Castles could close their doors early this season due to lack of funds
For many tourists, visiting a castle or chateau is an essential part of a trip to the Czech Republic. But some visitors may be disappointed this year, as castle wardens around the country are warning that they might have to close their doors earlier than usual. The reason: a lack of money. On Tuesday castle wardens from around the country handed in a petition to the Senate, drawing attention to their plight. I discussed the issue with Jana Sedlackova, a conservationist at the popular Konopiště castle near Prague.
Is it possible you may have to close your doors early this season?
"If we don't have enough money there is the danger that we cannot pay guides, so that's why castles maybe will be closed."
Do you know when you might have to close?
"The middle of September."
When does your season usually end?
"In the end of November."
So basically you would lose even more money, you would have even less money for next year?
"Yes, yes."
How many visitors do you get there every year at Konopiste?
"About 200,000."
Is it really possible that from that number of visitors you can't make enough money to function?
"We have to send the money we get from tourists to the centre in Prague, and then they give us some part of it to pay wages. We can't use this money for wages for guides."
How much do you pay guides per hour?
"At Konopiste castle it's about 34 to 38 crowns per hour. But in other places it's 25 crowns per one hour."
So that's less than one euro: one euro is around 30 crowns. What kind of people will work for that much money? Do you have mostly students?
"Mostly students and some old people."
Would you say the problem that you face - a lack of money - is also facing many other castles and chateaux around the country?
"Yes, yes. It's a problem of all the castles."
