Zámek Frýdek Castle

The Frýdek Castle is located near the Castle Square in Frýdku-Městka on the shore of Ostravice. This originally Gothic castle, built in the second half of the 13th century, has transformed itself into a Renaissance and Baroque castle and represents one of the most valuable cultural monuments of the Beskyda region.

The castle was founded here in 1327 by Těšín Prince Kazimir I of the Piastovce dynasty. At that time, Ostravica was the border between Moravia and Silesia and its bank was ideal for a construction that had a dual purpose: to guard the Earth's border and protect the newly founded city Frýdek. The name Friedeck comes from German words vriede (fortifying) and Ecke (sharp). Due to later building changes, we do not know the exact form of the original building, but it is assumed that it was a single storey with a high tower. Access to the castle led from the square through the castle moat. The original building of the castle palace was later incorporated into the south wing of the castle.

During the Middle Ages, the castle was pawned several times. For the first time in 1434, it was pawned by the Prince of Teschen Václav I. due to debt during Hussite wars. During the 15th and 16th centuries, the lien holders took turns, with Frýdek later again belonging to Teschen princes Byslav II and Kazimír II. In the second half of the 15th century, building modifications were carried out stressing the defensive character of the castle. From 1545, Frýdek was in lien with John of Pernštejn, called the Rich, and his sons. That's when the rebuilding began.

After the period under the administration of the Bishop of Olomouc Stanislav Pavlovský since 1580 they bought Frýdek in 1584 Bruntálští z Vrbna. Under their leadership, the long-abandoned castle once again became a noble residence. In the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries, they had him fine-tuned by the construction works conducted by Bartholomew Bruntalski of Vrbna, the regional official of the Principality of Opava. The buildings were connected by arcade corridors. The Bruntals, however, soon stopped working permanently on Frýdek and the castle began to desolate. The situation was exacerbated by the city fire in 1607 and the invasion of Mansfeld's troops in 1626.

In 1636 the castle was redeemed by Count Jiří z Oppersdorfu, educated benefactor and member of an influential family. Although his main headquarters was Upper Hlohov, Frýdek gave considerable care. He built the chapel of St. Barbara at the east wing, which he connected to the castle through a wooden corridor. The buildings around the first courtyard were raised by the floor, numerous changes were made in the interiors and a castle park was created. The Oppersdorfs continued to develop the castle. In 1918, the castle became state property.

Today, the Beskyd Museum is housed in the castle with an extensive exhibition dedicated to the history and culture of the Beskyd region. There are exhibitions, concerts, theatre performances, weddings and dramatic shows.