New Stage Completed in the Restoration of the Historic Zichy Palace in Slovakya

The comprehensive restoration works of the historic Zichy Palace, located in the city of Komárom (Komárno) in Slovakya, have successfully completed their third major stage. Carried out with a budget of 330 thousand Euro allocated from the municipality's own funds, this final stage saw the building's facade facing Klapka Square renewed and restored to its former glory thanks to the meticulous work of expert restorers. In addition, within the scope of the project, the exterior facade of the historic bastion section extending towards the municipal building was also meticulously restored. While the metal fixtures on the terraces and window frames were repaired true to their original form, the characteristic corrugated tile roof of the bastion section was also renewed. The architectural integrity of the restoration process was successfully ensured by an experienced team led by Csütörtöki András and the company Renon Kft.

The restoration project of the said palace consists of a series of works that have been proceeding in a planned manner for a long time with the aim of protecting the cultural heritage of the city. In the previous first two stages, a part of the building's roof structure was reinforced, and similarly, the Üçlü Heykeli (Szentháromság-szobor) facade underwent a detailed restoration process. The completion of this third stage is seen not only as a physical improvement but also as a crucial step taken to pass down one of Komárom's most important landmark buildings to future generations. Authorities believe that these works will revive the historical texture by also increasing the tourism potential of the city. Local residents are also highly pleased to see the palace taking on a better appearance day by day.

Within the scope of the restoration works, not only the exterior facade but also the infrastructure of the Tuna Bölgesi Müzesi (Duna Menti Múzeum) serving inside the palace is being modernized. Thanks to an important agreement reached between the Komárom Municipality and the county local government, a major investment will be made in the palace's internal installations. In this context, a heating system modernization project worth 150 thousand Euro and the expansion of air conditioning cooling systems will be implemented to provide a more favorable environment for the museum. The local government has committed to covering the cost of this innovative infrastructure investment by paying the museum's ten-year rent fee in advance. This creative financing model will both contribute to the physical preservation of the palace and ease the budget of the cultural institution.

According to the pages of history, Zichy Palace was built in the 17th century by the noble Zichy family and stands out as the largest and most magnificent structure in Klapka Square. In its initial state, where a square tower dating back to the Middle Ages was also integrated into the structure, the building suffered severe damage during a massive earthquake that devastated Komárom on 28 Haziran 1763. Following the disaster, the palace was rebuilt in 1775 for Kont Zichy Ferenc in its current magnificent classical style, with single-story eastern and western wings. Hosting Komárom's first theater performances until 1827, the structure held a very special place in the cultural life of the city. This rich history once again highlights how valuable and meaningful the restoration works are.

After the end of its theater function, the building, which was converted into a synagogue and later into a residential (apartment) building in various periods, passed into the ownership of the state following World War I. Having passed through the hands of wealthy families of the time such as Weiss and Klein, an elegant wedding hall was created in 1983 in the wing of the building facing the municipality. Today, the upper floors of the palace host important exhibitions housing the permanent city history exhibition of the Tuna Bölgesi Müzesi, as well as the memorabilia of the famous writer Jókai and the composer Lehár. The renewal and expansion works of the palace's heating and cooling systems are expected to be completed in September of this year, and the restoration process is expected to continue with determination. While these comprehensive works ensure the longevity of the historic building, they will also increase its functionality as a modern culture and art center.