This castle is quite easy accessible. It is located four kilometres along the road in direction from Lipník nad Bečvou. The respective parking place (watched and payable for fee) is to be found 100 hundred meters from entrance gate distant. To entrance gate you have to mount along steep hill, in order to value pertinently importunate appearance of Middle Age seat, hidden in deep forests. One interesting thing: castle fortification is the longest  existing in Czech Republic.

The castle has a form of vast fortress, six gates, many towers, buildings and mounds system of 18th century. Separate buildings were established in various time-periods, so, the whole complex has a character of style of moderately unarranged configuration. This variety is caused by many renovations and extentions, made in castle in the course of its rich history. In 1656, it was even intentionally destructed. As a tourist place of interest and a monument, Helfštýn is marked since 19th century. At present, it is very important  centre of culture, where there are taken place many events each year. It is, first of all, the International Meeting of artistic black-smiths (Hefaiston). From this reason, there is installed a standard exposition in castle-rooms, where you can admire best works of all past annual courses. This meeting is regularly organised at the and of August. However, there are made reconstruction works for the time being, in order nothing to protect the development of world recognition of artistic black-smith works, which has here very favourable conditions.

Helfštýn was founded at the end of 13th century. Its founder and first owner was Silesian aristocrat Fridus of Linava. He seized (within interregnum in Bohemia, after death of Premysl Ottakar II.) part of ownership of Drahotuše Parentages and decided to build, on slope over Bečva-river, small castle with oval ground-plan. Just at that time period, the castle was fortificated with strong (powerful) wall, and a round tower was constructed here. Moreover, whole castle was surrounded with a moat. The palace was consisted of two floors and located on the north side of the whole complex. The position of the castle was quite favourable, as it dominated all area of Moravia Gate. However, this position was misused for robberies, made by conflicted Fridus of Linava. According to the chronicle of Vaclav Hajek of Libočany, this robbery acts were stopped by means of King Wenceslas II. He conquested the castle and let  robbers sentenced for punishment. Later, we do not have any news, regarding the way, how Fridus lost his ownership. Anyway, in 1320, the castle was in possession of Vok of Kravaře. At that time, vast dominion, including the town of Lipník, belonged to the castle. Kravaře Parentage owned the dominion for next 100 years, and during this time period, it was undergone several building arrangements. On break of 14th and 15th centuries, the castle was re-built to Gothic fortress and its fortification, consisting of strong rocky walls with four bastions, prismatic wall , including draw bridge, was improved. Also castle palace was enlarged, and new castle chapel was erected. These arrangements were effected within the ownership of Lacek of Kravaře.

Strategic position as well as powerful fortification made Helfštýn one of most important fortresses in Moravia. Lacek of Kravaře belonged to important personalities of Hussite era. He held highest country offices, he became even Country Executive District Officer and belonged to active adherents of reform movement. However, before he could be awarded for his important activities, he died in 1416, without leaving any descendants. Even his successor, Peter of Kravaře Parentage, was charged with Hussite support. Peter Strážnický supported this movement and refused to accept Zikmund´s government. Finally, he had to capitulate. Afterthat, had to transfer into mortgage the castle to Přenysl Opavsky. Later, the castle was returned back to George, Peter´s son. He sold it in 1447 to Vok of Sovinec. And he, consequently sold the castle Kostka of Postupice-brothers. These aristocrats were loyal to King George of Poděbrady and belonged to important Parentages of Bohemia.

In 1468, the Hungarian King Matthias let the castle partially demolished. Later, next new re-building arrangement followed, during the rule of William of Pernstein, he bought the castle. The reconstructions took several years, since 1447 till the end of 16th century. There were built many agricultural buildings. They formed the whole second, perfectly fortificated barbican. The fortification was improved with several bastions, towers and gates. Later, the castle was in possession of Ludanice Parentage (thery were relatives of Peter Vok of Rosenberg - he, however, did not liked this castle), so, he sold it Hynek Bruntalsky. Within his activity, there followed more favourable era, the castle was reconstructed again. This time, Gothic palace in castle-nucleus was substituted by Renaissance palace. It was furnished in quite modern way and gave all comfort. So, at that time, the castle obtained its today´s face. Afterthat, when last owner of this Parentage, George of Vrbno, was imprisoned in Špilberk fortress in 1620, (he died here shortly) Dietrichstejn asked for this castle as confiscated object. He was Catholic leader, and in Protestant area he carried out antireformation, and with his „hard hand“. However, these events caused that originally prosperous dominion was quickly devastated. After 30-year war (Helfštýn ovecame it without conquest), this destruction continued. In 1656, there were effected here demolition works, but fortification remained nearly unchanged. However, the castle became deserted successively and demolition works continued even in the course of 18th century (according to Dietrichstein wishes). In 1850, the castle nucleus was destructed with artillery cannonade. Anyway, castle ruins became a popular place. Its opening for public, together with its security measures, was effected in 1911. After 2nd World War, the castle was declared as a national monument.

Text: Denisa Arvajová

Photo: Google Earth