Špilberk was fully accessible for the first time; the interest in it was extraordinary

Brno - Today, the public showed an extraordinary interest in tours of Špilberk Castle, whose administration made parts that have never been accessible before available. For the first time, for instance, tourists were able to enter the castle cistern with the help of climbers, which used to supply water to the residence of the Moravian margraves. The site, which is a landmark of Brno, was visited by over 3000 people today, said Michaela Budíková from the Museum of the City of Brno to ČTK.
    The castle was, according to her, fully accessible for the first time. “People were able to access its observation terraces, events for children were held in the casemates, and we guided visitors to the newly renovated southern bastion or to the baths that were created in the southern wing for the German army during World War II,” she stated.
    The event was held under the name "The Castle Lives!" and was part of the celebrations of the 109th anniversary of the founding of the Museum of the City of Brno. According to the organizers, it was so successful that it will likely be repeated next year. Interested visitors will again have the opportunity to walk through the castle from its lowest to its highest floors.
    The most interesting part was the visit to the cistern. It was an adrenaline experience, as those interested had to reach the former rainwater reservoir by climbing a four-meter rope with the help of climbers.
    The event also included a visit to an exhibition dedicated to fireworks - Vulcanalia. Visitors could see an exhibition with historical weapons, there was an archaeological workshop prepared for children, and a fear trail. The event was supplemented by a wine and burčák tasting.
    Špilberk is visited by 130,000 paying visitors annually. Some of its parts are accessible for free. This year, after 30 years of work, the main part of the castle's repairs was completed, costing a billion crowns. In the future, plans are being made to improve the park under the castle. Among the boldest plans is the construction of a cable car that would transport tourists from the city center to it. Consideration is also being given to establishing a vineyard on the slopes below Špilberk.