Tovačov Castle, Renaissance château in Tovačov I-Město, Czech Republic.

Tovačov Castle is a large complex of buildings around two courtyards east of the town centre, in Cimburkova Street. Its core is the south wing, rebuilt in the late 15th century in early Renaissance style, probably by architect Chimenti Camicia. The 85-metre Spanilá Tower, the tallest castle tower in the Czech Republic, dominates the site.

A small water fortress stood here before being rebuilt as a water castle; from the 14th century Tovačov belonged to the lords of Cimburk. At the end of the 15th century Ctibor Tovačovský z Cimburka began the Renaissance conversion, and the Spanilá Tower dates from 1492. The Cimburk line died out in 1502 and Vilém z Pernštejn bought the estate in 1503 for 24,000 kop grošů.

The castle chapel, built between 1659 and 1673 under the Salm-Neuburg family, replaced the earlier church of St John the Baptist and is noted for its rich decoration. Above the gate of the entrance tower are the coats of arms of Jan of Pernštejn, his wife Anna Kostková of Postupice and Wilhelm Gutmann. The town owns the castle and uses parts of it for ceremonies.

The castle is located in Tovačov and welcomes visitors throughout the year with contact available at zamek@tovacov.cz. It's wise to check opening times before planning your visit to ensure you arrive when the site is open.

The Spanilá Tower, at 85 metres the tallest castle tower in the Czech Republic, owes its present height to David Gutmann, who bought the estate in 1887 and had the tower raised so it would outtop the tower of Kroměříž Castle. The tower dates from 1492, when it was built lower and with a different roof.