Location: Nedvědice, 40 km (25 mi) Northwest of Brno Map
Famous: filming location of Nosferatu
Tel. 566 566 101
Constructed: 1270-1285
Open:
Apr, Oct:
9am- noon, 1pm- 3pm Sat, Sun, public holidays
May- Sept: 9am- noon,
1pm- 4pm Tue- Sun
Jul & Aug 9am- noon, 1pm- 5pm Tue- Sun
Pernštejn
Castle is situated near village of Nedvědice, 40 km (25 mi) Northwest of
Brno in Czech Republic.
Pernštejn Castle, often hailed as one of the most impressive and well-preserved medieval castles in the Czech Republic, stands dramatically on a rocky hill overlooking the village of Nedvědice in the South Moravian Region. Situated about 40 kilometers northwest of Brno, at coordinates approximately 49°32′N 16°19′E, it commands panoramic views of the surrounding forested highlands and the Svratka River valley. Nicknamed the "Marble Castle" for its distinctive white marble-like stone facades that gleam in the sunlight, Pernštejn exemplifies a seamless blend of Gothic fortification and Renaissance elegance, having remained largely intact since the 16th century. Its imposing structure, with towering walls and a fairy-tale-like conical tower, has made it a popular filming location for movies and a symbol of Czech heritage. The castle's strategic position and robust defenses ensured it was never conquered, adding to its aura of invincibility.
The foundations of Pernštejn Castle date back to the late 13th
century, specifically between 1270 and 1285, when it was established
as a Gothic fortress by the noble Pernštejn family, who derived
their name from the site. Initially a simple stronghold amid the
turbulent feudal landscape of Moravia, it served as a base for
regional power during a time of fragmentation and banditry in the
late 14th century. The Pernštejns, rising from modest nobility to
one of Bohemia's wealthiest families, expanded the castle
significantly in the 15th and 16th centuries, transforming it from a
defensive outpost into a luxurious residence.
Key figures like
Vilém of Pernštejn, known as "the Rich," oversaw major Renaissance
reconstructions around the early 16th century, incorporating Italian
influences while maintaining Gothic elements. The family held the
castle until 1631, after which it passed through various owners,
including the Mitrovský family in the 18th century, who added
Baroque modifications. Despite facing threats during the Hussite
Wars and the Thirty Years' War, Pernštejn's fortifications held
firm, never falling to siege. In the 19th century, it transitioned
to state ownership under the Czechoslovak Republic in 1945, and has
since been meticulously preserved as a cultural monument. Legends
abound, including tales of the White Lady ghost, said to be the
spirit of a Pernštejn chambermaid cursed for vanity.
Pernštejn Castle's architecture is a masterful fusion of styles,
reflecting its evolution over centuries. The core structure is High
Gothic, with a massive cylindrical tower (the bergfried) rising over 60
meters, surrounded by thick curtain walls, bastions, and a deep moat
carved into the rock. Late Gothic elements include pointed arches,
ribbed vaults in the chapel, and intricate stone carvings that give the
"marble" effect from locally quarried gneiss stone.
Renaissance
additions, completed by the early 16th century, introduced more
habitable features like larger windows, ornate sgraffito decorations,
and a grand knights' hall with frescoes depicting mythological scenes. A
unique wooden bridge connects the outer bailey to the inner core,
spanning a ravine and enhancing the castle's dramatic silhouette.
Baroque interiors from later periods feature stucco work and period
furniture in rooms like the library and armory, which house collections
of weapons, portraits, and tapestries. The layout includes multiple
courtyards, a prison tower with dungeons, and hidden passages, all
integrated into the natural rock formations for added defense. This
architectural harmony has earned it recognition as a prime example of
Central European castle design.
As of 2025, Pernštejn Castle remains in excellent condition, managed by the National Heritage Institute of the Czech Republic, and is open to the public year-round with guided tours available in multiple languages. Visitors can explore various routes, including the main interiors showcasing Renaissance and Baroque furnishings, or shorter paths focusing on the fortifications and legends. The site hosts cultural events such as medieval festivals, concerts, and historical reenactments, drawing thousands annually. Its location in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands makes it accessible by car (about 2 hours from Prague) or train to Nedvědice, followed by a short hike uphill. Facilities include a restaurant, gift shop, and parking, with entry fees supporting ongoing conservation efforts. Pernštejn's cinematic appeal continues, having appeared in films like "Van Helsing" and "The Brothers Grimm," cementing its status as a must-visit for history buffs and families alike.