Pelhřimov Castle

Pelhřimov Castle rises above the main square of Pelhřimov, a historic town in the Vysočina region of the Czech Republic.

What stood here before the castle?

Long before the current building, a Gothic stronghold occupied the site, most likely built in the 15th century. Traces of that original fortress survive inside the Gothic hall on the ground floor of today's castle — a rare physical link to the town's medieval layer, hidden beneath later additions.

Who built the Renaissance residence?

Ownership passed to the lords of Říčany in 1550, and Adam of Říčany wasted no time: construction of a new Renaissance residence started that same year and wrapped up in 1551. The oldest surviving structural element, a Gothic bastion, was folded into the complex after a fire tore through the town in 1561. One of Pelhřimov's three surviving town gates also forms part of the castle grounds, tying the residence directly into the town's medieval fortification system.

Why does the castle look Baroque today?

Fire struck twice more — in 1682 and 1766 — and both times the damage was serious enough to require major rebuilding. Those repairs gave the castle the look it still has: a two-wing, two-story structure under a mansard roof, topped by a small clock tower. Since the 18th century, only decorative details have changed, so what visitors see today is largely the post-fire Baroque shell wrapped around much older foundations.

What's inside the castle now?

Since 1908 the building has housed the Vysočina Museum in Pelhřimov (Muzeum Vysočiny). Its collections cover regional history and ethnography, but one of the more memorable sections documents the town's former jail, complete with historical instruments of punishment — a reminder that the castle once served the town's judicial functions, not just its lords. Separate rooms are dedicated to the work of sculptor and medalist Josef Šejnosta and his son Zdeněk Šejnosta, a sculptor and restorer, both closely tied to the town.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

The castle sits at the upper end of Masaryk Square, one of the largest town squares in the Czech Republic, lined with historic townhouses. A short walk away stands the deanery church of St. Bartholomew, whose 61-metre tower has offered a lookout point since 1576 — climb it and the view stretches out roughly thirty metres up, over the rooftops and the surrounding countryside. Nearby, two surviving gate towers, Rynárecká and Jihlavská, mark the old town boundaries, and a Renaissance house decorated with sgraffito adds another architectural layer to the square. Families often add the town's Museum of Ghosts to the itinerary.

When should you plan a visit?

The museum keeps seasonal hours, so it's worth checking the current schedule before arriving. Spring and summer are the easiest time to combine a castle visit with climbing the church tower, which typically opens alongside the warmer months, plus a walk through the square and its gates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you visit the inside of Pelhřimov Castle? Yes — the building houses the Vysočina Museum, open to visitors on a seasonal schedule, so check opening hours before you go.

What is the oldest part of the castle? The Gothic bastion and the remains of the original medieval stronghold, preserved in the ground-floor Gothic hall, likely dating to the 15th century.

Why was the castle rebuilt so many times? Fires in 1561, 1682, and 1766 each caused significant damage, and the repairs that followed — especially after the 18th-century fires — gave the castle its current Baroque appearance.

What else can I see close to the castle? Masaryk Square, the tower of St. Bartholomew's church with its viewing platform, two historic town gates, and a Renaissance house with sgraffito decoration are all within a short walk.