Tovačov Castle

Tovačov Castle is a sprawling complex of buildings arranged around two courtyards on the eastern edge of the small town of Tovačov, in the Přerov district of Moravia. Its landmark is Spanilá věž, the tallest castle tower in the Czech Republic, visible from far across the surrounding fishponds.

How did the castle begin?

The fortifications on this site date back to the second half of the 11th century, when a moated water stronghold stood here, protected by a moat and ponds. From the 14th century the estate belonged to the lords of Cimburk, who over time also styled themselves as the Tovačovský z Cimburka family, taking their name from this very property.

Who turned the stronghold into a Renaissance castle?

Toward the end of the 15th century, the rebuilding of the medieval stronghold into a Renaissance residence was begun by Ctibor Tovačovský z Cimburka, who died in 1494. He was one of the more significant figures in Moravian history of that era — a landowner, jurist, and political figure. It was under him that the castle largely acquired the character it still shows today.

Where does Spanilá věž come from?

The castle tower, known as Spanilá věž, was completed in 1492. Its name reflects the slender shape and height it already had at the time of the Renaissance rebuilding. The tower's entrance portal is considered the oldest Renaissance monument north of the Alps, built alongside the tower itself during Ctibor Tovačovský's lifetime.

Why is the tower 96 metres tall today?

The original tower from the Cimburk era was lower than the structure standing today. Around the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the castle passed into the hands of Jewish industrialist David Guttmann, who had the tower raised to its present height of 96 metres. That change made Spanilá věž the tallest castle tower anywhere in the Czech Republic.

What was the castle's golden age?

The estate's period of greatest importance fell in the 15th and 16th centuries, when it was held first by the Cimburk family and then by the Pernštejn family, one of the most powerful noble houses in Moravia at the time. During this era Tovačov developed into an administrative and residential centre for the region.

Who owns the castle today?

Tovačov Castle is now owned by the town of Tovačov. The complex of buildings around its two courtyards remains the most recognisable landmark of the town, dominating the view across the surrounding fishponds.

Where is Tovačov located?

The town of Tovačov lies in Moravia, in the Přerov district, on the Haná lowland, a region known for its many fishponds. The castle stands on the eastern side of the town centre, directly adjoining the built-up area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Tovačov Castle located? In the Přerov district of Moravia, on the eastern side of the town of Tovačov, an area known for its numerous fishponds.

What is the castle tower called, and why is it notable? The tower is called Spanilá věž and stands 96 metres tall, making it the tallest castle tower in the Czech Republic. Its entrance portal is considered the oldest Renaissance monument north of the Alps.

Who rebuilt the medieval stronghold into a Renaissance castle? Ctibor Tovačovský z Cimburka, who died in 1494, one of the more significant figures in Moravian history of that period.

Why is the tower taller today than it was in the Renaissance? Around the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the castle's owner, industrialist David Guttmann, had the tower raised to its present height of 96 metres.

Who owns the castle today? The castle is owned by the town of Tovačov.