CASTLES - PROUD PLACES

CASTLES - PROUD PLACES | exhibition

The story of castles in the Zlín Region begins in the early 13th century, when the oldest royal structures arose here, securing the Moravian border against the Kingdom of Hungary (Buchlov, Brumov and Lukov). This defensive line was later supplemented by other structures (Uherský Ostroh, Zuvačov). From the mid-13th century onward, the Bishop of Olomouc also built castles here (Engelsberk, Šaumburk), and we also encounter the oldest structures of the nobility (Střílky). In the following period, seats of noble families predominated, and gradually, in their form and magnificence, they could rival the leading royal castles (for example Cimburk, Křídlo, Starý Světlov, Rožnov). Some significant fortified manor houses (Hluk, Kurovice) also began to approach castles in their magnificence. In the 14th century we also encounter the youngest territorial-lord new build – Malenovice.

The warlike 15th century brought new possibilities of siege technology, which posed severe tests for the defensive capability of our castles. Many of them were conquered, and their fortifications were often expanded, so that castle complexes often attained considerable size (Engelsberk, Chlum, Starý Světlov, Šarov, Cimburk). A substantial part of castles in this period fell into ruin, and those that survived were gradually repaired and modernised.

In the Zlín Region, some forty castles once stood, existing for more than three centuries. Today, for some of them we do not even know the location; most are preserved as terrain formations and remnants of masonry, hidden in deep forests. Only very exceptionally have some of these remarkable structures survived to the present day. In the Zlín Region, among these exceptional monuments are the castles of Buchlov and Malenovice.

The exhibition focuses in more detail primarily on the building history of Malenovice Castle, but the other castles of the region also have their place here.

The exhibition can be visited as part of a guided tour.