Pernštejn Castle

Pernštejn Castle

Pernštejn is one of the most interesting and oldest castles in the Czech Republic, located 40 kilometers from Brno. It is set in impenetrable forests on one of the hills above the Svratka River. Pernštejn Castle seems like a fairy tale. Looking at it, you get the impression that it has just stepped off the screen, on which the events of chivalric times raged. Unlike many other ancient castles, Pernštejn has been preserved in pristine condition to this day. It is therefore a true monument of the Gothic era.

Video: Pernstein Castle

• Highlights
• History
• Legends of Pernstein Castle
• Practical information
• How to get there

Highlights

Pernstein Castle is a powerful, well-fortified structure that rises like a guardian over the river valley. The walls of this castle are a monolith of natural rocks and man-made masonry, on which it is difficult to distinguish the boundary between them. A striking example of Gothic architecture is the monumental tower of the castle with its abundance of protruding details. Sometimes you get the impression that it does not obey the law of universal gravity.

The Horned Tower, which can only be entered at the level of the last floor from the central building via a passageway, makes a stunning impression. The Horned Tower is one of the most interesting structures of the castle. The machicolated balconies at the corners of the tower are also eye-catching.

Once inside the castle, you will be enchanted by the history of the Middle Ages, walking through its narrow passages connecting the interior of the castle and dizzying staircases, visiting the real apartments, getting acquainted with the courtyards-wells. The most interesting among the interiors of the castle are the Knights’ Hall in the late Gothic style and the Hall of the Conspirators with unusual “diamond” mosaics. The Baroque chapel is decorated with frescoes on the heraldic theme of the Pernsteins, depicting a battle between a man and a bison. The palace library has 6188 volumes. Also worth seeing are the collection of weapons of the Mitrovsky family, the kitchen, the prison and the torture chamber.

You can only visit the interiors of the castle with a guided tour, if you are not part of a group, the tours are likely to be in Czech. It is not allowed to take photos of the interiors.

You can taste famous Moravian wines at Pernštejn Castle.

History

Pernštejn Castle dates back more than seven centuries. The first fortress on this site was built as early as 1285. It remained the residence of the Pernstein family until the end of the sixteenth century. Shortly before the change of ownership, the fortress was reconstructed and turned into an impregnable castle. It was built according to all fortification rules, surrounded by moats and well equipped. This bore fruit: during the Thirty Years’ War the castle was repeatedly besieged by the Swedes, but was never taken.

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In the XIV century the Pernstein family weakened considerably due to feuds over inheritance. Wilhelm I began to revive the family, and his heirs, his son and grandson, contributed significantly to the expansion and strengthening of the castle in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. In 1596 the castle was sold by the Pernsteins because of the enormous reconstruction of the castle under Wilhelm II, the grandson of Wilhelm I. The castle was rebuilt. The castle was transformed into a luxurious residence with completely reconstructed halls and living quarters decorated in the Renaissance style. This reconstruction entailed huge expenditures, and the Pernstein family fell into debt. So they were forced to sell off their property, including the reconstructed castle.

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After the sale of the castle by the Pernsteins, it changed owners several times. But despite the frequent change of owners, the appearance of the castle remained unchanged. There were some minor corrections in the Baroque and Classicist style, but this was reflected only in changes to the interior, without affecting the overall exterior. Some outbuildings were also built and a park was laid out.

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Since 1818 the castle belonged to the Mitrovski family, who remained its owner until 1945. The plans of these owners included a global rebuilding of the castle, but these plans were not realized.

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Legends of Pernstein Castle

Like any castle, Pernstein is shrouded in legends. One of them tells about a stone buried in a niche with a prediction “Anyone who touches the stone will die within a year”, so you should be careful when walking around the castle.

Another one mentions a red stone with the inscription “Anyone who touches the stone will die within a year”.

Another mentions a red yew tree growing at the main gate of the castle supposedly from the staff of the Apostle Methodius – as long as the tree is alive and unharmed, the castle will be indestructible.

Many people see the ghost of the White Pani – a girl in love with her beauty and asking all female visitors to the castle to look in the mirror, but do not do it, the legend says that anyone who looks at herself in this mirror, will lose her beauty.

Practical information

Opening times:

Pernstein Castle awaits its visitors from April to October inclusive.On holidays, Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 to 15:00,September, May, June – except Mondays, daily – 9:00 to 16:00,August and July – daily, excluding Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and July – daily – 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m,Lunch here lasts only one hour – 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Cost:

Tour “From Gothic to 20th century”