After Prague, my next stop on the
CETS trip is a short stay in Brno. While in Brno, I will have the opportunity
to visit Hrad Špilberk, or Spielberg Castle in English. This historic building
has a long and terrifying past that makes it a must-see location for anyone
staying in Brno. This castle is a large, Baroque fortress on a steep hillside
overlooking the historical center of Brno. It was constructed in the 13th
Century by the Czech king Přemysl Otakar II. Hrad Špilberk was intended to
serve as a fortress and house the rulers of Moravia, (“Špilberk Castle,” 2013).
This building was constructed to last, surviving many sieges over the
centuries. In 1809 Napoleon occupied the castle, (“Hrad Špilberk Review, 2013).
Besides its use as a protective fortress, Hrad Špilberk has served a much
darker purpose for much of its history.
Hrad Špilberk has served a prison
several times since its construction in the 13th Century. This
fortress became one of the most feared places in the Hapsburg Empire, housing
individuals who were enemies of Austria-Hungary. Hellish conditions existed for
those receiving harsh punishments. These individuals were chained in the catacombs
bellow the fortress and only fed bread and water. Some torture methods may have
been utilized on these prisoners, (“Hrad Špilberk Review,” 2013). Some famous
prisoners that were held at Špilberk include Austrian commanders Bonneval and
Wallis, Colonel Franz Trenck, and poet Silvio Pellico. Silvio Pellico went on
to publish a book which made Hrad Špilberk famous around Europe. This building
is remembered today as the “Prison of Nations”. During World War II, Hrad Špilberk
served as a prison and fortress for the Nazis, (“Hrad Špilberk Review, 2013).
This large fortress has a dark past that makes it a fascinating location to
visit.
Today, Hrad Špilberk has become a
major cultural center in Brno. The fortress houses the Brno City Musuem, and
the hill it occupies is a popular place among locals to walk and relax, (“Špilberk
Castle,” 2013). This museum contains information about the history of Brno and
the fortress itself, containing photographs and sketches of important builds throughout
Brno, (“Hrad Špilberk Review,” 2013). Hrad Špilberk is a popular destination in
Brno that I cannot wait to visit.
References:
Czechtoursim.com.
(2013). Špilberk Castle. Retrieved
from http://www.czechtourism.com /c/spilberk-castle/
Fodors.com.
(2013). Hrad Špilberk (Spielberg Castle).
Retrieved from http://www.fodors.com/ world/europe/czech-republic/moravia/review-462733.html
Picture References:
http://i.idnes.cz/09/032/gal/TOM18c760_Spilberk_Tomaskova_2005.jpg
http://media.novinky.cz/357/133570-top_foto1-5oz8n.jpg?1276693202
http://rickyyates.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Brno-Castle-4.jpg
