March 2021 - Rising high above the Moravian Gate valley, Helfštýn Castle is the second-largest complex in the Czech Republic, right after Prague Castle. Helfštýn was established in the 14th century and, in 2014, the Renaissance palace ruins were closed due to the severe safety hazards such as falling masonry and degradation.
In order to immerse the visitors in the historical development of the original palace, architectural studio Atelier-r inserted new sightseeing routes built of Cor-Ten steel into the existing gaps in the ruins, connecting the ground floor with the newly accessible higher levels of the structure.
The contemporary architecture does not compete with the historical building, rather it creates a cohesive unit in which all the elements, old and new, work together.
Photos: boysplaynice.com
