Helfstyn
Posted by: 
Faya&Freya
N 49° 31.121 E 017° 37.731
33U E 690265 N 5488438
Extensive ruins of what was once the largest castle in Moravia (founded in the 13th century, expanded especially throughout the 15th a 16th centuries; abandoned in 1763.) Currently undergoing a large-scale renovation. A permanent exhibition of fine metalwork, with new artifacts from the international meeting of metal artists “Hefaiston” added annually.
Waymark Code: WM7Y07
Location: Olomoucký kraj, Czechia
Date Posted: 12/21/2009
Views: 172
History and architectural development
The Helfštýn castle ranks among the most extensive castles in Europe and it is one of the best preserved castle complexes in the Czech Republic. Individual architectural groups arose from the beginning of the l4th up to the end of the l8th centuries. In this time interval, the castle was systematically reconstructed and widened. Its building development, however, was strongly influenced by deliberate damanging, ordered by Austrian military administration in Vienna in the year 1656. Further deterioration was then note in the first half of the l9th century. In spite of that, the ramparts remained intact all over the periphery and also the stone walls of individual buildings are well-preserved. Only ceilings and roofs did not survive.
In its present appearance, the castle has the character of an extensive architecture of fortification with six gates, a number of dungeons and buildings and with a recognisable system of mounds extending down to the locality of Týn upon Beèva. The Helfštýn castle performed its important military function as a base of Hussites agains the German catholic town of Olomouc as well as in support of troops of the king Jirí of Podìbrady against the Hungarian king Mathias Corvin. The castle also accomplished its important role during the Thirty Years' War and in the course of the Turkish threat to Moravia.
The castle belonged to significant feudal lines, members of which had certain ideas about their residence according to their economic power and social prestige. The dwelling function of the building developed accordingly. The inner castle was founded at the beginning of the l4th century by Friduš of Linava. The complex construction development of the building is best documented by the building of the castle palace. Today's two palace wings arose by connection of two separate palaces, of the two-storeyed northern palace belonging to Vok I of Kravare and of the eastern tower palace belonging to Drslav of Kravare.
Lacek of Kravare who resided on Helfštýn, as builder left a deep trace in the architectural design of the castle (1369 - 1416). A further significant builder and owner of the castle waS Vilém of Pernštejn (1475 - 1521 ) by whom the castle was widened and reibuilt. Also further members of the Pernštejn line (up to 1554) continued this activity resulting in multiple enlargement of the castle.
An international festival of craft blacksmithing at Helfštýn Castle, with demonstrations of smithy-work and exhibitions of metalworking in the castle courtyard.
Date and time of the event:
Aug 28, 2010 - Aug 29, 2010
Accessibility: Full access
Condition: Partly ruined
Admission Charge?: yes
Website: [Web Link]
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