- Address: Špilberk 210/1, 662 24 Brno, Czech Republic
- Opening hours: Tue-Sun 09: 00-17: 00, Mon-Fri
- Phone: +420 542 123 611
- Website: spilberk.cz
- Architectural styles: Gothic architecture, Baroque architecture
- Cost of visiting: adults - $ 4,2; discount ticket - $ 2.3; group ticket (2 adults, 3 children) - $ 9.5
The main attraction of the Czech city of Brno is Shpilberk - an ancient castle , from where the construction and development of the center of the South Moravian region began. In the XIII century, he served as a royal residence and fortification, and now is one of the largest cultural monuments of the country.
History of the Castle of Spielberk
The castle complex was built around 1277 to protect the Moravian region from the south. Even during the Hussite wars, he was recognized as one of the most reliable fortresses. In 1645, during the Thirty Years War, the castle of Spielberk managed to withstand a four-month siege against the Swedish troops, which many times exceeded the Czech army in strength and armament. Thanks to this, the course of the war was changed.
In 1783, the castle Spilberk in Brno was partially converted into a prison, in which at various times and kept dangerous criminals and political prisoners. Since 1960, there is one of the museums in the Czech Republic .
Architectural style and the device of the castle Shpilberk
Initially, on the site of the modern grandiose construction, there was a Gothic fortress. In the XVI century, there was a major fire, and after the restoration of the building was already decorated in the Renaissance style. In the war years, the construction of the castle Spilberk in Brno was simplified, so that it could accommodate soldiers and prisoners of war. Then here were arranged:
- fortifications;
- military casemates;
- walls with bastions;
- brick ditches with casemates.
The original Gothic castle of Shpilberk, which was built in the XIII-XV centuries, was preserved only in the eastern wing of the structure. There are also two Gothic fortresses, the design of which allows you to get an approximate idea of the architecture of those times.
Excursions in the castle of Spilberk
Today the ancient fortress, recognized as a national cultural monument of the Czech Republic, is the seat of the Museum of the City of Brno. In combination, it is considered its main attraction. Visit the castle of Špilberk in Brno in order to get acquainted with the history of the fortress and the city itself, as well as with the peculiarities of the Brno architecture and fine arts.
During the tour of the castle of Spielberk, you can see not only the ancient fortifications and ceremonial halls, but also the gloomy prison casemates. Here are exhibited instruments of torture, according to which one can only judge how hard it was for rebels, revolutionaries and rebels.
The castle Špilberk in Brno is the site for many cultural events of the city. Here you can visit events such as:
- The Shakespeare Summer Festival, which takes place in the main courtyard in July or early August;
- International Music Festival, organized by the Philharmonic Orchestra of Brno in August;
- performances of the Brno folklore groups;
- Performances arranged by local and visiting theatrical companies.
The castle of Špilberk is located on a hill, therefore, walking here, you can admire beautiful views of the city and its surroundings.
How to get to the castle?
An ancient architectural landmark is located in the south-eastern part of the Czech Republic . From the center of Brno to the castle Špilberk can be reached by metro. To do this, go to the central station and take the 1st or 4th line of the metro . The train arrives in 20 minutes.
From the station Brno, hl. nádraží to the castle of Špilberk can be reached on line 12. In this case, the road will take a maximum of 22 minutes. Trains depart every 5 minutes.