Špilberk

The foundations of this significant Moravian seat were laid in the second half of the 13th century by the Moravian Margrave and later Czech king Přemysl Otakar the Second. Originally a Gothic royal castle, it underwent fundamental changes over centuries, the most prominent being its reconstruction into a massive Baroque fortress in the second half of the 17th century. This defensive complex subsequently successfully resisted several military sieges, and at the end of the 18th century, its casemates were converted into a feared prison. Since 1962, the entire castle area, along with the surrounding park, has been protected as a national cultural monument. Currently, the Museum of the City of Brno is located within the castle premises, managing and utilizing this historical site for its exhibitions.