Hrad Bítov

About the museum

Bítov Castle stands above the confluence of the Želetavka and the Dyje and is probably the oldest castle in the Moravian–Austrian Podyjí. Slavic settlement is documented from the 10th century, and at the beginning of the 11th century the Přemyslids took over the site. The oldest surviving stone building is Břitova věž (Břitova Tower), from the first half of the 13th century.

The owners of the castle were successively the lords of Lichtenburk (1307–1572), the Jankovští z Vlašimi family (1612–1755), the Dauns (1755–1904), the Haugwitz family (1904–1906) and, last, Baron Jiří Haas (1912–1945). The Daun family had the castle remodelled in neo-Gothic style. Baron Haas built up a collection of animals and stuffed dogs, which according to the website is the largest of its kind in the world.

The castle is now administered by the National Heritage Institute (Národní památkový ústav). Visitors can take a tour of the palace with its neo-Gothic illusionistic paintings, look round the armoury, and visit Břitova věž with the Hladomorna, the torture chamber and the prison, or walk through the castle grounds on their own, with the chapel and the gardens with the restored zoo of Baron Haas.

Highlights

• Neo-Gothic palace with illusionistic paintings
• Armoury with weapons of the Jankovští z Vlašimi family
• Hladomorna, torture chamber and prison in Břitova věž
• Neo-Gothic chapel with the Bítovská madona míru (Bítov Madonna of Peace) from 1334
• Castle garden with the restored zoo of Baron Haas
• Collection of stuffed dogs of Baron Haas

Permanent exhibitions

• Palác – základní okruh – Neo-Gothic illusionistic paintings in the halls and salons, historical furniture, and the story of the Daun counts and of Baron Haas.
• Zbrojnice – Collection of weapons of the Jankovští z Vlašimi family from 1612–1752, in halls dating from the 18th century.
• Hladomorna, mučírna a vězení – Tour of Břitova věž with the Hladomorna, two cells and a torture chamber with replicas of torture instruments.

Operated by

Národní památkový ústav

Admission & discounts

The lowest price applies to an independent visit of the castle grounds without a guide. Bookings are needed only for groups on the Palace and Armoury tours. The armoury does not offer foreign-language tours, but texts are available in English and German. Cards and cash are both accepted.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The castle is partly step-free; both courtyards, the shop, the restaurant and the exhibition halls are accessible. The car park is about 600 m above the castle, and the route up is an uphill asphalt path.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Baby changing facilities

The castle garden with animals from the restored zoo of Baron Jiří Haas is recommended. The changing table is in the women’s toilet.

Getting there & parking

The castle stands at the confluence of the Želetavka and the Dyje.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

The restaurant and café U barona Haase are open only to visitors with a valid ticket. In July and August there is a refreshment stand run by a private operator at the car park.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit