Sovinec
Do you want to know a castle that does not bear the name of an aristocratic family, but on the contrary, the aristocratic family was named after it? Then be sure to visit the castle complex Sovinec. The Hrutovic family, who founded the castle in the 14th century, was then called the Lords of Sovinec. From the castle in the mountain valley you can see far into the landscape of the Low Jeseník and you can observe the surrounding Sovinec park. It is possible to visit the oldest part of the castle with a lookout tower and an exhibition in the former stables.
Information for visitors
Interesting facts Sovinec
The castle is constantly being reconstructed
Here you have a unique opportunity to see the castle, which is still being repaired and restored. As the castle burned down after the Second World War, rescue and later reconstruction work began first. First, the buildings in the forecourt were restored, which were also used as recreational facilities. Later there was also the palace and walls. It is envisaged to place suitable collections, which will be accessible to visitors, for example, various techniques for fortifications or weapons. The castle is taken care of by the Regional Museum of National History in Bruntál.
Sovinec was also a Hussite fortress
During its existence, the original castle and later Hussite fortress underwent expansion and reconstruction in the 16th century into a Renaissance residence. After the Battle of White Mountain, the castle became the property of the Teutonic Knights. During the Thirty Years' War, the castle was conquered several times, and for these reasons the fortifications of the castle were extended by additional moats, an advanced tower, bastions and walls. Nevertheless, the castle was reconquered by the Swedes and for some time served as a fortress to the Swedes. In the 18th century, the castle burned down for the first time and was only partially repaired. In the 19th century it served as an order seminary and forestry school, during the Second World War as the seat of an elite SS unit and prison.
The story of the Owl Rock
Like most old castles, Sovinec is full of legends. Be enchanted by the legend of the Owl King, the cursed prince who lived in the cave of the Owl Rock. Even though his beloved girl went to the cave behind him, she was never completely liberated, and their ghosts still appear in the stones of the Owl Rock. The rumor of a cruel lady from Sovinec can frighten you - she had a village girl with her mother drowned in a pond by the castle and paid for her cruelty with her son's life and her own.
Author: Helena Syslová