Buchlov
The history of the majestic Buchlov Castle on one of the highest hills of Chřiby, a highland located in Central Moravia, began to be written sometime in the first half of the 13th century. At that time, the Czech king had it built as a defensive fortress and also as a place with royal jurisdiction, the so-called hunting law. At that time, this meant jurisdiction in cases of poaching or illegal fishing in the Buchlov estate. Later, this right to judge and punish extended to other transgressions and crimes not only in the Buchlovské but also in neighboring estates. This right, together with the castle, passed into private ownership at the beginning of the 16th century. At that time, it included 28 municipalities. It was abolished by the imperial decree of 1749.
Information for visitors
Interesting facts Buchlov
Buchlov Castle was originally built in the Romanesque-Gothic style, but in the 16th century it was rebuilt into a Renaissance form by the then owners of the Zástřizl family. The last building modifications were then carried out under the direction of other owners, the lords of Petřvald, who had the fortifications of the castle strengthened in response to a possible Turkish danger. After the completion of the chateau in nearby Buchlovice, the castle still served as the seat of the nobility for fifty years, but it was no longer able to meet their living requirements. From 1751, the castle remained permanently uninhabited. Thanks to marriages, the Berchtolds of Uherčice became the next owners in 1800, and this meant a victory for the castle. The Berchtolds did not let it fall into disrepair, but on the contrary turned it into a family museum when they gathered their extensive collections of historical and scientific valuables in its premises. This family owned the castle until 1945, when it became the property of the Czechoslovak state.
It is these collections and many other interesting things that you will see if you choose one of the two main sightseeing tours. Both end at the Lookout Tower, which can be visited separately. There are also special children's circuits in the castle, which will surely enchant all the little princesses and knights. On the side hill stands the Chapel of St. Barbora, which was built in 1672 on the site of the original chapel from the 13th century. It is the family tomb of the lords of Petřvald and Berchtold. It is also possible to look into it and look at the tombs and posthumous paintings of these nobles.
Whether you decide to look only at the castle grounds in the courtyard or take a tour of it, it will certainly leave a very positive impression on you.
Author: Martina Limbergová