Explore Znojmo’s Castle and Rotunda
Located on the western side of the city center in Znojmo, you will find Castle Street, which leads to the castle complex. The castle itself sits on a cliff that overlooks where the Dyje River meets the Gránický brook. Within this castle complex lies the renowned Rotunda of St. Catherine. This year, the castle and the rotunda will welcome visitors for the first time after the winter break on April 5, 2025, and will be open on weekends throughout April from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Distinctive painted artwork of the rotunda
The Romanesque Rotunda of St. Catherine is the only fully intact monument from the Přemyslid princely castle in Znojmo. It was likely established by Prince Břetislav I and built in a prominent location after the mid-11th century. The history of the Znojmo rotunda was shaped by the complicated relationships among members of the Přemyslid dynasty during the early 12th century. The importance of the St. Catherine’s Rotunda mainly lies in its distinctive painted decorations. The Romanesque paintings, believed to date back to the late 11th century, illustrate not only extensive religious narratives but also include dynastic symbols that relate to the legendary origins of the Přemyslid family. The Rotunda is available for public viewing, depending on the current microclimate conditions inside. Guests are limited to 10 people per hour. The guided tour lasts approximately 15 minutes, and the admission fee to the rotunda is 150 CZK.
The Historic Znojmo Castle
The site where Znojmo Castle is located was likely used as an ancient cult site. In the 11th century, Prince Conrad I of Moravia and his son Litolt chose this location for building a new wooden and clay fortress. During the early 12th century, the castle became embroiled in conflicts between the Czech and Moravian branches of the Přemyslid dynasty. At that time, the castle also housed a mint that produced coins for the Znojmo principality. The castle served as a residence for Moravian leaders Margrave Konrad Ota and Vladislav Henry, who transformed it into a stone structure reinforced with robust walls and a unique octagonal tower known as the Robber Tower, which unfortunately collapsed in 1892. During the Hussite Wars, Znojmo Castle was an essential stronghold for the king and later for Emperor Sigismund of Luxembourg, who passed away in 1437. In 1529-1530, Queen Mary, widow of Louis Jagiellon, resided here. By the end of the 17th century, the castle was only partially intact. Following a decree from Emperor Joseph I in 1709, the back portion of the castle was granted as a fiefdom to the Counts of Deblin.
Today, the interior of the castle showcases Noblesse of fragile decor (historical furniture from the museum’s collections), and visitors can also explore the stylized Berlin studio of local sculptor Hugo Lederer. Additionally, the glasswork displayed features exquisite cut glass products made by the Langer family from Šatov near Znojmo. There is also a permanent exhibit on Folk Traditions of the Znojmo Region, which includes a blueprint mould. Admission to the castle is 100 CZK.
