- Address: Zámecká 93, 671 03 Vranov nad Dyjí, Česko
- Phone: +420 515 296 215
- Website: www.zamek-vranov.cz/cs
- Date of construction: 11th century
In the Czech Republic , on a high hill with almost vertical walls above the river Diya (Dyey, Diyi) stands the castle Vranov nad Diyi, a white building under a red tiled roof, resembling rather a whole small village. It is a royal castle built to guard the borders of Moravia from neighboring Austria . Today it serves as a museum , where you can see not only ancient interiors and household items, but an exhibition of Vranov porcelain.
A bit of history
The Vranov nad Diyyi Castle is one of the oldest in the Czech Republic: it was first mentioned in the annals in 1100, and it is said of the building as being built long ago. Initially, the castle was built in the Gothic style, but from its pristine appearance only two prismatic towers and some sections of fortress walls were preserved.
Vranov-nad Diyi several times passed from hand to hand, and many of the owners rebuilt it for themselves. After the fire that occurred in 1665, his master, Earl Altatann, then, made a significant reconstruction of the castle, after which he acquired the shape in which he survived to this day (not including some buildings that were erected later).
The castle was rebuilt in Baroque style, in addition, the chapel of the Holy Trinity was built, and under the leadership of the imperial architect von Erlach, the Hall of Ancestors was built and decorated. Today it is included in the treasury of architectural construction of baroque style.
In the beginning of the XVIII century the castle acquired the buildings of the manor court, which was formed by the wings of the palace. After that, the castle was not rebuilt.
The Museum
25 magnificent halls of the palace are open for visitors. Here you can see the original interiors of the 18th and 19th centuries, objects of fine art and everyday life. Especially attracts visitors Ancestral Hall, decorated with ceiling frescoes and paintings by famous artists, as well as numerous statues.
Exhibition of porcelain
Vranov porcelain is widely known even outside the Czech Republic. The factory for its production was founded in 1799 by Josef Weiss. In 1816 it was bought by the then owner of the castle Stanislav Mnishek, who gained more workers, increased the range or products, improved technology and reduced production costs.
In 1828, the plant received an exclusive right to produce new species of Wedgwood ceramics, and in 1832 presented a new kind of "printed" decor, which quickly became fashionable.
Vranov porcelain is dedicated to the exhibition in the castle. Here is the largest collection of this porcelain in the world; mainly in the exhibition are planned collections of the XIX century. In addition, porcelain products can be found in the castle interiors, mostly luxury vases.
How to visit the castle?
The castle Vranov nad Diyi is located next to the town of the same name. You can get there from Prague by car on D3 / E65 and Road No. 38 in about 2.5 hours, or by Road No.3 in 3 hours.
There is public transport from Brno (8 trains run by train, which will take about 8 minutes), and Brno from the capital can be reached by buses RegioJet. The whole journey will take about 5 hours and 20 minutes.
The castle takes visitors only in the warm season. Interiors can be seen in April and October only on weekends, from May to September - every day, except Mondays. Adult ticket costs 95 CZK ($ 4.37), children (from 6 to 15 years) and student - 55 CZK ($ 2.53).
In the chapel of the Holy Trinity you can visit in July and August, it is open from 10:00 to 17:00. Her visit will cost 30 crowns ($ 1.38). The porcelain exhibition is also open only in July-August.