The project will cost more than HUF 1.5 billion, but is being supported by a grant from the Western Transdanubia Regional Operative Programme. It is expected to be completed by August of 2010.
ZAEV Zrt. won the tender to carry out the reconstruction, beating four other bidders.
The reconstruction involves three elements that will create a framework for the ruins: a reception building, a reconstruction of the sanctuary of the temple and the museum building around the sanctuary.
The plans for the reconstruction were drawn up by faculty head at the Budapest Technical University Tamás Mezős, based on plans prepared by Gyula Hanjóczi in 1976.
The reconstruction of the temple is the second phase in the transformation of Szombathely's Roman-era quarter. The first was the creation of a Historical Theme Park, and there are still plans to set up a path that takes visitors to the city's most important historical monuments.
Ipkovich said the city had to cover more than 10pc of the cost of the project, as earlier planned. But the local council voted unanimously to make a further HUF 220 million available for the purpose.
Source: Hungarian News Agency (MTI)
Photo: szombathely.hu
