Plumlov Castle

Plumlov Castle is one of the most striking Baroque landmarks in Moravia — a monumental building meant to be only one wing of a much larger palace that was never finished. It stands above the Plumlov reservoir, on the border between the Drahany Highlands and the Haná lowlands, roughly 8 km west of Prostějov, in the Olomouc Region.

How to get there?

The town of Plumlov sits right next to the Plumlov reservoir, a popular recreational lake for people from across the region. From Prostějov, the drive takes only about fifteen minutes, and the castle is visible from a distance thanks to its tall, roofless silhouette. The area links central Moravia's historic sites with a lakeside recreation zone that includes a nearby campsite.

How did the castle get its unusual shape?

The story behind today's building goes back far beyond the Baroque palace itself. A Gothic castle first stood on the site from the mid-13th century, before 1273, founded during the colonization efforts under King Ottokar II. The first written record dates to 1310. It passed to the king's illegitimate son, Nicholas I, and in 1322 King John of Bohemia sold it to the lords of Kravaře. Between 1348 and 1384, the settlement around the castle was elevated to market-town status.

The estate flourished under the Pernštejn family, who held Plumlov from 1495 to 1599. During this period the castle was rebuilt in Renaissance style and the domain prospered economically, until a fire in 1586 badly damaged the buildings.

Ownership then passed to the Liechtenstein family. Prince Karl of Liechtenstein began reconstruction, adding arcades to the courtyard and modernizing the fortifications, but the turbulent 17th century took its toll: the castle was plundered by the Estates' army in 1619, and during the Thirty Years' War it was captured, burned, and destroyed by Swedish troops.

Only at the end of the 17th century, between 1680 and 1690, did Jan Adam of Liechtenstein decide to build an entirely new Baroque castle next to the ruins of the old fortress. The plan called for an imposing four-winged structure, but a shortage of funds meant only one wing was ever completed. That single, narrow wing rises six storeys above ground and two below, reaching 35 metres without a roof — a genuine rarity among Czech castles. Its unfinished state gave the building the raw character it still has today. The remaining Gothic-Renaissance structures in the courtyard were finally demolished in the early 19th century.

What can visitors see inside today?

Visitors can choose from several tour routes: a historical exhibition on the castle itself, the so-called fairy-tale cellars, a display of period furniture and paintings, and an adrenaline-fuelled route through the attic and former prison. Exhibits include a World War II aviation display called "Victorious Wings," ecclesiastical vestments, paintings, plaster masks, sculptures, historic carriages, miniature church bells, photographs by Jan Pospíšil, and a nativity scene from Prostějov. The castle also serves as a cultural venue, with a concert hall, open-air theatre performances, and a hall used for weddings.

When is the best time to visit?

The main season runs from spring through autumn, when all the tour routes are open and cultural events take place by the neighboring reservoir. Combining a castle visit with time by the lake makes Plumlov a rewarding full-day trip.

Frequently asked questions

Why does Plumlov Castle have only one wing? The Baroque rebuilding of 1680–1690, commissioned by Jan Adam of Liechtenstein, was designed with four wings, but a lack of funds meant only one was ever finished.

How tall is Plumlov Castle? The completed wing has six storeys above ground and two below, standing 35 metres tall without a roof.

What stood on the site before the Baroque castle? A Gothic castle had stood there since the mid-13th century, later rebuilt in Renaissance style by the Pernštejn family; its remaining structures were demolished in the early 19th century.

Is the castle located by water? Yes, it overlooks the Plumlov reservoir, a lake that is a popular recreational spot in the region.

What can visitors do at the castle? Several tour routes are available, including historical exhibitions, an aviation display, a collection of carriages and furniture, and an adventure route through the attic and former prison.