Pardubice Castle

Pardubice Castle, known locally as Zámek Pardubice, is a Renaissance gem nestled close to the historic center of Pardubice, Czech Republic. This unique structure, a blend of castle and chateau, offers visitors a fascinating journey through time, from its medieval origins to its present-day role as a cultural and historical hub.

The Origins of Pardubice Castle

The site of Pardubice Castle has a storied past that dates back to the 13th century when it was originally a water castle. Following the Hussite Wars, the castle underwent significant reconstruction, including the addition of new stone fortifications complete with corner towers and arrow slits. These remnants are still visible today, offering a glimpse into the castle's early defensive purposes.

The Pernštejn Era

In 1491, the Pardubice estate was acquired by Vilém II of Pernštejn, marking the beginning of a transformative era. Vilém II initiated the conversion of the medieval fortress into a Renaissance palace, creating a four-winged residence surrounded by formidable fortifications. This new design merged the elegance of a chateau with the defensive features of a castle, showcasing the pinnacle of late Gothic fortification techniques.

The Pernštejn family continued to enhance the castle, with Vilém's sons, Vojtěch and Jan, furthering the Renaissance modifications. The last Pernštejn owner, Jaroslav of Pernštejn, left a legacy of architectural beauty that still captivates visitors today.

Royal Chamber Estate

In 1560, the estate was purchased by the king, transforming Pardubice into a royal chamber estate. During this period, architect Ulrico Aostalli de Sala made significant alterations to the castle between 1574 and 1579, and again at the end of the 16th century. His contributions included the ornate sgraffito decorations on the palace façades and the construction of the main castle tower.

Despite its royal status, the castle's primary function shifted towards economic activities, which led to some neglect of its interiors and decorations. For instance, in the 17th century, a brewery was established within its walls. The baroque period saw further modifications under the direction of architect František Kaňka.

Modern History and Restoration

In the latter half of the 19th century, Pardubice Castle transitioned to private ownership. Initially, it was held by the Privileged Austrian Revenue Institute from 1863 to 1881, followed by Baron Richard Drasche von Wartinberg and his heirs until 1920. The castle was then purchased by the Pardubice Museum Association, which began its restoration.

However, the castle did not retain any original furnishings, except for a secret Pernštejn oak chest from the late 15th century. In 1952, the association was forced to hand over the castle to the state, and the following year, the collections were nationalized. This led to a halt in restoration efforts and gradual neglect of maintenance, resulting in the collapse of part of the second-floor ceilings in 1977. The museum remained closed to the public for over 15 years, with comprehensive restoration only beginning in 1994.

Exhibitions and Tours

Today, Pardubice Castle houses the East Bohemian Museum and the East Bohemian Gallery in Pardubice. The museum offers three permanent exhibitions: Pardubice – The Story of the City, an archaeological exhibition titled Against the Current of Time, and the newly added S.K.L.E.M. exhibition. Additionally, the museum organizes several temporary exhibitions each year.

The castle also features exterior guided tours, such as From Castle to Chateau: Transformations of the Pernštejn Residence, tours of the civil defense shelter, and guided walks through the historic center of Pardubice, focusing on its architectural heritage from the first half of the 20th century. The museum is open daily, except Mondays, from 10 AM to 6 PM.

The Civil Defense Shelter

A lesser-known but intriguing aspect of Pardubice Castle is the civil defense shelter built in the latter half of 1953. This two-story structure, hidden within the castle's ramparts, was designed to serve as a command center for regional civil defense operations in the event of an enemy attack. The shelter remains equipped with its original facilities, including a telephone exchange, decontamination room, filtration and ventilation system, and a diesel generator.

Architectural Features

Recent archaeological research in early 2020 uncovered the stone walls of the donjon, a central keep with walls up to 2.4 meters thick, believed to be part of the original 14th-century castle. The castle's later Gothic reconstruction followed a modified two-palace castle layout, with two new palaces (north and south) and an older western palace replacing the connecting walls on the west side. Diagonally positioned corner towers enhanced the castle's defenses.

Subsequent construction phases included the addition of a chapel, a latrine tower, and courtyard arcades along the former walls. The castle core was eventually surrounded by a bailey, completed before 1511, with corner towers designed for lighter artillery. The modern earthwork fortifications, featuring four rondels at the corners, surrounded the castle core and rectangular outer bailey. A wall with keyhole embrasures for handheld firearms ran along the base of the rampart, protected by a water-filled moat. The rampart's crown was lined with a simple earthen or wooden parapet, shielding artillery positions. Access to the castle was through a triangular barbican extending into the town, followed by a gate located in a funnel-shaped bend in the wall.

In conclusion, Pardubice Castle is not just a historical monument; it is a testament to the architectural evolution and cultural heritage of the region. Its walls and towers echo the stories of its past, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the rich history of the Czech Republic.