The castle famously stored Alfons Mucha's massive Slav Epic canvases in secret during World War II to protect them from Nazi occupation.
The Slav Epic series spans over two decades of work, with individual canvases measuring up to 6 by 8 meters.
The castle underwent significant reconstruction in the 16th century, transforming its defensive Gothic appearance into a residential Renaissance chateau.
The local noble family, the Lords of Lipá, held the estate for several centuries, marking the castle's peak of political influence.
The castle's ceremonial hall, specifically refurbished to display the Slav Epic, features specialized climate control systems to protect the oil and tempera paintings.
The subterranean spaces of the castle include remnants of the original medieval fortifications.
Moravský Krumlov Castle is a Renaissance structure notable for housing the Slav Epic (Slovanská epopej) by Alfons Mucha. The castle sits atop a rocky promontory overlooking the Rokytná River. Its architectural history includes transitions from a Gothic fortress to a Renaissance residence and later Baroque modifications. The building complex features a large inner courtyard and remains largely undergoing long-term phased reconstruction. The Slav Epic, a cycle of twenty large canvases, returned to the castle in 2021 after extensive restoration of the ceremonial hall. The site served as the historical seat of the Lords of Lipá and later the House of Liechtenstein. Portions of the castle are accessible for guided tours, which focus on the history of the noble families and the castle's preservation efforts.
From the opposite side of the Rokytná River bank looking up at the castle's long facade.
Combine your visit with a walk through the adjacent large castle park for views of the building from the valley.
Check the official website for current exhibition status of the Slav Epic, as it occasionally rotates for international loans.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the castle grounds involve uneven stone surfaces and inclines.
Assuming the entire castle is fully restored; much of the site remains an active work-in-progress construction zone.
Closed on Mondays throughout the season; check for potential winter closures as public access to exhibition halls is seasonal.
Maintain silence in the exhibition halls; photography of the Slav Epic is generally restricted to protect the pigments.
