Letovice Castle

Letovice Castle stands above the town of the same name in the Blansko district, on a promontory that once overlooked an important trade route linking Bohemia and Moravia. Behind its Baroque and Empire-style facade lies a turbulent history of sieges and fires, followed by a modern restoration story that only recently reached a happy ending.

How did the castle begin?

The site was first occupied by a wooden stronghold belonging to a nobleman named Bořita, who lived between 1203 and 1255, built above the old trade route running from Bohemia into Moravia. It was likely Heřman of Letovice who rebuilt it into a proper fortified castle, and the earliest written mentions date from his time, between 1250 and 1274. As a documented castle, though, it is only confirmed in writing from 1360, when it belonged to the lords of Letovice and Ronov.

What happened to the castle during the Hussite wars and the Swedish invasion?

In 1424 the original stronghold was besieged, captured and destroyed by Hussite forces. Once rebuilt, ownership was split between two families: between 1446 and 1505 one half belonged to the lords of Lomnice, the other to the lords of Boskovice. The castle suffered another blow in 1643, when it was seized by Swedish troops during the Thirty Years' War. Not until the end of the 17th century did Štěpán Szelepcsényi rebuild the core of the old castle into an early Baroque chateau, giving the site an entirely new character. Misfortune struck again in 1724, when the chateau burned down together with the surrounding town.

Where does the current, Empire-style appearance come from?

The building's present form is largely owed to the Hungarian Kálnoky family of Köröspatak, who acquired the estate and chateau in 1820. Under their ownership the stables, a summer and winter riding hall, and terrace arcades were built, and the medieval tower was remodeled as well — together these changes gave the chateau the appearance it has largely retained to this day. The Kálnoky family kept the estate until 1945. After the war, following lengthy restitution proceedings, the chateau was returned to Count Alexandr Kálnoky.

Who is restoring the chateau today?

In 2004 the Kálnoky family sold the chateau to Bohumil Vavříček, an antiques dealer from Boskovice, who has since invested tens of millions of Czech crowns in its restoration. Work has covered the chateau itself as well as its courtyard and the former riding hall, which today serves as a restaurant and multifunctional venue used for weddings, concerts and other events. The chateau is surrounded by an extensive English-style park of nearly 26 hectares, considered one of the most valuable chateau parks in the Czech Republic and protected as a designated conservation area.

What can visitors see on a tour?

Tours begin in the courtyard, where a guide introduces the chateau's history, before visitors continue independently through the rest of the building. The route passes through restored rooms furnished with period furniture, paintings and carpets, as well as historic wine cellars, a chapel, and a torture chamber complete with a dungeon. A full visit takes about an hour. Visitors after something more unusual can book a stay in one of the chateau's two apartments — one with a terrace overlooking the town, the other with a winter garden full of exotic plants — or even spend a night at the bottom of the old dungeon.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Letovice Castle located? In the town of Letovice, in the Blansko district of Moravia, on a promontory above the old trade route connecting Bohemia and Moravia.

Who destroyed the original stronghold at Letovice? Hussite forces besieged, captured and destroyed it in 1424.

When did the castle gain its current appearance? The stables, riding halls, terrace arcades and the remodeled tower that define its present look were built by the Kálnoky family after 1820.

Who owns the chateau today? Since 2004 it has belonged to Bohumil Vavříček, an antiques dealer from Boskovice, who is carrying out its restoration.

How long does a visit to the chateau take? A guided walk through the courtyard followed by an independent tour of the interiors takes about an hour in total.