Státní hrad Šternberk

About the museum

The castle above today's town of Šternberk was probably founded in the mid-13th century by Zdeslav of Šternberk, a member of an old noble family. The first written mention dates from 1269; according to the charter it defined the boundaries of the Šternberk estate. In the 1370s the castle was extended and rebuilt by Bishop Albert of Šternberk, who lived there and had the chapel decorated in the spirit of the court art of Charles IV.

In the 16th century the lords of Dubá and Lipá carried out a Renaissance rebuilding. After a major fire they added a new wing with the Vizitkový Hall and built economic and administrative buildings in the lower town. The castle went through the Hussite Wars and the Thirty Years' War, and around 1699 it was bought by Prince Jan Adam Ondřej of Liechtenstein.

The Liechtensteins owned the castle until 1945. At first it fell into decay, but in 1886 a general reconstruction in the spirit of Romantic historicism began to a design by the Viennese architect Karl Gandolph Kayser. Jan II of Liechtenstein furnished it with historical furniture, paintings, sculptures and tapestries. In 1907–1909 Albert Esche created a park above the castle, which symbolically concluded the rebuilding.

Today the castle is managed by the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ). Visitors go through the representative and residential rooms and can also see the facilities of a modern noble residence, including a lift and technical equipment, and can visit the park. Renovation of the complex and restoration of a set of tiled stoves are currently under way.

Highlights

• Historicist interiors from the Liechtenstein period
• Castle chapel from the time of Charles IV
• Tour “Technology in the Castle”: lift, engine room, kitchen and attic
• The park of Albert Esche from 1907–1909
• Free exhibition “Lords of Šternberk” in the guardhouse

Permanent exhibitions

• Páni na Šternberku – Free exhibition in the guardhouse devoted to the lords of Šternberk and the history of the castle; it can be viewed without a guide.
• Knížecí sídlo – Tour of the chapel, corridor and first-floor rooms with Liechtenstein interiors and collections; includes the restored Liechtenstein kitchen.
• Rodinný hrad – The tour through the second floor shows how the castle's last owners lived, including the ladies' salon, the hunting room and the large dining room.

Operated by

Národní památkový ústav, územní památková správa v Kroměříži

Admission & discounts

The price applies to one tour (Princely Residence or Family Castle). Payment is possible by card or in cash; tickets can also be bought online. Free admission applies to children under 5, one teacher per 15 children in school groups, group guides for groups of 15 or more and holders of NPÚ tickets; holders of ICOMOS cards and Náš člověk cards also enter free.

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

According to the operator, the castle park, the lower courtyard and the basic tour of the representative rooms are step-free (accessible for manual and electric wheelchairs). Access is via the bridge by the cylindrical tower; arrangements for entry are made with the ticket clerk. The Technology in the Castle tour is physically demanding. Easter and Christmas workshops are adapted for blind and physically disabled children.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The castle organises special children's tours “Technology is all around us” (for children aged about 4–10 with a parent, max. 15 children), Easter and Christmas art workshops, and school programmes with games and costumed guides.

Getting there & parking

The castle stands above the town, by the Horní náměstí in Šternberk (Olomouc District).

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 300 guests.

Wedding ceremonies take place in the Knights' Hall (70 guests), the Banquet Hall (up to 100 guests), the chapel (30 seated), the inner courtyard (150 people) and the castle park (300 people); the date is booked at the registry office of the Šternberk Town Hall. The website does not list corporate events.

Plan your visit