The Minaret, also known as the Turkish Tower is a building constructed on the axis of the chateau. This attractive spire was built by Alois Josef I. according to architect Josef Hardtmuth´s plans at the turn of the 18th and 19th century. It is an exceptional construction of this type in Europe and being almost 60 meters high it is also one of the tallest minarets in Europe
The tower was built on marshy ground from stone blocks, often heavier than 100 kg. Hired workers reinforced the foundations using 500 wooden poles which were over 17 meters long. To ensure a uniform distribution of the weight of the object, a grid made of 96 strong tree trunks fastened with iron clips was laid over the poles.
The lower part of the tower has eight rooms with ceilings, walls and floors richly decorated with oriental ornaments. According to experts, this decorative work was carried out by artists from Arab countries. The minaret served primarily as a lookout tower from which the whole area could be overlooked. The Liechtensteins placed their exotic collections on the first floor. The tower has three ramparts, the highest rampart is accessible by self-supporting spiral stone staircase counting 302 steps. To build the tower according to the architect´s plans, carpenters erected a spindle-like scaffolding (so called Turkish scaffolding). But because such scaffolding was very unusual in Europe at that time, the construction workers distrusted its design and they had to be convinced that it is reliable by a cavalry corporal from the nearby chateau stables. The corporal rode his horse on the scaffolding and returned safely back the same way. None of the workers suffered any serious injury during the construction work.
The walls of the minaret are covered with Arab inscriptions. Dr. Andreas Trieb redrew the inscriptions and translated them into German (the translation has been confirmed in modern times by workers of the Náprstek museum). These are quotations of Quran. The sign above the door says: There is no God except Allah and Muhammad is his prophet.
On the right: The world has betrayed its inhabitants, so be warry of them and know that it is gratifying for you to do so. Do not dismount from your saddle in this world if you want to avoid your misfortune on the road and do not tempt its treasures or you will encounter that which is good only in the other world.
On the back side: Science is for the work-loving people like a mortar for a mason and work is like a rope tied to a bucket on a windlass for a water drawer. Without mortar there would be no houses and without the rope there would be no water to quench the thirst. Whoever desires perfection is diligent and worth following.
On the left wall: When the fate is against you, human plans lose their validity. When God-sent destiny reaches a man, his plan will turn to nothing, his efforts are in vain, he loses his judgement about what is beneficial for him and what leads to success – he loses his way to salvation and prosperity.
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The representative halls are located on the ground floor of the chateau – they served as venue for social events, balls etc.
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duration 45 minutes
max. 45 people
reservation needed for groups only
The private princes´ apartments on the first floor of the chateau served the princely family until 1945. Between 1950´s and 2001 there were exhibits of the Agricultural Museum. Since 2001, the apartments have been redecorated with original inventory according to historical listings and form a separate circuit.
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duration 45 minutes
max. 25 people
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The princes´ and princesses´ children rooms and Milan Knížák´s puppet museum are located on the second floor of the chateau.
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duration 45 minutes
max. 20 people
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An artificial Baroque stalactite cave in the chateau´s cellar.
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120 Kč (full admission)
duration 20 minutes
max. 20 people
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Greenhouse - was build 1843-45 to Georg Wingelmüller`s design.
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140 Kč (full admission)
unlimited
reservation not necessary
The newly restored halls are located on the first floor of the minaret and are open to public
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180 Kč (full admission) Buy ticket
duration 30 minutes
max. 15 people
reservation recommended
The castle was built next to a game reserve in a place surrounded from three sides by the river Dyje. It served as a hunting lodge – a gathering place before the hunt and the place of celebrations at the end of the hunting season. Rich banquets were held here after the hunts during which the king of the hunt was announced. The object also served...
this tour is not available today
140 Kč (full admission) Buy ticket
duration 25 minutes
max. 30 people
reservation needed for groups only