Valtice castle

The chateau is ranged between most extended wordly Baroque buildings in Moravia and it is taken as one of most important rests of early Baroque architecture in Central Europe.

The castle was established not far from ancient medioeval building, mentioned in 1193. Liechtenstein Parentage obtained this dominion afterthat.

They consequently created here consistent real estates tenancy of nine dominions, so Valtice became their Parentage seat since second part of 16th century. In this time period, it happened that outstanding development of political as well as property power of parentage occured. Thanks to advantageous marriages and uprisings, Liechtenstein Parentage got full support of ruling Habsburg Family. They could be proud of their first-class position in a country and they became Princes. Charles Eusebius Liechtenstein, educated member of this powerful aristocratic parentage, started the actual chateau reconstruction in Baroque style at the end of 17th century. In his work continued later architect Johann Bernard Fischer of Erlach. He gave the castle, together with Antonio Beduzzi, Italian architect, its final face. 

In first half of 19th century, there was effected extended and unique countryside change of surrounding environs in a park style. In a space between Valtice and Lednice, there was erected a collection of remarkable park-buildings. Liechtenstein Parentage owned this dominion, together with further enormous property, till 1945. However, the state took possession of all of ths, on base of President Beneš Orders. Later, the castle served as a warehouse. In 1950, it was open for public. In 1960, there was effected monumental reconstruction of interiors - in extention of today´s expositions. First floor of a chateau is available for guided tours. You can have an imagine about life of rich aristocrats in Baroque time-period. Internal spaces were renewed by means of so called free reconstruction. They involve totally 17 rooms equipped (arranged) in Baroque and Rococco style. The rooms, and especially its ceilings, are wealthy decorated with golden stuccos and wonderful paintings. Here belongs, for instance, Marble Hall, Mirror Cabinet, Painting Hall and others. Also chateau exteriors offer a lot of interesting things, such as unique Spanish stable or Winter riding-ground.

Lednice-Valtice area is an unique complex of nature-countryside park and remarkable collection of small castles, pavillons and churches from architectonical point of view. The complex is visited by many tourists daily.

Text: Denisa Arvajová

Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Podzemnik, č.2, č.3, Huhulenik, č.2, č.3