Nové Zámky u Litovle

Nové Zámky is a small settlement forming part of the Mladeč municipality, located about 3 km west of Litovel, in the Olomouc district, Olomouc Region, Czech Republic. The place takes its identity from a Baroque château-and-park complex that belonged to the Liechtenstein family for centuries.

Where does the name Nové Zámky come from?

The settlement's name derives directly from the château itself, which became the focal point of the surrounding hamlet. In the second half of the 16th century, the Cernohorský family of Boskovice built a modest Renaissance hunting lodge on the site, laying the groundwork for the later residence and the community that grew up around it.

How did the château's history unfold?

The larger, genuinely Baroque château was raised in 1690 on the initiative of the Liechtensteins, who had taken over the estate. In the 1730s it was remodeled according to plans by the architect A. Beduzzi, and its interiors were decorated with wall paintings by D. Meninardi.

The building also served purposes beyond that of a residence: between 1761 and 1762 it functioned as a military hospital. In 1805 a fire destroyed much of the structure. Reconstruction took place between 1813 and 1820 under the direction of Josef Hardtmuth, an architect working for the Liechtenstein court, who gave the château the Classicist appearance it retains today.

What does the building and its park look like?

The château is a two-storey structure with side wings. Its park-facing facade is marked by a projecting risalit topped with a triangular pediment, carried by six massive Corinthian columns. Alongside the château's reconstruction, an English-style park was laid out between 1813 and 1820; it still contains Empire-style structures with a distinctly romantic character.

Who owned the estate during the 20th century?

Until 1945 the complex served the administrative needs of the Liechtenstein family. After the Second World War, between 1945 and 1953, it came under the management of the forestry administration. The military then took it over, and from 1962 it housed the 5th Tank Base of Litovel. The estate later passed to the district authority (ONV) of Olomouc, and in 1964 a social care institute was established there.

Can visitors tour the château today?

The building has been a protected cultural monument since 1958. It currently houses a social care institute, so the château interior itself is not open to the public. The park and its romantic garden structures, however, remain freely accessible and can be visited without restriction.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Nové Zámky located? It is a settlement within the Mladeč municipality, roughly 3 km west of Litovel, in the Olomouc district.

Who built the château at Nové Zámky? The Cernohorský family of Boskovice built a Renaissance hunting lodge here in the 16th century; the actual Baroque château was raised in 1690 under the Liechtensteins.

What architectural style does the building show today? After a fire in 1805, the château was rebuilt between 1813 and 1820 in the Classicist style, to designs by Josef Hardtmuth.

Is it possible to go inside the château? No, the building currently houses a social care institute and its interior is closed to tourists.

Is the park around the château open to visitors? Yes, the English-style park and its romantic garden buildings can be visited freely.