People will exceptionally be able to visit the castle in Ostrava-Vítkovice over the weekend

Ostrava – People will have a unique opportunity to visit the castle in Ostrava-Vítkovice on the first weekend of July. During the guided tours at 09:00, 10:30, and 12:00 on Saturday, July 4, and Sunday, July 5, they will learn about the history of the castle, which was established as a representative center of the then Vítkovice ironworks, as well as the stories of the people who shaped its appearance and significance over the decades. This was announced today by the spokesperson of Vítkovice, Eva Kijonková.

The castle is not normally accessible. "The Vítkovice Castle is a place where the history of industry, architecture, development, and the cultural life of the city uniquely intertwine. We want to bring visitors closer not only to the building itself but also to the stories of the people and events that shaped the appearance of present-day Ostrava," said Jan Gromnica, head of the Vítkovice archive.

The Empire-style castle was built in 1848 by the owner of the ironworks, Salomon Rothschild, and for nine decades served as the residence and home of the general directors of the ironworks. "As a result, it hosted a number of distinguished guests. For example, Emperor Franz Joseph I, the first Czechoslovak president Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, and President Edvard Beneš visited Vítkovice," Kijonková said.

According to her, one of the most remarkable technical and artistic monuments of the castle complex is the cast-iron pavilion in the garden. This structure, which was manufactured for the World Exhibition in Vienna in 1873, was saved after decades of neglect and sensitively reconstructed.

"The tour of Vítkovice Castle also offers an engaging story of its rescue. The building experienced hardships and unsuitable interventions throughout the 20th century. The entire castle has been saved thanks to extensive reconstruction and care by Vítkovice and Cylinders Holding, regaining its representative appearance. The furnishings of the individual halls and salons correspond to various historical stages from the history of the Vítkovice ironworks," Kijonková stated.