Olomouc Castle

Olomouc, Czech Republic

The first written mention of the castle in Olomouc is included in the Cosmas Chronicle in 1055. The king Wenceslas III, the last Přemyslid, also stayed at the castle and was assassinated here in 1306. In 1767 the young Mozart stayed in the house of the Chapter Provost on the castle grounds and composed Symphony No. 6 in F major here. Some of the recent celebrities who have visited the site are Mother Theresa or Pope John Paul II.

After being partially damaged during the Thirty Years’ War, the medieval castle grounds were reconstructed in the Baroque style over a period of almost one century. Today, there remains little visible evidence of the significance and power of this castle. As time went on, the castle was overbuilt with religious buildings and the Wenceslas cathedral.

References:

Olomouc Tourism

Address

Václavské náměstí 3, Olomouc, Czech Republic

See all sites in Olomouc

Details

Founded: 11th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Czech Republic

More Information

tourism.olomouc.eu

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

Holy Trinity Column (0,9 km)
St. Maurice Church (0,8 km)
Basilica of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary (6,6 km)
St. Wenceslas Cathedral (0,1 km)
St. Michael’s Church (0,7 km)
St. Catherine's Monastery (1 km)
Hradisko Monastery (0,9 km)

Plumlov Castle (23,2 km)
Kromeriz Castle and Gardens (34,6 km)
Bouzov Castle (29,3 km)
Hrad Helfštýn (27,9 km)
Buchlov Castle (54,7 km)
Sternberk Castle (15,3 km)
Church of the Purification of Mary (12,8 km)
Úsov Castle (28,5 km)

User Reviews

Monika Zoń (3 years ago)
The old town is a classic. Wonderful monuments, open churches to visit. Everything nearby. Peaceful, atmospheric, millions of eateries and delicious food. I would highly recommend

Roman Petrovskyi (3 years ago)
Good place

Petr Hopjan (6 years ago)
Zajimava vystava

George O´Harek (6 years ago)
Významné místo dějin českého státu z doby Přemyslovců. Zachovalé kamenné pozůstatky pův. hradu z 11. st. jsou dnes přístupné při návštěvě Arcidiecezního muzea. Postupně ( od r. 1141 ) toto místo bylo především novým sídlem moravského biskupství ( obnoveného r. 1063 ). Z tohoto období pochází nejcennější románské stavební památky. Gotickou dobu vedle katedrály prezentuje hlavně křížová chodba s pův. obrazovými výjevy a kaple sv Jana Křtitele.

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Château de Foix

The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.

In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.