Zámek Hoštice

Hoštice Castle sits on the eastern edge of the village of Hoštice in the Kroměříž area of the Zlín Region, and behind its modest exterior lies one of Moravia's more compelling literary stories.

Where did the castle come from?

The site was first fortified in the early 14th century, when a Gothic fortress belonged to the local lords of Hoštice. The village itself is far older — it appears in a 1141 document issued by Olomouc bishop Henry Zdík, making it one of the oldest settlements at the foot of the Litenčice hills. The fortress had a rough medieval run: it was destroyed during the Czech-Hungarian wars and stood in ruins by 1480. After 1530, once Hoštice became its own estate, the stronghold was rebuilt, only for the village to suffer again in 1643, this time at the hands of Swedish troops during the Thirty Years' War.

The castle in the form recognizable today rose at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries as a modest Baroque residence built over the old fortress foundations. It was remodeled in Rococo style in 1788, and classicist touches were added to the facade in the early 19th century — the look the building has largely kept ever since.

Why the writer, not just the architecture?

Hoštice owes most of its fame to Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach, born Countess Dubská, one of the most significant German-language writers of the 19th century. Born in 1830 in nearby Zdislavice, young Marie frequently came to Hoštice, where she found the calm she needed for writing. The castle park and surrounding countryside witnessed her long walks, and a monument in the park today recalls that bond between the writer and the place. A lovely avenue lined with chestnut and walnut trees links the castle to Zdislavice — a riot of color in spring, and just as striking in amber autumn foliage.

What will you actually see on site?

The castle itself is privately owned and not regularly open for interior tours, so plan the visit around its surroundings. The castle park with the Ebner-Eschenbach monument makes for a quiet stroll, and from there it's easy to continue along the famous avenue toward Zdislavice. The church there holds the Dubský family tomb, where the writer herself is buried — a natural stop for anyone following her story. The 20th century was less idyllic for the building: it saw wartime events in 1945, later served as a school and then a children's home, before eventually returning to private hands. The complex has also served as a film location, including scenes from the "Police Comedies" series and a historical drama about Maria Theresa.

How to get there and when to visit?

Hoštice lies close to Kroměříž, well connected by local roads to nearby towns in the region. Arriving by car is the most practical option — there's parking near the village, within easy walking distance of the castle and park. Spring, when the chestnut-and-walnut avenue blooms, and autumn, when the trees turn gold and amber, are the best times to visit — both seasons showcase the romantic character of the place far better than a gray winter day.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the castle's interior? No — it's privately owned and does not run regular indoor tours.

What's worth seeing if the interior is closed? The castle park with the Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach monument, and the avenue leading to Zdislavice, where the local church holds the Dubský family tomb.

Who was Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach? A countess born Dubská in 1830 in Zdislavice, later one of the most celebrated German-language writers of her era, closely tied to Hoštice through her formative years.

Has the castle appeared in film or TV? Yes, it has served as a location for the "Police Comedies" series and for a historical series about Maria Theresa.