Šternberk Castle

Originally a medieval defence site, it is one of the oldest castles in northern Moravia, the cradle of the Moravian branch of the House of Šternberk (Sternberg).

The cylindrical tower with 4-metre-thick walls and remnants of fortifications of the main palace are still preserved today. The castle was rebuilt and expanded in the 1370s. One of the owners, Bishop Albert II of Šternberk, an important church official and influential diplomat, used the castle as his principal residence at the time. He ordered decorations for the castle chapel in the style typical of Emperor Charles IV’s court. In the 16th century, the castle was redeveloped in the Renaissance style by the House of Berka of Dubá and Lipá, which also included the construction of service and administrative buildings. The castle history is also closely related to the Hussite Wars and the Thirty Years’ War, during which the town and the castle were significantly damaged. In 1699, the castle was transferred to the House of Liechtenstein. But it was unused for a long time and began to deteriorate. It was not until 1886 that a complete overhaul to the project of Vienna architect Karl Gandolph Kayser in the style of romantic historicism was ordered, giving rise to a luxurious residence meeting the requirements of Johann II, a modern aristocrat who equipped it with historical furnishings, paintings, furniture, reliefs, and rare tapestries. The House of Liechtenstein owned Šternberk Castle until 1945.

The rich interior of the castle is impressive primarily for its decorations from the 14th to 19th centuries and prominent artworks by Dutch, Italian, German, and Czech sculptors and painters. Other attractions include a very rare collection of Renaissance and Baroque tile stoves and its fully-equipped kitchen.

Visitors can choose from several guided tours, and the castle organises special tours, fairs, and other public events throughout the year. The basic tour is wheelchair-accessible.