Pernštejn Castle

The monumental silhouette of one of the most significant Moravian seats towers above the forests near Nedvědice since the mid-thirteenth century. Originally a simple early Gothic castle with a bergfried layout, founded by the Lords of Pernštejn, it underwent a series of High and Late Gothic reconstructions through the sixteenth century. These modifications transformed the fortress into a representative and comfortable residence, which, surprisingly, retained its extraordinary defensive capability. The entire complex is situated on the eastern edge of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands above the settlement of the same name, whose historic bailey now falls under the market town of Nedvědice. Today, this heritage-protected complex is owned by the Czech Republic and, since 1995, proudly holds the status of a national cultural monument. The castle, open to the public, is administered by the National Heritage Institute.