A brief history of the castle
The castle was built in the second half of the 13th century as a royal stronghold on the border between the Teschen (Těšín) principality (Polish state) in the hands of the Piasts, and Moravia (Czech state), represented in this are by the Olomouc diocese as a nobility. The reason for the construction of such an expensive stronghold was the protection of the medieval trade route leading to the administrative and commercial centers and especially the border of the Polish state, which, at that time, was formed by the river Ostravice. The importance, which was then presented by the builders of the castle, is also manifested by the massive walls, 4 meters high and 2.4 meters thick.
The first written record of the castle comes from August 2, 1297, when the Bishop of Olomouc Dětřich from Hradec concluded an agreement about the Polish-Moravian border with Duke Měšek of Těšín.
Another important written report comes from February 23, 1327.Duke Kazimír of Těšín decided to join the Czech state and submit to King John of Luxembourg. By this legal act, Těšín with Silesian Ostrava and the castle was permanently annexed by the Czech state and the castle thus lost its function of a border castle. The Ostravice River has also ceased to be a state border since then and has become the border between the estates of the Bishop of Olomouc and the Duke of Těšín – which consists of border between Moravia and Silesia.
The dukes of Těšín then ceased to be interested in the castle and in 1380 Duke Přemysl sold the castle to the first local noble family – Tvorkovský.
In the 14th and 15th century the castle changed hands many times among the nobles.
The castle and the whole local estate were acquired by Jan Sedlnický of Choltice in 1508. The castle was rebuilt into a Renaissance Chateau by Jan Sedlnický during third and fourth decade of the 16th century. The reconstruction was carried out with the participation of Italian masons and artists.The castle was still and important stronghold during the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648) and it served as a base for various warring parties which were staying in Silesian Ostrava during time of war. The worst damages were caused by the Swedish army which occupied Silesian Ostrava during period of 1642-1649.
The Silesian Ostrava estate with a chateau (the castle) passed into the long-term property of Wilczek family in 1714. It was bought by the diplomat and military leader distinguished in Ottoman Wars Jindřich Vilém Wilczek.
The Wilczeks were very wealthy, and they expanded the estate, but did not live in the chateau. They preferred the chateaus in Klimkovice and Kreuzenstein. The reason they probably did not live here was that the castle had been damaged since the end of the Thirty Years' War. The castle served as the administrative centre of the estate.
Coal, a sign of the end
Coal was discovered in Silesian Ostrava in 1763. František Josef Wilczek (1748-1834), owner of the estate Silesian Ostrava, began permanent mining in 1787. Coal mining did not benefit the castle, because the expanding mining encroached on the vicinity of the castle. This meant a gradual and inevitable demise for the castle.
Jan Nepomuk Josef Maria Wilczek (1837-1922) recalled his visit in 1843: "The old castle in Ostrava is very original and was formerly Gothic. I remember a very large hall with Gothic pillars, ribs and arches, but it was so flimsy that one was not allowed to enter it. In the following year, the whole of it collapsed and this was used to extend our brewery". There were no funds to repair the castle. Only emergency repairs were carried out, as the Wilczek family invested their money in modernising their mining facilities or in other activities.
The problem was that the mine field extended directly under of the castle and almost the entire courtyard. Paradoxically, the mining under the castle was agreed upon by Jan Nepomuk Wilczek with the Ferdinand's Northern Railway Company, which owned the near Hermenegild Mine.
Subsequent modern underground coal mining using steam engines at depths of 100 m and below near the surface resulted in the formation of cavities under the castle grounds, which disturbed the structure of the walls and buildings. The whole castle area has fallen by 8-11 m in 100 years because of undermining.
The castle took another hit during bombing of Ostrava in 1944. Bombs fell in proximity and damaged remaining parts. Wilczek family was disposed of the castle after 1945, and it became state-owned. Castle ruins belonged to mining company Trojice until 1958 when it changed ownership again to city of Ostrava. The castle remained neglected for a long time, primarily for two reasons: black coal mining in the area continued, and the owners — mainly the city — showed little interest in restoring the castle due to financial constraints.
A new castle
In 1979, the fate of the castle took a controversial turn. The city of Silesian Ostrava decided to convert the remains of the medieval monument into a cultural centre. That same year, a large part of the historic structure was demolished without official permission. In 1980, construction began on a completely new castle — also without approval. The ambitious plans included a hotel, restaurant, and modern castle building intended for private purposes.
Despite strong criticism from historians and preservation authorities, work on the new castle continued — with several interruptions — until 1989, when the project was abandoned due to lack of funding.
As a result of these construction works, only a few walls of the original castle have survived. The only authentic spaces that remain today are the room currently used as a chapel and one vaulted room in the cellar. All other rooms and structures were newly built between 1980 and 1989.The current appearance of Silesian Ostrava Castle was created after the year 2000. The castle was reopened to the public in 2004.
After reconstruction, the Silesian Ostrava Castle became one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ostrava. Numerous cultural and social events take place in and around the castle, such as Letní shakespearovské slavnosti, Jazz Open, Sorfest and many more. Thanks to its location at the intersection of popular cycling paths, the castle is destined to become a sought-after excursion place offering visitors not only relaxation but also insight into Ostrava's history in attractive exhibitions.
Tower and Gate
Renaissance tower from the 16th century is the most preserved part of the castle. Castle gate allowing both walkers and wagons to enter the castle was marked above its entrance by desk consisting of Sedlnický family coat of arms and year 1548. Pivots used for the drawbridge are still visible on the sides of the tower. Remnants of the original passage for the walkers with 17th century embrasure and old cobblestone road are still visible at the gate entrance. Stone chiselled ornaments from the late Renaissance are still visible at the attached corridor. Torso of the stone front façade is one of many examples of late Renaissance architecture preserved until these days. Rounded guard stones at the gate corners prevented passing wagons from getting stuck inside the gate.
New extensions during modern history period added new buildings and covered original Renaissance gate at the gates base. The tower was completely refurbished before the public opening in 2004.
Extension with gallery and lesser hall
This extension is located at the place of original east wing which was damaged during the first half of the 20th century. Most of the perimeter walls are original build in middle age and early modern age with exemption of part destroyed in 1930s. Original walls include late Medieval and Renaissance stone chiselled ornaments. South side of castle walls is supported by four props installed in 1970s during reconstruction. Ruins of east wing were later removed and replaced by new-build part. Extensions was finished in 2004 when the lower part of the construction was covered by saddleback roof. Extensions attic serves as a castle gallery. Its spaciousness allows it to be used for many kinds of cultural and public events – exhibitions, concerts, lectures, meetings but also banquets or parties. The gallery includes bar and lounge area. The lesser hall in ground floor bellows the castle gallery offers lounge area with fireplace. Many photos and paintings (mostly dated to 20th century) of the castle ruin are visible at this place. Lesser hall serves for weddings and banquets as well as many other public and private events.
Palace
The oldest part of the castle is the palace e.g. living quarters. In some source this part is described also as a bastion. It was constructed on the promontory probably during the 13th century as a stronghold enclosed with a moat. It was refurbished into a Renaissance Chateau during 16th century. New living, administrative and outhouse buildings, knight hall and chapel were built as well. Knight hall collapsed in 19th century and further degradation continued later on. Only parts of perimeter walls survived until today. Today, although not in its original rooms, the palace contains the armorial room. ceremonial hall, chapel and blacksmith. In the cellar there is an exhibition dedicated to the history of the castle and other temporary exhibitions.
The visitors might overlook the castle and its surrounding from the palace terraces and outlooks. Today’s castle look is a result of 2004 renovation.
Courtyard
The castle well was first mentioned during 2nd half of the 20th century. The wells construction was however never finished, and water was reportedly to be always transported to the castle. Some historical photos however show that the well was equipped with pump witch would suggest otherwise. Profile of two round late medieval bastions are visible in the northwestern and southwestern courtyards corners. Both have been demolished during 20th century and later restored or newly erected within their former contours. Amphitheatre is located in the lower, western edge of the areal. It is used for cultural events, mostly concerts or theatre shows. Its capacity is 1000 seats or 1200 standing viewers.
