Frýdlant Castle

Frýdlant castle complex consists of the Gothic castle with a high tower and a Renaissance château. There are exhibits, such as of Albrecht von Wallenstein, the Thirty Years' War, and an armoury of 1,000 weapons used for military and hunting. The castle includes the Chapel of Saint Anne, the Knights' Hall, rooms for the count and countess, and a working kitchen.

In the 13th century the castle was held by the Ronovci family until the middle of the century when Častolov of Ronov was forced to return the castle and other properties to King Ottokar II. The first written mention of Frýdlant is from 1278, when Rudolf of Bieberstein, purchased the castle and surrounding land from the king.

Frydlant castle and town went to Emperor Ferdinand I when Christopher, the last of the line of the Birbsteins, died in 1551. The castle went into the Redern family when Bedřich bought it in 1558. Several new villages were established and the production of linen cloth resulted in an economic boom during the initial years of the Redern family. Marco Spazzio di Lancio, an Italian architect hired by the family, expanded the castle in the 16th century.

At the end of the Thirty Years' War, the castle was possessed by the Swedes. They constructed fortified barbicans and strengthened the defensive walls.

In 1800 or 1801, the Clam-Gallas family opened the castle to the public as a museum.

Address

Zámecká 4001, Frýdlant, Czech Republic

Details

Founded: 13th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Czech Republic