Photo by zamek-hradec.cz

Slavic people settled at this place already at the end of 8th century. In the 11th century Slavic settlement turned into a royal castle of the Přemyslids. After next 200 years it was rebuilt by Czech King Premysl Otakar II. into the palatial castle protected by a massive fortification. In 1531 the castle burned down, but despite major repairs still holds its medieval appearance.

The total reconstruction was done in the late 16th century by Kaspar Pruskovský from Pruskov, who in 1585 inherited this property. At the castle was established ornamental garden with a breeding pond Pilar.

In February 1796 a renaissance castle was badly damaged by fire. A year later started its reconstruction, which not only brought substantial changes to exteriors, but also a fundamental change in the surroundings. The chateau was rebuilt into the form that has survived with minor changes until today. One of the first guests in the renovated castle was composer Ludwig van Beethoven, who stayed here between 1806 – 1811. A little later the castle even welcomed Niccolò Paganini and in 1846 and 1848 also hosted the pianist and composer Franz Liszt.

The second half of the 19th century brought another neo-Gothic transformation. The most important building of that time was an economic extension of the Red Castle dating from 1874 – 1895 and the White Tower.

The castle Hradec nad Moravicí became in 2002 a national cultural monument, and is an important center of social events.

For further information visit official site of Chateau Hradec nad Moravicí (only in Czech ).

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Maciej Kasprzyk

The first written mention of the Książ castle dates back to 1288. It was one of several defensive castles built by duke Bolek I “the Cruel”. In 1508 Książ castle fell into the hands of John von Haugwitz, who sold it to Conrad von Hochberg.

Książ castle was rebuilt many times, so it combines many architectural and artistic styles – including the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and eclectic elements. The most beautiful part of the castle is certainly Maximilian Hall, which was used for concerts and theater performances, and its interior served as a setting for several movies.

One of the most important and also the most tragic periods in the history of the castle was the time of the World War II. In 1941 Książ castle was occupied by the Nazis. All the valuable works of art, furniture and contents of the castle library where took by Nazis. Many underground corridors were built below the castle, which proves that Nazis prepared here one of the seats of the German dictator Adolph Hitler.

Książ castle combines the history of several nations and many people. In addition to the standard attributes of building castles like beautiful gates, bastions and towers, also hundreds of undiscovered secrets are waiting here for the visitors.

The castle is open daily except for Mondays from 10:00am to 3:00pm (extended in Summer and weekends). You can attend several routes, the basic admission is 20PLN (€5).

For further details visit the official website of Książ castle.

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