Medlešice Castle

Medlešice Castle is a modest Baroque manor house standing on the western edge of the village of Medlešice, now a part of the town of Chrudim in eastern Bohemia. Despite its unassuming appearance, the site carries more than six centuries of settlement history.

When was the castle built?

The building seen today dates from 1728–1732, commissioned by Marie Terezie of Vernier, born Straková of Nedabylice. It replaced a much older fortified seat first recorded in 1415, when it belonged to a minor nobleman, Buzek of Mezilesice. That original stronghold was rebuilt in Renaissance style in 1660 before eventually giving way to the Baroque residence that stands on the site now.

What does the architecture look like?

The castle is a single-storey building with an unusual T-shaped floor plan. Its main facade has seven window axes, and the whole structure is topped by a mansard roof with dormer windows, covered in sheet metal. This roof form was common among Bohemian noble residences built in the early eighteenth century, and it gives the otherwise compact building a distinctive silhouette.

What happened to the castle in the twentieth century?

The Second World War changed the estate's fate. Its last private owner, Jan Wiedersperg, declared German nationality during the occupation, and as a result his property was confiscated under the post-war decrees. Immediately after the war the building was stripped of its furnishings and later handed over to the ownership of the Medlešice municipality.

What is the castle used for today?

Since passing into municipal hands, the castle has taken on largely community functions. It now houses a kindergarten, a small chapel, and a library, and it serves as a meeting place for the local volunteer fire brigade, the settlement committee, and the local M-Klub association. Despite this active use, the building is in poor technical condition: a full repair and renovation is estimated at around 60 million Czech korunas, funds the town of Chrudim does not currently have.

Is it worth visiting Medlešice alongside Chrudim?

Medlešice sits right next to Chrudim, making the castle an easy short detour for anyone exploring this historic royal town. It appeals to travelers interested in lesser-known, small-scale manor architecture, offering a glimpse of everyday provincial nobility life in Bohemia, away from the larger castles that draw the bulk of tourist traffic.

Frequently asked questions

When was Medlešice Castle built? The current Baroque building dates from 1728–1732, replacing an older fortified seat first mentioned in 1415.

Can visitors go inside the castle? The building now serves public functions — a kindergarten, library, chapel, and venue for local organizations — so it is not a conventional museum open for guided tourist visits.

Why did ownership change after the war? The last private owner declared German nationality during the occupation, which led to the confiscation of his property and its transfer to the local municipality.

What condition is the building in today? The castle needs extensive renovation estimated at roughly 60 million Czech korunas; the town of Chrudim currently lacks the funds, so the building continues to operate despite visible wear.