UNESCO sends experts to check out controversial building projects

UNESCO has sent a team of urban experts to the Czech capital to investigate a number of controversial building projects which could damage the character of Prague’s historic city centre. One of the projects in the spotlight is the Blanka road tunnel, a vast construction scheme, which includes several multi-level road junctions just a few hundred meters from Prague Castle. Another is a highly controversial plan to tear down eleven buildings just off Wenceslas Square to make way for a huge shopping centre. The UNESCO team has also looked into the ongoing reconstruction of Prague’s Charles Bridge which some critics say has damaged the historic value of Prague’s most famous monument beyond repair. The Czech Culture Ministry has tried to dispel rumors that the insensitive approach to the city’s historic centre might lead to Prague's being struck off UNESCO's list of world heritage sites.