It was originally Landstejn Austrian castle

If we want to introduce the reader to the history of the castle Landštejna, can not begin to tell of his older Austrian predecessors of the same name, which stood on the site of today's settlement frontier. It was built Zôbingenů Austrian by birth, who stood at the end of the 12th century led colonization of the area and should also protect some local property of the order of St. John, donated by him in 1175 Conrad of Raabs. That "pomezský" Landstejn became a mainstay výbojných Zôbingenů against the King of Bohemia. These attacks were typical of the south of the Czech Kingdom and for many years have become a nightmare for South Bohemian and South Moravian settlements and Czech rulers.

The grounds of the castle was also largely still standing manor Church of St. John the Baptist. By local standards - given what about them on the basis of archaeological research can sue - The church was unusually large, we can say huge. It was built by the neighboring Lower Austria patterns. He is still maintained his presbytery with an apse. The western part was converted into a residential building. Today, the church and the surrounding private land owner, who had done extensive construction work.

Have recently been on the inner walls of the presbytery uncovered unique frescoes from the 13th and 14 century, which are now at the stage of intensive and long-term restoration. From the students' notes on the wall of the church can be concluded that there could be a church school, which together with the original temple survived castle Landstejn and work up to 15 century.

By this time filled settlement Landstejn (still understand today's Border) the spiritual centers, market places and customs.

12th century was the period of the wild colonization of the Austrian nobility. Therefore, the Czech and Moravian principality turned to Frederick I Barbarossa, asking for help in the form of setting limits. Barbarossa in 1179 issued a charter, which is really the first time stated in writing Czech-Moravian-Austrian border, however, favored by the Austrian side when she gave it part of the Czech-Moravian territory.

Landstejn Moravian was the opposite hill

Probably the initiative itself Ottokar I., probably sometime after the death of the Moravian Margrave Vladislav in 1222, when the king personally took over administration of the country, began construction of a new castle in the far southwest corner of Moravia. Castle Landstejn was to become a significant support to the monarch still troubled Czech-Austrian border. He became a mighty counterweight zôbingského castle, surpassed him in size and strategic position promontory much higher than what the original lay Ladštejn.

The first written mention of the castle dates back to LANDŠTEJN in 1231, according to which he was probably the first owner of the castle Hartlieb from Landštejna, most likely Moravian nobleman in the service Přemyslovců in the years 1222-1236.

The castle and the whole territory was annexed to Bohemia

Mastering the Austrian lands Ottokar II. after 13th century meant the extinction of this unique system of coexistence Czech-Austrian dvouhradí the important regional route. Mutual raids and looting mutual Czech-Austrian border and put an end to the marriage of King Ottokar II. with Margaret of Babenberka (1252) after which the castle was Landstejn with the environment permanently connected to Bohemia.

This power security and administrative unification of the territory opened the way for South Bohemian branched Vítkovci family. The first evidence of vítkovským owner Landštejna was Sezima (originally from Trebon branches Vítkovci). In possession of the lords of the castle Landštejna then he remained until 1375.

Landstejn in the family Vítkovci

The first large flourished Ladštejn when his owner was Mr. William of Landštejna, that is since 1315. In this period greatly enhanced the political and economic importance of the castle. Its military strength and strategic position defended the area against possible incursions from the south. Along with other Vítkovci (especially the Rosenbergs and Jindřichův Hradec) has become an important support to the branch Czech aristocratic status, so much so strong that spolurozhodovala about the rise and fall of Luxembourg in the onset of the Czech throne. In the fifties of the 14th Landstejn century controlled the major trade route that led from Italy through Austria inland and further north. (This path led between the castle and the original Landštejnem, valley, which today can be seen in his almost unchanged.) Economic returns of the trails Landstejn is obvious.

Therefore, it has become a bone of contention between relatives - Wilhelm Landštejna Henry of Hradec. Henry in order to obtain financial gain from trade was completed a decade-long dispute and the path diverted to Henry Hradec. For William of Landštejna this had a tragic twofold effect: it meant a loss and mainly brought about his untimely death, as in 1356, succumbed to injuries sustained in a duel with Henry.

William of Landštejna died at the height of his political career. For loyal service Luxembourgs he got really royal rewards. John of Luxembourg was a hetman of Moravia. This feature was confirmed by Charles IV. In 1351 appointed him burgrave Prague Castle, which Mr. William remained until his death.

Landstejn a genus Krajířs

After the death of Wilhelm, the heyday of the castle stopped. Landstejn estate was divided among the sons Litold and Ojíř the estate Bystřický a Landštejn. At some unknown time accounted for the goods back to the king, and in 1381, Václav IV. advanced exchange his minions, the highest steward Conrad Krajir of lace. With him in the landscape anchored for nearly two hundred years Styrian origin, but soon domesticated species Krajířs. When the mid-15th century united the son of Conrad II. Wolfgang entire family property, including the newly connected Moravian estates in the hands of the few, ranked among the richest princes of the Czech Kingdom.

Castle Architecture

Landstejn Castle is one of the most remarkable examples of early castle architecture in the Czech lands.

At a time when the castle was held by the family LANDŠTEJN, filled mostly as a defensive military, resulting in abrupt purely functional architecture. The core of the castle was a large tower (called bergfrit) on the south side, the north side of the smaller residential tower with a chapel. Both towers are later combined two-storey palace. The massive walls connected to the two towers define the pentagonal castle grounds with a courtyard, in which is entered through the gate at the foot of the Romanesque Bergfrit. Complex architectural elements are applied only in the area of the chapel of St. George, whose dedication is remembered first year 1495th

The chapel had a barrel vault, in the western part was inserted into the grandstand, where the owner of the castle watched worship. Remains of frescoes showing excellence that has been attached to this place and the attention that has been paid to the decoration.

Despite the simple construction style (the castle is built of quarried stone, only the corner towers are bound machined blocks), not monumental character of the castle in our country this unprecedented era. Allowing long-term defense and a small military garrison.

Coming Krajířs meant for Landstejn new development in terms of both political and architectural. Cold austere Gothic gradually receded unquestionably easier and more life renaissance. Demands for lavish living necessitating a major rebuilding of the castle. Krajíř family with the acquitted generous enough to present researchers left a long series of questions.

Castle demanding a change in residence exhibition, which was one of the leading feudal residence in the Czech Republic in the first half of the 16th century. The magnificent reconstruction of the castle began in the second half of the 15th century residential building defense towers outside the southern hradby.Tím has closed the original entrance to the castle and the new gate was broken in the eastern side of the courtyard. (This input is used to this day.) Modernization continued to increase in both towers and palaces between them on one floor. Before the original Romanesque palace courtyard towards the finished building a new residential wing of the new chapel. Later complete a build up massive wings recessed courtyard of Renaissance palace, which was formed outside of the wall. Modern building concept brought out another puncture original walls for building one-, two-and three-part Renaissance windows.

The real liquidation own walls meant currently building a new defense system. This led to a significant increase plan around the castle, the fortification system was supplemented by extensive ditches and ramparts and bastions.

In 1771 Landstejn burned

The spectacular architectural projects not only in this genus krajířovském headquarters exhausted so much that he was forced to sell the castle in 1579. Since then Landstejn often changed owners, decay and ultimate ruin for him, the year 1771, when the lightning burned down completely. Given the indebtedness of the current owner and has not been renewed since then has changed in ruins.

In the seventies of this century began with zakonzervováním and reconstruction of the castle. At the same time began archaeological research, which has brought a lot of knowledge about the history of the castle as many archaeological discoveries in the form of uncovering previously unknown object construction phases.

Archaeological research of the castle Landštejna

From the findings we have an idea of the standard of living and education owners Castle. For example, from the time of the Lords of Landštejna originate findings showing high spiritual and technical culture. Many of iron and bronze fittings book and pencils (stilus), scalpel, arts and crafts optimum use of ceramic (tile stove and dishwasher), glass objects and other ranks Gothic castle inhabitants of the elite of society.

Likewise Krajíř family left us a rich traces of their wealthy and luxurious life. The most interesting findings include doll - a late gothic toy from kaolin, solar pocket watch dated 1534, lead plug from Dryák (= panacea) is a sign of still existing Venetian pharmacy.

A large number of coins from different periods and from all over Europe proves lively contacts owners of the castle with the world.

With some of the findings of the castle, visitors can meet the entrance exposure.

Landstejn castle invites you to visit. Who loves history, will surely be satisfied!