Vranov nad Dyjí Castle

Vranov nad Dyjí Castle is one of the most remarkable buildings of the Central European Baroque. It was created by rebuilding from an old Romanesque Gothic castle, first mentioned as a landlord’s border fortress in 1100. From there, it retained two prismatic towers, part of the walls and the buildings of the so-called outer bailey. It was given its current appearance after a devastating fire in 1665 by the Counts of Althann. At the end of the 17th century – according to the project of the imperial architect Jan Bernard Fischer of Erlach – they first built and decorated the impressive hall of ancestors, dominating the local rugged landscape and artistically enhancing its distinctive charm. Immediately afterwards, they built the Chateau of the Holy Trinity as its ideological counterbalance. In the 18th century, the reconstruction was completed with residential buildings of the court of honor. The chateau was then acquired by the Polish Mniszeks, who brought the famous Vranov earthenware factory to flourish. The Stadnicki family, who were related to them, held the Vranov nad Dyjí Chateau until the beginning of World War II. Today, as a national cultural monument, it is in the care of the state.