Free Time > Strongholds > Bouzov
Bouzov
- Address: Bouzov 8 [show on the map]
- Telephone: +420 585 346 202
- Website: http://www.hrad-bouzov.cz/
- E-mail: bouzov-hrad@seznam.cz
Description
The Bouzov Castle was founded probably in the early 14th century by Moravian aristocracy to defend a trade route to Prague. The first known owner by Bouzov was the Moravian aristocrat Buz; a written document about him dates from 1317.
Representatives of the Czech and Moravian gentry took turns in the ownership of the castle; among the most prominent ones was Czech King George of Podebrady, who ruled from 1458-1471.
A turning-point occurred in late 17th century, when the castle was sold with a part of the dominion to an order of German knights dominating almost all of northern Moravia. Archduke Eugene Habsburg undertook a significant and extensive renovation and radical reconstruction on the castle (1895-1910). Bouzov turned into a romantic castle. The original core concentrated on the highest location around the tall deference tower. Architectionically Bouzov was reconstructed on a large scale in the Middle Ages from German Gothic style to Renaissance according to models - south German castles, into a unified organism. Emphasis was laid on artistic decoration.
It was mainly the local inhabitants who participated in the reconstruction - bricklayers, stonecutters, woodcutters, etc. Their perfect work still impresses the visitor by a mastered craft and by the capturing the spirit of the past. The imported paintings, statues, furniture and other furnishings were supplemented by copies and modern imitations. A prominent place is occupied by late Gothic statues and panel paintings, Renaissance and baroque furniture, statues and paintings from all over Europe.
Of exceptional historical value is a set of figural tombstones of German order masters from 1395-1515, brought from Horneck in Germany.
The chapel, knights' hall and assembly hall served the needs of the order - these rooms excel by their dimensions and rich decoration.
Opening Hours
- April - October 9:00 - 15:00 (weekends and holidays)
- May - September 9:00 - 16:00
- June - August 9:00 - 18:00