Experience the Thrills of History at Slavkov Castle’s New Napoleon Exhibition
The upcoming exhibition will focus on the Battle of Austerlitz. It will vividly recreate the events that took place in 1805 using engaging and interactive methods. Specifically, The Battle of the Three Emperors occurred on December 2, 1805, and it was both the largest and deadliest battle fought on Czech soil. The conflict involved the armies of France, Austria, and Russia. Napoleon’s success during this campaign significantly shaped European history. Consequently, the Holy Roman Empire, which had endured for centuries, came to an end, and Napoleon spent several years solidifying his power in central Europe. However, the people of Moravia suffered greatly. Their lands were ravaged by soldiers, and a typhus outbreak ensued.
This exciting new exhibition at Castle Slavkov – Austerlitz reflects on these historical events. It will be housed in the renovated stables of the castle , with its opening scheduled for May 2026. The exhibition not only details the events of the Battle of the Three Emperors but also provides insights into daily life in Slavkov during that period. Central to the exhibition will be the story of the Austrian soldier Jan Vařvoda, who is a real historical figure. He hailed from Heršpice u Slavkov, fought bravely at the battle, was severely injured, and spent the rest of his life at his family home. The exhibition will also feature a model of the battlefield complete with immersive effects. Visitors can expect to hear realistic sounds of gunfire, catch the whiff of gunpowder, and be enveloped in fog, much like the soldiers faced during the conflict. A highlight of the exhibition will be Artificial Intelligence, which allows guests to engage in conversation through a phone with Napoleon.
Evidence of the Battle of the Three Emperors is still visible around Slavkov even today. For instance, you can visit the Peace Mound, which serves as a memorial for the battle’s victims. It was created by the priest A. Slovák in line with his vision to transform the heart of the former battlefield into a memorial known as the “place of light,” a reminder of the toll of war. There is also the Battle of the Three Emperors Nature Trail, which showcases about thirty map panels placed at strategic viewpoints along existing roads. One of the annual highlights is the large-scale reenactment of the battle, which draws participants from both the Czech Republic and other countries.
