Declaration of the rectory as a cultural monument
The Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic declared the rectory a cultural monument. This decision required that previous plans be revised. On one hand, the designation complicated proceedings, but on the other, it offers hope for securing public funding. As part of the rectory’s designation as a cultural monument, in September 2023, Ing. Hana Hanzlíková and P. PhDr. Jakub Zentner completed a building-historical survey of the rectory, which provides a detailed account of the house’s history and its architectural development. At the same time, project preparations and the complex process of obtaining various construction permits began, which were completed in the autumn of 2024.
2020–2022 – Preparatory work for the rectory reconstruction
Several versions of the project were considered, with possible larger or smaller expansions. During these discussions, the Heritage Institute intervened, submitting a proposal to declare the rectory a cultural monument. The study for the rectory’s reconstruction was prepared by Ing. Tomáš Fuit.
Purchase of the rectory by FSSP
The Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP), represented by its registered association, purchased the former rectory building from the Roman Catholic Parish of Římov for CZK 4,364,000 (approximately USD 207,249) to renovate it and establish the parish’s administrative headquarters. An expert appraisal dated February 20, 2021, valued the property at CZK 5,364,140 (approximately USD 255,000), but the price was reduced by CZK 1,000,140 (approximately USD 47,800) due to prior investments (around CZK 1,500,000 or approximately USD 71,800) already made by FSSP in the property. On August 1, 2019, the parish of Římov was entrusted to the care of FSSP by an agreement with the Diocese of České Budějovice under Canon 520 of the Code of Canon Law. Of the funds received, 75% was remitted to the Diocese, which subsequently contributed 5% back to the parish to co-finance the Pilgrimage Site Renewal Project in Římov through the IROP grant fund (with costs exceeding CZK 100 million or approximately USD 4.8 million). The Diocese retained a right of first refusal in case of a future sale of the rectory, and FSSP committed to using the building for the needs of the Římov parish as the residence of its priestly community. The primary reason for purchasing the rectory was that FSSP would be the investor for the planned renovations.
Ground floor and passageway reconstructions
From January to March 2020, the entrance passageway to the rectory was repaired, and the cellar was restored, including the installation of a groundwater drainage system. Next to the passageway, a small room for receiving visitors with a kitchenette was also renovated. As part of these repairs, windows in the usable rooms were replaced, wood-burning stoves were purchased, and the chapel was repainted. The total cost of the necessary adaptations to make the rectory habitable was CZK 1,500,000 (approximately USD 71,000).
Floor repairs in two rooms
Beginning of repairs to rotted beams, including the replacement of their headers, and the repair of floors in two rooms. The work was carried out by the owners themselves.