of the Town of Český Krumlov for the period 2008 – 2010; a
concept for the restoration of the state castle and chateau in Český Krumlov (2004-2010), demolitions
within the buffer zone of the municipal heritage site, protection of the landscape, green skyline horizons
and parks in the Historic Centre of Český Krumlov; and structural restoration of the Upper Castle
facades. The report included a description of all major restoration projects, works, and any new buildings
proposed in the protected area according to Paragraph 172 of the Operational Guidelines.
The State Party also mentioned in the report that the state administration with the responsibility for local
and material monument conservation had previously made certain mistakes in the decision-making
which would be avoided in the future.
e) Management plan
The State Party underlined that, in 2009, the elaboration of the management plan is the main priority of
the Strategic Plan for Town Development. It will be financed through the programme “Support
Programme for UNESCO Monuments” by the Ministry of Culture. In addition, the “Plan of Protection of
Heritage Sites and Heritage Zones” is expected to start on 1 January 2009.
The World Heritage Centre and ICOMOS consider that although progress is being made towards
removal of the revolving theatre from the vicinity of the Bellaria Pavillon (summerhouse) in the castle
garden, more information on the proposed location of the replacement revolving theatre and proposed
plans are required, as well as a full impact assessment.
Analysis and Conclusions of the World Heritage Centre, ICOMOS and ICCROM
N/A
Decision Adopted: 33 COM 7B.97
The World Heritage Committee,
1. Having examined Document WHC-09/33.COM/7B,
2. Recalling Decision 31 COM 7B.109, adopted at its 31st session (Christchurch, 2007),
3. Notes the efforts of the State Party to ensure the protection and management of the World Heritage
property;
4. Also notes that the dismantling the revolving amphitheatre is extended to 31 December 2009 and the
deadline for rehabilitating the affected areas into the original condition is extended to 30 April 2010 and
requests the State Party to submit the detailed project for the new theatre location and its exact position
as well as an impact assessment;
5. Further notes with serious concern that the State Party plans to continue using the property for openair theatre activities;
6. Reiterates its request to the State Party that in accordance with Paragraph 119 of the Operational
Guidelines, the State Party should ensure that the sustainable use has no negative impacts on the
Outstanding Universal Value of the property;
7. Also requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2011, an updated report on progress made on the measures taken to address the above issues, for review by the
World Heritage Committee at its 35th session in 2011.