Turnaround in restitution: Heir of the Walderode family to receive castle furniture, heritage protectors have given up the dispute
Johanna Kamerlander, the heir of the Walderode family, will receive furniture from the Hrubý Rohozec Castle following a district court decision, which the National Heritage Institute will not appeal.
In a significant turn of events regarding the restitution of property, the district court in Semily has ruled that the furniture from the Hrubý Rohozec Castle in Turnov belongs to Johanna Kamerlander, an heir of the Walderode family. This decision is currently not final, but the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ) has decided not to appeal the ruling, indicating a willingness to negotiate with Kamerlander regarding the restitution process. Lucie Bidlasová, regional spokesperson for the NPÚ, emphasized that the protection and preservation of heritage sites is paramount for the institute, which influenced their decision to accept the court's ruling.
The court focused solely on the furniture and not on the building itself, which is classified as a national cultural monument. This has been a longstanding restitution case relevant to the family of Karl des Fours Walderode. The widow is expected to receive approximately 5,000 items, including furniture, paintings, weapons, and candlesticks, as part of this ruling. The NPÚ's decision not to pursue further legal action in this matter suggests a shift towards reconciliation and potentially a more collaborative approach in future dealings with the Walderode family regarding their heritage claims.