Jesenec Castle

Jesenec Castle stands in the village of Jesenec, roughly 3 km northwest of Konice, in the Prostějov District of the Olomouc Region in the Czech Republic.

Where did the castle come from?

The present building dates to 1711, when Engelbert Hájek, the Premonstratensian abbot of Zábrdovice, commissioned it on the site of an earlier Renaissance fortified tower. That earlier structure is documented as far back as 1618, when it passed to its owner Kryštof Karel Švábenský. The high-Baroque design of today's complex is credited to Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel, one of the leading architects of Czech Baroque, who is also linked to the neighboring pilgrimage church.

What is there to see?

The site brings together the castle building itself, the Church of St. Liborius, and a large park climbing the slope above the building. Inside the park stands a small grotto holding a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, built as a copy of the Massabielle rock associated with the apparitions in France. Lower down, set into a terrace between the stairs, is a small chapel dedicated to St. Liborius, fed by spring water that emerges from limestone rock. Local tradition long credited this water with healing properties, and the chapel still draws pilgrims from the surrounding area.

Who looks after it today?

The whole complex has been protected as a cultural monument since 3 May 1958. It is now home to a community of Dominican Sisters and operates as a retirement home, which means the interior of the castle itself is not open for general sightseeing. Visitors instead explore the park, the grotto, the spring chapel, and the church.

How do you get to Jesenec?

Jesenec sits in a quiet rural stretch of the Drahanská vrchovina highlands, a few kilometers from Konice. Driving is the easiest option — a local road connects the village to Konice, and Olomouc is about 30 km away. The area is popular with hikers and cyclists exploring the highlands, and the castle grounds often make a natural stop along the way.

When should you visit?

Spring and summer are the best seasons, when the park is green and the grotto and chapel stand out clearly among the trees. Autumn brings a quieter, more picturesque mood, though daylight hours shrink. In winter, snow can make the local roads harder to navigate, so it is worth checking conditions before setting out. Whatever the season, visitors should keep noise to a minimum out of respect for the residents living in the care home housed in the castle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside Jesenec Castle? No — the building now functions as a care home run by Dominican Sisters, so the interior is closed to visitors. The surrounding park, church, and chapel remain open to explore.

Who built the castle? It was built in 1711 for Abbot Engelbert Hájek, with the design attributed to architect Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel.

What is the spring in the park? It is water that flows from a limestone outcrop next to the St. Liborius chapel, long believed by locals to have healing properties.

How do you reach Jesenec without a car? The nearest larger town is Konice, about 3 km away, from which Jesenec can be reached by local public transport or on foot.