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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Insights into the history
At first Bonn was the Roman military settlement. In the 13th century it had become a city and from the 16th century it was the home of Archbishops and Prince-electors of Cologne. Between 1949 and 1990 Bonn was the capital of Germany.

Historical monuments and sights
After the year of 1950, the government district grew up in Bonn, which is dominated by the 30 levels building. North of it you can see Schaumburg palace that housed the Chancellery and the Hammerschmidt Villa, which was the seat of the president. The historic center of Bonn and the government district is separated by the Koblenz Gate. Not far from it you can visit a courtyard garden. On its outskirts there is the University Museum of Art with originals and casts of ancient sculptures.

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In Bonn you can find also Poppelsdorf castle, which is used by the university. Near the castle there is a monument to the composer Robert Schumann. Very interesting is also the baroque town hall located in the centre of the city and close to it the memorial dedicated to the composer Ludwig van Beethoven. The oldest building in Bonn is a Romanesque church, built in the 11th to 12th century. The new buildings include the Municipal Theatre, built in 1964 and Beethoven’s multipurpose hall.

Tourist Attractions
City of Bonn offers a variety of sports. There is also an outdoor swimming pool, indoor pool, sports hall, stadium and other facilities. The wine experts should not miss the bars on the banks of the Rhine River that offers great view of the Seven-hills (Siebengebierge) – the area of the local wine Riesling.

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