Špilberk Castle, Gothic and Baroque castle at hilltop in Brno, Czech Republic
Špilberk is a castle combining Gothic and Baroque architecture, perched on a hilltop overlooking Brno and ringed by defensive walls. The complex features a central courtyard and a bell tower with multiple bells visible from the observation areas.
The castle was founded in the 14th century as a royal residence and gradually evolved into a military fortress. Over subsequent centuries it served as a prison before eventually opening to the public.
The castle houses a city museum presenting exhibitions about local history and regional art collections. Visitors can experience concerts and cultural events held regularly within its historic spaces.
The best time to visit is during daylight hours when you can fully enjoy the views and architectural details. It is advisable to wear sturdy shoes, as the paths around the site and stairs within the towers are demanding.
The castle is known for its underground casemates, a network of vaulted tunnels originally built for storage purposes. These narrow passages give visitors a direct sense of medieval construction and how the fortress was engineered to function.
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