Long Drive at Decin Castle reopens

Decin Castle’s distinctive Long Drive has reopened to the public after a closure of over a year and a half for construction work. The Baroque access drive was part of a 17th-century castle facelift and, with the passing of centuries had fallen into poor technical condition. Reconstruction work began in 2023 and had to be conducted with great care due to the historical value of the site.

The latter-day asphalt surface was completely stripped off and replaced with granite paving stones in a traditional ochre. Original plans for a concrete finish were abandoned by the city when the rock mass under the route was not exposed during project preparation.

Restoration also included repairs to the drive’s three archways – at the bottom, top, and side –which got new wrought-iron gates based on historical designs. The balconies overlooking the Long Drive from the castle’s rose garden were opened up, sidewalks were repaired and replicas of period lighting installed. The chapel at the lower gate was returned to its original location on the other side of the entryway.

The total cost came to 94 million Czech koruna (before VAT) and was largely covered by a grant to the city in the amount of 82 million Czech koruna from the EU Integrated Regional Operational Programme. The restoration of the drive is part of a larger project that also includes the reconstruction of the castle rose garden, which is scheduled for completion in spring 2026.