Kurovice Fortress

Kurovicka fortress in the district Kroměříž is an original medieval aristocratic mansion whose architecture combines elements of the exhibition fortress and chateau. The monument was created in the 13th century, but the oldest brick parts come from the first half of the 15th century. The history of the building is full of changes in ownership and building modifications that reflect its importance in Czech history.

The fortress was first mentioned in 1275 as the plains of Olomouc bishops. This figure confirms its strategic and political importance at the time. In 1423-1424 it was destroyed by the Hussites, indicating the involvement of the construction in the conflicts at the time. It subsequently underwent significant development for holders of the Vrchlabské family. They restored it and rebuilt it between the 1990s and the mid-16th century. From this time there are preserved stonework elements and fine vaults, which are still interested in experts and visitors.

The key owner was Jáchym Zoubek from Zdomín. In the second half of the 16th century he took over the fortress from Vrchlabský and further influenced its shape. His coat of arms with the inscription "JOACHIM ZVB FROM ZDIETINA AND THE MOSSIENIC COMORNIK MENSSI ETC." is placed as a terminal in one of the vaults and forms a valuable historical detail. The latest major modifications were made by Václav Eusebius Lobkovic. He had the last floor built up, which destroyed a separate tower, which previously formed a dominant building.

The architecture of the fortress characterizes the Gothic core with stoneware elements and noble vaults. It is a two-storey building from the quarry wall on the ground plan U. It has a valb roof covered with bimonas and a high-level closed courtyard. The core consists of three wings; The front is a five-axis and side three-axis, with irregular rectangular windows. A cordon ledge separates between the floors. The rooms on the ground floor are encapsulated with a vaulted arch with a section, while on the first floor there are sacral and rib vaults.

The interior is decorated with sandstone portals of entrances and window lining from the 15th and 16th centuries. During repairs, Hebrew inscriptions from 1656 were discovered, which add another historical dimension to the construction. Albrecht of Valdštejn visited the fort. After Prague's defenestration, Ladislav of Lobkovic met here secretly because his presence at the chateau in Holešov would be too conspicuous.

In the 20th century, the fort served as an apartment building. In 1988, the Museum of Kroměřížska started a total reconstruction, but it was interrupted in 1990. In 2006, the property of the Zlín Region was transferred to private property.

Today the Kurovická fortress is not only a cultural monument, but also a place full of history and architectural gems. Its importance for Czech culture is indisputable. It's worth visiting her and learning more about her rich past and beauty.