Castles and chateaus without barriers

Šternberk Castle is one the oldest preserved Moravian castles, with a rich history and rare furnishings. It is the cradle of the Moravian branch of the House of Šternberk, but it was later owned by the House of Liechtenstein. Čechy pod Kosířem Chateau, set in the middle of a sprawling English-style park, is linked to the aristocratic House of Silva-Tarouca as well as the important Czech Romantic painter Josef Mánes, a frequent guest at the chateau.

Šternberk Castle

The first written records about the castle date back to the 13th century. It was originally a defensive Medieval residence with a well-reserved massive cylindrical tower. Visitors can choose from several guided tours, focusing on life in the estate. The rich interior of the castle is impressive for its decorations from the 14–19th centuries and prominent artworks by European sculptors and painters, as well as a very rare collection of Renaissance and Baroque tile stoves. Absolutely unique are the technical facilities of the castle, such as its elevator and fully-equipped kitchen.

The barrier-free tour (No. 1, starting in the park) shows the oldest parts of the castle – the chapel, Knight’s Hall, and rooms on the 1st floor with furnishings of the last owners.

Čechy pod Kosířem Chateau and park

This picturesque Neo-Classicist chateau was rebuilt in the 18th century from the original stronghold. It offers a classic tour of the chateau interior from the period of the last owners, including a collection of Mánes’s paintings. You can also visit the Film Exhibition dedicated to the films of Zdeněk & Jan Svěrák. Definitely worth visiting is the chateau park (guided during the summer season), with gravel roads passable without major problems, and barrier-free access to the chateau tour is available from there. The park is famous for its romantic Red Tower and Mánes Pavilion, the Orangery, and the artificial Dragon Cave. You can also order a picnic basket in the Chateau Café and enjoy its contents in the shade of the mighty trees.

Tips in the environs

Exhibition of Time, Šternberk – featuring 250 unique exhibits. You will see how time has manifested itself in various periods from prehistoric times to the present day, how it has influenced medicine, music, and the visual arts.

Accommodation tips

• Central Park Flora
• Clarion Congress Hotel Olomouc

Restaurant tips

• Expedice Hanácká restaurace, Šternberk;
• Náš Sobáčov,
• Lovecká chata, Horka nad Moravou
• Olomouc: Long Story Short Eatery and Bakery, Bistrá kráva Bistro

St Wenceslas Hill, the location of Olomouc Castle, is a place where Czech history was made. Helfštýn Castle, one of the fortresses that guarded the trade route through the Moravian Gate, is among the largest castles not just in our country, but in Europe.

Olomouc Castle

The castle was the site of an event that changed the course of Czech history – Wenceslas III, the last Přemyslid King of Bohemia, was murdered there on 4 August 1306. It is currently the seat of the Archdiocesan Museum, and the complex also includes St Wenceslas Cathedral. The museum showcases masterpieces of artists from the 14–18th centuries. The building is partially barrier-free, a lift will take you to the upper floor with the picture gallery of masters and St Barbara’s Chapel. Also, the views are breathtaking – you will see, for instance, the beautiful Baroque building of Klášterní Hradisko Monastery.

Helfštýn Castle

The castle was probably founded in the last quarter of the 13th century. It is dominated by the Hussite Tower with an observation deck, and the Medieval Palace, equipped with a unique, modern roof and footbridges during the recent redevelopment. These structural elements opened up the previously inaccessible upper storeys of the palace, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape of the Moravian Gate Valley. The most important event organised at the castle is the international meeting of artistic blacksmiths, Hefaiston. Artworks created during Hefaiston permanently adorn not only the castle itself, but also the nearby town of Lipník nad Bečvou.

You can explore the castle alone or with a guide. The entrance to the castle is barrier-free, you can also reach the two castle courtyards, the moat, and even the tower and the palace without major problems.

Tips in the environs

ORNIS – an ornithological station of the Comenius Museum in Přerov, which includes a modern, interactive exhibit with programmes for all nature lovers.

Restaurant tips

• Helfštýn Castle Restaurant