Huge Moravian fortress Helfstein, now managed by the administration of the Comenius Museum, located in the city of Pieroo in the vicinity of Olomouc is the most powerful medieval castle, which has been repeatedly extended, rebuilt, and then purposefully destroyed and restored. Now in the castle complex is Elfstan consists of the main Palace building, several high observation towers, lots of outbuildings, enclosed by high walls, is equipped with six gates. Outside the fortress you can see a few shafts, which are also considered as part of it.
Castle was never the residence of the aristocrats, he always served to protect local lands from the armies of the enemy. In it was constantly military garrisons, regularly carrying the service.
The castle was founded in the XIV century by the nobleman Friesem from linay, who, poor, became a famous bandit. Castle constantly passed from hand to hand. Each owner was trying to improve it or customize for your own needs. That's why now we see the construction in which visible elements are made in different architectural styles. Renaissance features a Gothic fortress acquired by aristocrats Brutalistic from Vrbno. After the battle of White mountain, the castle was given to cardinal Dietrichstein, which fundamentally changed Helfstein, making it a military fortification. The fortress properly perform their functions, while in 1656 it is partially destroyed to make uninteresting for a possible enemy. Since then, the castle fell into decay until it was in 1945 the property of the state.
Nowadays, the castle is particularly interesting during the various historical festivals. There often hold national festivals, competitions fencers, the exhibition-fair of products of blacksmiths, who immediately demonstrate their skills.
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