Staré Castle

Žďár Castle (the former Cistercian monastery) is a large monastery-and-chateau complex in Žďár nad Sázavou, in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. Its history stretches back to the 13th century, and much of the building's present appearance is owed to a Baroque reconstruction carried out with the involvement of architect Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel.

How did the monastery begin?

Cistercian monks were brought to Žďár in 1252, when the Moravian burgrave of Znojmo granted the order land for a new monastery along with an estate to support it. Over the following centuries the site went through turbulent times — it was looted and burned during the Hussite Wars, and only rebuilt under the reign of King George of Poděbrady. A further blow came at the end of the 17th century, when a major fire destroyed a large part of the complex.

Santini and the Baroque rebuilding

It was after that fire that Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel, an architect of Italian descent known for blending Gothic and Baroque elements into a distinctive style, was invited to lead the reconstruction. In the first half of the 18th century, under his direction, the monastery church was renovated, a lower cemetery was laid out, and nearby the Pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk on Zelená hora (Green Mountain) was built — today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Santini's work at Žďár is considered among the most significant achievements of his career.

From monastery to chateau

The abbey's fate was sealed by another fire, on 16 July 1784, which accelerated the decision to dissolve the monastery, formally announced on 13 October of the same year as part of the Josephine church reforms. After the closure, the buildings were converted into a secular residence, turning the former abbey into a chateau. Today the property belongs to the Kinský family, who, after taking over the estate in 2014, have carried out extensive work to save the monument and restore its historical significance.

What is there to see?

In 2015, the award-winning New Generation Museum opened inside the chateau — an interactive exhibition telling the nearly 800-year story of the former Cistercian monastery. With the help of an audio guide, visitors can choose from several self-guided routes: the New Generation Museum itself, a "Following Santini's Footprints" tour focused on the building's architecture, an exhibition of Baroque painting and sculpture, a display on the historical fishery once run around the monastery's medieval fish ponds, and a gallery devoted to the Kinský family, documenting the history of the estate's current owners.

Why visit Žďár?

Žďár Castle offers a rare combination of several historical layers in one place: a medieval monastery, a Baroque masterpiece by Santini, and a modern, repeatedly awarded museum experience. It also makes a good base for visiting the nearby church on Zelená hora, one of the most original sacred buildings in the Czech Republic. The mix of architecture, monastic history, and the Kinský family story makes the site appealing both to heritage enthusiasts and to travelers looking for an unusual stop in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands.

Frequently asked questions

What was Žďár Castle originally? It began as a Cistercian monastery founded in 1252, only becoming a residential chateau after the order was dissolved in 1784.

Who designed the Baroque reconstruction? The post-fire Baroque rebuilding involved architect Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel, who also designed the nearby UNESCO-listed church on Zelená hora.

Who owns the castle today? The Kinský family owns the estate and has led its restoration since taking it over in 2014, opening it to visitors.

What can visitors see on site? Highlights include the New Generation Museum, a tour focused on Santini's architecture, a Baroque art exhibition, a display on the historical fishery, and a gallery on the Kinský family.