Bucovice chateau is an unique example of the Italian renaissance style of  building north of the Alps. Compared with most of our renaissance chateaux it is not a mere renaissance-style conversion of an older residence (castle or fortified settlement), but a realization of original project for a late-renaissance "palazzo in fortezza" style of building.

The arcade courtyard is remarkable. Its 90 columns are decorated with 540 relief carvings picturing battle scenes, coats of arms, fantasy animals and creatures, masks and musical instruments. Elia Canavale and Antonio Silva - two Italians who lived in Bohemia, carried out the  stonework.

The mannerist fountain in the courtyard is the work of Pietro Materna following the design of Giovanni Giacomo Tencalla. They both were prominent artists of the imperial court. The fountain, with themes of sea sirens, dragons and a sculpture of a Bacchant pressing wine from bellows is one of the most beautiful fountains in Central Europe.

The chateau was built as a large complex including a renaissance garden, fortification wall and a moat. The chateau is located in  a valley, which is rather unusual for this period. It was designed by Jacopo Strada, the great connoisseur of art, historian and architect. He was also the administrator of the art collections of three Habsburg emperors - Ferdinand I, Maximilian II and Rudolph II.

The area map

Business hours

• April, October: only weekends and holidays 9.00 AM to 4.00 PM incl.
• May - September: daily except monday
  9.00 AM to  4.00 PM incl.
  Lunch break 12.00 AM to 1.00 PM incl.

The contact

Státní zámek Bucovice
Zámek 1
Bucovice
685 01

phone.: +420-517-383-135
fax: +420-517-383-831
e-mail: bucovice@brno.npu.cz

You can find more information and photos in the czech version of the site.

About the chateau | The history | The  virtual sightseeing | Neighbourhood