Rychvald (Castle)

Rychvald Castle, known today as The Old Yard (Starý Dvůr), stands in the town of Rychvald in the Karviná district, a few kilometers from Ostrava and close to the Czech-Polish border.

When was the castle built?

The Renaissance residence dates back to 1575–1577, when Bernard Barský of Bašť – son of Burian Barský, who had acquired the estate in 1573 – chose Rychvald as his family seat. Bernard converted an existing farmyard into a representative manor house, adding a vaulted ground floor and tiled stoves decorated with the Barský family coat of arms and those of his wives' families.

Who owned the castle over the centuries?

The Barský family held Rychvald until 1630. Ownership then passed through a succession of Silesian noble families, including the Tluk, Hauqvic, Vrbová, Freuenthal and Gašín families. From the mid-18th century until 1898, the estate belonged to the Moennich family and later the Larisch von Moennich family, whose renovations largely shaped the building as it appears today. In 1898 heiress Franziska married Prince Ernst Rüdiger von Starhemberg and brought Rychvald into the marriage as her dowry. Their son, Georg Adam von Starhemberg, was the last aristocratic owner, leaving the estate in late 1944.

What does the castle's layout look like?

The building forms a quadrangle around a courtyard measuring 48 by 48 meters. The south and north wings each stretch 60 meters, while the east and west wings run 80 meters. The west and north wings originally housed barns and stables, a reminder of the estate's agricultural origins. Cellars and a chapel survive beneath the east wing.

What happened to the castle after World War II?

After 1945 the building was used by a local agricultural cooperative and later by the OKD mining company. Under communist rule it gradually fell into disrepair for lack of proper maintenance. Its fortunes changed only in 2009, when businessman Pavel Šmíra bought the property. A complete reconstruction between 2010 and 2016 restored the castle to its former condition.

What can visitors do at the castle today?

The restored building now operates as The Old Yard and serves as a venue for weddings and other events. It also offers overnight accommodation and guided tours, letting visitors learn about the noble families who once lived there as well as the extensive restoration work behind the building's current appearance.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Rychvald Castle located? The castle stands in the town of Rychvald in the Karviná district, a few kilometers from Ostrava and close to the Polish border.

When was the castle built? The Renaissance residence was built between 1575 and 1577 on the initiative of Bernard Barský of Bašť, on the site of an earlier farmyard.

Can visitors tour the castle? Yes, the property operates as The Old Yard and offers guided tours as well as accommodation and event hosting, including weddings.

Who was the last noble owner of the castle? Georg Adam von Starhemberg, son of Franziska and Prince Ernst Rüdiger von Starhemberg, who left the estate in late 1944.