Znojmo Castle, Medieval castle in Znojmo, Czech Republic

Znojmo Castle is a castle in Znojmo, South Moravian Region, Czech Republic, built as a wooden structure by Duke Bretislav I around 1080 and later rebuilt in stone. Its surviving Romanesque core includes the Rotunda of Saint Catherine and part of the palace wall, while the standing three-winged building results from an 18th-century Baroque reconstruction.

The castle was built around 1080 by Duke Bretislav I as a wooden structure and later rebuilt in stone during the 12th century after its destruction. This reconstruction allowed the site to become a major defensive position in the region.

The castle's name comes from the town of Znojmo, whose royal castle was founded by King Ottokar I of Bohemia and linked to the town walls. The front of the complex was sold to local citizens and became the town brewery, producing Hostan beer, while the rear passed to the Lords of Deblin, who built a Baroque chateau there.

The castle area is open to the public; the surviving Romanesque chapel and parts of the palace walls stand within the Baroque chateau wings. The front section became the town brewery, so expect a mix of historic buildings rather than a single keep. Allow time to walk the grounds and the town walls.

The Romanesque Rotunda of Saint Catherine on the grounds contains 11th-century frescoes showing biblical scenes and members of the Přemyslid dynasty. These paintings are among the oldest surviving wall decorations from this part of Central Europe.