Banská Štiavnica Calvary, which falls under the protection of UNESCO, has been in desolate condition for long and in 2007 it was ranked among the 100 most endangered monuments in the world. The total costs of the reconstruction are estimated at 4 to 5 M EUR.

Martin Macharik, the chairman of the Calvary fund says: "By getting this donation from SSE we will be able to continue with reconstruction works also in the upper part of the area. The overall area has 6 hectares and the difference in height between the first and the last chapel is 100 m. Nowadays the electricity is available for a half of the area. The whole upper half, where there are 12 chapels and Horný church was waiting for the electricity connection for the start of the works."

The cooperation between Calvary fund and SSE is planned for 5 years. By signing the memorandum SSE is obliged to support the rescue of Calvary every year by minimum amount of 30.000 EUR.

Pierre Chazerain, the CEO and chairman of the BoD of SSE: "We are glad to find together with the Calvary fund an area to support, which is close to our aim and we can contribute to solve the problem of this rare sight protection. We are pleased that with our help it will be possible to illuminate the beautiful monument, which will become even more noticeable dominant of Banská Štiavnica and it will make the experience for all visitors to the region even more enjoyable."

Calvary fund has started the reconstruction works in 2008. Its plan is to finish the reconstruction of Dolný church and 3 chapels this year. Apart from that it restored the statue of Virgin Mary and several altars and rare reliefs. The overall reconstruction is planned for 15 years. The contribution of SSE will speed up the works approximately by 3 years.

Calvary fund is a civic organization founded for a purpose of reconstruction and operation of the Calvary in Banská Štiavnica. Contact: www.kalvaria.org

SSE supplies energy for life and business to almost 700.000 customers. Our home market is central Slovakia where we have been active for more than 85 years. With building new connections, investing in our distribution network and supporting public interests we contribute to the further economic development of our region and improved comfort of our inhabitants. SSE is a member of the group Electricite de France.

Media contact: Mgr. Anna Žatková, head of Internal and external communication, tel:041/519 2494, anna.zatkova@sse.sk