- Address: Hradní 1, 702 00 Slezská Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Phone: +420 596 115 967
- Official website: cerna-louka.cz
- Opening hours: 10: 00-18: 00, except Monday
- Ticket price: adult - $ 3.7, pensioners, students, children from 3 years - $ 1.85
Silesian-Ostrava Castle is a gothic structure in Ostrava , built in the 13th century. The fortress was in fact a border fortification, and in case of an attack, it was to retain the enemy's troops. This explains the powerful system of fortifications, which is equipped with a lock. In addition, the building itself could be called beautiful, so the architects took care of the aesthetic side of the fortress.
Description
At the beginning of the 13th century, the Polish princes decided that on the border with the Czech Republic a reliable strengthening was necessary, which would ensure the security of the lands. In the second half of the 13th century, a beautiful castle surrounded by four-meter ditches with walls 2.5 m thick was built. It seemed absolutely impregnable to enemies and was a convenient arena for repelling attacks. However, already in 1327 a decision was made to expose the fortress for auction, because it was unnecessary and expensive.
For two centuries the castle was changed by a dozen owners. None of them supported him in the proper condition, because of which in the middle of the XVI century there was an urgent need for restoration. The fortress was rebuilt in the Renaissance style. Restoration works of the castle wall were also carried out, during which the gates were installed. This is the only element of the fortress, which could be preserved in its original form to the present day. For four centuries, the Silesian-Ostrava castle repeatedly suffered sieges and fires. In the end, he began to collapse: from the side it seemed as if he was going underground. Life in the fortress breathed a restoration in 1979, when it was decided to make it a museum .
The second life of the fortress is a museum
A tour of the Silesian-Ostrava castle is not a dry history of its architecture or numerous owners, but an exciting journey through the Middle Ages. The exhibition halls are scattered all over the fortress, therefore, to see the extensive collection of the castle, it is necessary to bypass it all:
- Witch Museum (cellar). The permanent exhibition is dedicated to a time when women with mystical abilities stood at the center of social and political life, as well as about a terrible period - the burning of witches on bonfires. The mysterious atmosphere of the museum is diluted by a huge aquarium with freshwater fish.
- Museum of Torture (cellar). In one of the basement rooms, the Museum of Torture Tools was equipped. Despite its themes, the organizers have done everything to ensure that the exhibition could be perceived as gently as possible. Entry is allowed even for children.
- Exhibition of dolls (the first floor of the tower). The gallery presents a lot of dolls, dressed in working and holiday costumes of the castle's contemporaries. Here you can see how the peasants of different times dressed, and what was the fashion for solemn outfits.
- Museum of the history of the fortress and Ostrava (second floor of the tower). The exhibition introduces visitors to important pages of the history of the city and the fort. The exposition has documents that give an idea of the original form of the castle and how many times it was on the verge of destruction.
- Exhibition dedicated to the Thirty Years' War (the third floor of the tower). The tragic events of the first half of the 17th century, affecting almost all of Europe, are presented in the gallery on the top floor.
On the roof of the tower there is an observation deck with a beautiful view of the fortress and Ostrava.
Activities in the castle
The area of the Silesian-Ostrava castle became the center of the cultural life of Ostrava. During the year, there are many concerts, festivals, fairs and exhibitions. The most ambitious event held in the castle is the festival "The Colors of Ostrava". He goes for four days. Its participants are well-known musicians, actors and artists. For the time of its holding the city receives hundreds of tourists from Europe. The festival program includes:
- concerts;
- film screenings;
- theatrical productions;
- games and contests for children;
- seminars on various topics.
How to get there?
The fortress is in the eastern part of Ostrava . This is the old part of the city, and its streets are not suitable for public transport . The nearest stop is on the other side of the Ostravice River, 1.7 km away. If you are not afraid of a 20-minute walk, you can use the city trolleybus № 101, 105, 106, 107, 108 or 111. You need to exit at the stop "Most M.Sykory". Then go to the side of the river along the street Biskupska, turn right and go along the embankment Havlickovo 400 m to the bridge. After passing it, you will find yourself on the winding street of Hradni lavka and after 120 m you will see the castle on the left. You can also take a taxi.