Paskov Castle

Paskov Castle stands in Paskov, a small town in the Frýdek-Místek District of the Moravian-Silesian Region, its four wings framed by an extensive English-style park along the banks of the Olešná River. For decades the building was closed off from public life entirely; today it is slowly being brought back, even if the doors themselves remain shut for now.

How old is the castle?

The site's defensive history likely stretches back to the second half of the 13th century, when a wooden Gothic stronghold stood here, though the first written record of it only appears around 1484. Toward the end of the 16th century, Ctibor Syrakovský z Pěrkova had the old fortress rebuilt as a Renaissance residence. The Thirty Years' War left its mark on the building, inflicting damage that was later repaired with Baroque-style alterations.

The building's defining transformation came after 1643, when Václav z Vrbna, of the Bruntálští z Vrbna family, raised an early Baroque castle on the foundations of the older stronghold. The four-wing layout with its neoclassical façade that visitors see today is the result of further architectural changes carried out over the following centuries. The surrounding park, laid out in the English landscape style, was enriched with valuable sculptural compositions that remain one of the site's draws.

After the Second World War the estate was nationalized. From the early 1950s until 2004, the castle housed an oncology treatment facility, later administered by University Hospital Ostrava. Once the medical facility closed, the building sat empty and fell into disrepair for years. Its fortunes changed in April 2013, when the town of Paskov bought the historic buildings along with the ecologically valuable part of the park. Renovation work followed, and restored sections of the castle became home to the Museum of the Paskov Estate, alongside spaces used for cultural and community events.

What can you actually see there?

The castle park is open to visitors free of charge year-round, and right now it's the main reason to make the trip to Paskov. Look for mature trees and remnants of the historic garden layout dating back to the residence's aristocratic era. The castle building itself — with its distinctive neoclassical façade and four-wing footprint — is visible from outside the grounds and stands as a solid example of the region's residential architecture, even without access to the interior.

Can you go inside the castle right now?

No. Since spring 2025 the castle has been undergoing extensive reconstruction and is closed to visitors, with completion expected in early 2027. Once the work is finished, the building is planned to house a town office, a library, and apartments for senior residents, in addition to continuing its museum and cultural functions. Until then, the park around the castle remains freely open to explore.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for the park, when the old trees and garden layout look their best and temperatures are comfortable for a longer walk. Since the castle itself is under renovation, it's worth checking the current status before planning a visit built around seeing the interior.

How do you get to Paskov Castle?

Paskov sits close to Ostrava, within the Frýdek-Místek District, making it an easy day-trip destination for anyone exploring the Moravian-Silesian Region. The town has good road connections to both Ostrava and Frýdek-Místek, and the castle with its park sits right in the center of town, next to the Olešná River.

Frequently asked questions

Is Paskov Castle currently open to visitors? No — the building has been closed since spring 2025 for a major renovation, expected to finish in early 2027. The surrounding park stays open in the meantime.

What was the castle used for before the renovation? From the early 1950s until 2004 it served as an oncology treatment facility. After the town of Paskov acquired the property in 2013, it was converted to house the Museum of the Paskov Estate.

Is entry to the castle park free? Yes, the park surrounding the castle is free to enter and open year-round.

Who built the castle as it stands today? The early Baroque structure was raised after 1643 by Václav z Vrbna of the Bruntálští z Vrbna family, on the site of an older medieval stronghold.