Znojmo Castle

Znojmo Castle – a gateway to the past

Where history comes alive

High above the Dyje River, on a rocky promontory, stands Znojmo Castle – a silent guardian of the region that has watched the city’s transformations and the fate of the Czech lands for centuries.

Its walls hide stories of princes and kings, of rises and falls, of festive feasts and military clashes. Today, it invites visitors on a journey back in time – to the times of the Přemyslids, the Hussite storms and the Baroque splendor.

Accept the invitation to explore a unique monument that combines history, architecture and breathtaking views of the Znojmo landscape.

From a Přemyslid fortress to a Baroque residence

The history of this place goes back a long way. The first settlement on the rocky promontory above the Dyje River can be traced back to the 4th millennium BC, but Znojmo only gained real importance in the 11th century, when Prince Konrad I and Litold of the Přemyslid dynasty founded a stone castle here. The fortress guarded the border between Moravia and Austria and was an important seat of the Znojmo district princes.

In the 12th century, the rotunda of St. Catherine was built near the castle, whose rare Romanesque frescoes depict not only biblical scenes, but also the legendary Přemysl the Ploughman and the entire Přemyslid principality. The castle became an important center and experienced moments of great glory – for example, in 1335, John of Luxembourg organized the wedding of his daughter Anna of Luxembourg with Otto of Habsburg here.

Gradually, however, the castle began to lose its importance and fell into oblivion in the 15th century. The final blow was dealt to it by a large fire in 1630. In the 18th century, the Deblín family rebuilt it into a Baroque chateau, giving it its current appearance.

Architecture and transformations of the castle

The original appearance of the castle was different from today. In the 12th century, there was a massive stone fortress surrounded by walls with a high octagonal tower, which was known as the Robber’s Tower. However, it was destroyed in 1892 and today only historical records remind us of it.

The castle acquired its current appearance in the 18th century, when the Deblín family rebuilt it into a Baroque chateau with arcades and a court of honor. An important part of the interior are the frescoes by Jan Michael Fisée from 1720, which depict Czech and Habsburg monarchs and symbolic allegories of Unity and Glory.

The only surviving building from the original castle is today the rotunda of St. Catherine – a unique example of early Romanesque architecture with wall paintings that have no analogues in the Czech environment.

What will you see at the castle today?

Today, Znojmo Castle serves as a museum that presents not only its own history, but also the history of the entire Znojmo region. What can you look forward to?

Rotunda of St. Catherine – the oldest preserved part of the castle with unique frescoes of the Přemyslids from the 12th century.
Museum in the Baroque castle – an exhibition focused on the history of Znojmo, the Fisée frescoes and historical artifacts.
Views of the Dyje River and vineyards – the castle courtyard offers some of the most beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Every part of the castle breathes history and offers a unique view of the transformations of this exceptional monument.

Practical information for visitors

If you are planning to visit Znojmo Castle, here is important information:

Address: Hradní 85/5, Znojmo
Opening hours:
- April: weekends
- May–September: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00–17:00
- October: weekends
Entrance fee:
Rotunda of St. Catherine: 150 CZK
Museum: entrance fee may vary – we recommend checking the official website
Reservations: +420 515 222 311

Tip: After touring the castle, we recommend continuing to the Znojmo Underground and ending the day at the Kravák Cabins, where you can enjoy relaxation with a view of the vineyards.

Discover the magic of Znojmo Castle

Znojmo Castle is not just a historical monument, but a place where the past meets the present. From the first Přemyslids to the Baroque reconstruction, from wartime to the current cultural role – all this is intertwined here in a unique story.

Head to Znojmo, walk through the castle courtyard, admire the frescoes, enjoy the views and soak up the atmosphere that will transport you to ancient times. And when you have had enough of history, treat yourself to a well-deserved rest in the Kravák Cabins, where you can relax in the middle of nature and enjoy a peaceful retreat far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.