zámek Velké Meziříčí Chateau

The castle in Velké Meziríčí, located in the district of Žďár nad Sázavou in Vysočina Region, is a historical complex with a rich past dating back to the prehistory of the 13th century. Originally founded as a castle, he went through several architectural transformations - from Romanesque Castle to Renaissance and Baroque style to neo-gothic modifications. This monument is important not only by its history but also by architectural elements preserved from different periods.

The castle first appears in documents around 1236, when Budislav from Mezěří is mentioned as a witness. The oldest building-historical and dendrochronological research confirms the existence of the castle in the 13th century. During the sixties of the same century, there were significant building modifications, as evidenced by the hall with preserved fresco decoration. In 1281, the signs from Mezěříčí were listed as the owner of the castle, belonging to the masters of Lomnice.

In the first half of the 15th century, the estate came into the hands of Lacek of Kravař, who in 1408 granted the city full city rights. After that, the manor moved again to the masters of Lomnice, who started rebuilding the castle into the Renaissance style. In the first half of the 16th century the castle was owned by the House of Pernštejnů and in 1530 Vratislav of Pernštejn was born here, a significant figure of the time.

During the 30-year war, the castle belonged to the Berks of Dubé and Lipé. Subsequently, it was purchased by Count Rudolf of Kounice, who set up a branch at the castle, later converted into a castle park. The castle burned down in 1723 and was restored in the following years in the Baroque style under the leadership of Ferdinand Václav Spáček, who completed construction work in 1733.

In the 19th century there was a neo-gothic modification of the castle under the Lobkovic family. After several other transfers of ownership, including the families of Liechtenstein and Harrachov, the castle became nationalized after 1948. In 1995 it was returned to the Podstatzch-Lichtenstein family. Since then, extensive reconstruction and restoration work has taken place, including unveiling and restoration of early Gothic fresco decoration.

The castle is protected as a cultural monument. Its complex includes a Renaissance castle complex with baroque and historic harbours, which hide the masonry of the late Romanesque castle with a valiant fortification with bastions and a branch tower. The area of the castle and the large castle park are also included.

Today the castle is privately owned, but part of its space serves as the headquarters of the Museum Velké Meziříčí. An interesting feature is gothic fresco decoration and a private castle chapel of the Podstatzky family, which was again blessed in 2024.

The castle in the Great Mezěřice is not only an architectural pearl, but also a witness of many historical changes and events. Its rich history and preserved elements from different periods make this object an ideal goal for anyone interested in history and architecture. Visiting the castle is an opportunity not only to explore its beauty, but also to gloat in the past of this area.