Žirovnice Castle, château in Žirovnice, Czech Republic

Žirovnice Castle is a structure combining Renaissance and baroque elements, featuring carefully worked stone walls and architectural details from both periods. The building reflects its transformation from a medieval fortress into a residential château.

The castle was founded in the second half of the 13th century, probably by the lords of Hradec; Oldřich III of Hradec held Žirovnice in 1343. Václav Vencelík of Vrchoviště had the largest building works carried out and decorated the castle with wall paintings. Swedish general Lennart Torstenson occupied it after the Battle of Jankov, and in 1646 imperial troops heavily damaged it during the siege.

The castle houses a museum focused on the button and pearl manufacturing tradition that shaped the local community during the 19th century. This craft industry was central to how people in the area lived and worked.

The castle is located south of Pelhřimov and is accessible by rail via the Brno to Plzeň line, with the nearest stop being Počátky-Žirovnice station. From there the building can be reached on foot.

Inside are preserved Gothic frescoes depicting religious and worldly scenes dating from the late 14th century. These medieval wall paintings are among the rarer surviving examples from that era.