Mírov Castle, Medieval fortress in Mírov, Czech Republic

Mírov Castle stands on a rocky spur above the village of Mírov, 5 km northwest of Mohelnice. The medieval castle with a 13th-century arsenal, a drawbridge and a forecourt dominates the village; its buildings now serve as a prison.

Mírov was built between 1258 and 1266 as a hunting seat and refuge for the bishops of Olomouc; the first certain record dates from 1266. After 1320, when the regional administration moved from Mohelnice to Mírov, it was enlarged until about 1350. Swedish troops burned castle and town during the Thirty Years' War; in 1679–1694 it was rebuilt as a Baroque fortress.

The castle's name comes from the village and the wooded Mírovská highlands around it. The medieval complex kept a 13th-century arsenal with a drawbridge and a forecourt, and the castle has served as a prison since 1750, holding inmates from all over the Czech Republic.

The castle currently operates as a functioning prison and is not open for casual visits. Anyone wishing to see the site must arrange access in advance, as entry is only possible under supervision.

The castle's 13th-century arsenal with a drawbridge and outer bailey survives as part of the prison complex, and the medieval core still dominates the village of Mírov. Prisoners from across the whole Czech Republic serve their sentences here.