Státní hrad Buchlov

About the museum

Buchlov Castle was founded in the first half of the 13th century by a Bohemian king as a defensive fortification and seat of judicial power and hunting rights. According to heritage experts it was never conquered. In the eighties of the 13th century a Prague stonemasons’ workshop built the castle chapel under Přemysl Otakar II; it is now part of the oldest section of the castle, with defensive towers and a residential palace.

Until the mid-16th century the castle remained royal property, though it was often pledged to noble families. At the end of the 15th century it belonged to the lords of Cimburk, who had the late Gothic knights’ hall built. In 1520 the castle passed into private hands, and in the following centuries Moravian families – the Žerotín, Zástřizl, Petřvaldský z Petřvaldu and Berchtold families – owned it and carried out Renaissance and Baroque alterations.

Today the castle is a national cultural monument managed by the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ). It offers several routes, from the basic Procházka starým hradem (Walk Through the Old Castle) to the longer Buchlov v proměnách času (Buchlov Through Time) tour, which includes the observation tower, as well as a children’s route and an individual visit to the castle grounds with a view.

Highlights

• Procházka starým hradem (Walk Through the Old Castle) – Gothic and Renaissance rooms
• Buchlov v proměnách času (Buchlov Through Time) route, including the observation tower (344 steps and two spiral staircases)
• Baroque Chapel of St Barbara with the tomb of the Petřvaldský z Petřvaldu and Berchtold families
• Dětský okruh (children’s route) for children aged about 6–10
• Buchlovská spirála (Buchlov Spiral) route on the building history of the castle
• Castle grounds with a viewpoint, a gallery, a restaurant and a wine bar

Permanent exhibitions

• Procházka starým hradem – Basic route through the Gothic and Renaissance rooms of the castle, with a guide.
• Buchlov v proměnách času – Extended tour of the whole castle, including the observation tower.
• Kaple svaté Barbory – Baroque tomb of the Petřvaldský z Petřvaldu and Berchtold families in the chapel about 1.5 km from the castle; open in summer.

Operated by

Národní památkový ústav, územní památková správa v Kroměříži

Admission & discounts

Prices in the main offer apply to the route Procházka starým hradem (Walk Through the Old Castle); seniors: born 1961 or earlier; young people: born 2002–2007; children: born 2008–2019. Payment is possible by card or in cash. Holders of ICOMOS cards, NPÚ employees and holders of NPÚ vouchers also enter free of charge; the Ministry of Culture (MK ČR) card and the ICOMOS card are not accepted for the Dětský okruh, Buchlov v proměnách času, the chapel, Po stopách buchlovského mordu, the castle grounds and the Buchlovská spirála.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• 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 routes lead up staircases (Walk Through the Old Castle: 205 steps without a spiral staircase; Buchlov Through Time: 344 steps and two spiral staircases; the tower: 300 steps). The website gives no information on step-free access.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The Dětský okruh is intended for children from about 6 to 10 years old, accompanied by an adult; a special tour is also available for nursery schools (children aged 3–7).

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop

On the castle grounds there is a souvenir shop, a restaurant and a wine bar, and free toilets.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit