Czech church, state strike deal in long-running tussle over cathedral

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2007

PRAGUE (AFP) — The Czech state and Roman Catholic Church have reached a compromise in an almost 14-year ownership tug-of-war over one of Prague's most famous landmarks, the two sides said Friday.

After a bitter wrangle battled out through several courts, the Church and president's office announced they would now jointly manage St Vitus' Cathedral, although its outright ownership is still contested.

Under the agreement, "the operation of the cathedral will be assured by the metropolitan chapter (local church authority) in collaboration with the management of Prague castle", or Czech president's office, the joint declaration said.

The 14th century cathedral, which forms part of the Prague castle complex towering over the city, was placed under state management...