Zlín Castle, Baroque château in Zlín, Czech Republic

Zlín Castle is a four-winged Baroque-Classicist château with an inner courtyard, standing in the middle of Sady Svobody park in central Zlín. Its plain facades and courtyard layout recall its conversion from a Gothic fortress through Renaissance and Baroque rebuilds.

The castle began as a medieval defensive structure and was later converted into a residential château during the Baroque period. This transformation reflects changing needs as social conditions evolved.

The castle's name is linked to a legend recorded by Moravian topographer Řehoř Wolný, who claimed the original fortress was called Šternberk. Since 2014 the second floor has housed the Gallery of Václav Chad, and the building is now home to Živý Zlín, a cultural and creative centre that stages exhibitions and events.

The château stands in the middle of Sady Svobody park in central Zlín, so it is reached on foot from the surrounding streets without climbing. The building is a four-winged structure with an inner courtyard; the courtyard is entered from the park side. The Václav Chad Gallery occupies the second floor.

The castle's name is tied to a legend recorded by Moravian topographer Řehoř Wolný, who claimed the medieval fortress was called Šternberk. The Šternberk brothers Albrecht Aleš and Zdeněk bought the Zlín estate in 1358 and built the first documented fortress, surrounded by a moat with drawbridges.