Liberec to acquire historic 16th-century castle for CZK 81 million

For the first time in over 400 years, Liberec will gain ownership of a prominent 16th-century castle located in the city’s center. The historic acquisition, valued at CZK 81 million, was confirmed yesterday as Mayor Jaroslav Zámečník (Mayors for the Liberec Region - SLK) and Peter Winkelman, chairman of MEI (Middle Europe Investments), signed the purchase agreement.

The castle is set to become city property within a month, following the initial installment payment of CZK 40 million. Mayor Zámečník described the moment as “unique,” emphasizing the significance of the acquisition, given the castle’s longstanding presence in Liberec. The city plans to transform the castle into a multifunctional space, housing civil servants, a primary art school, a tourist route, and facilities for the Anifilm festival.

Winkelman, who noted that negotiations with the city spanned two to three years and attracted other interested parties, expressed confidence in Liberec’s plans for the castle. He revealed that the proceeds from the sale will be invested in developing a new residential quarter on the former Textilana factory site, with over 200 apartments planned for the first phase.

Under the agreement, MEI will receive CZK 80 million from Liberec in three installments for the castle, its land, and park, with an additional CZK 1 million allocated for the castle’s equipment, including 8,000 items such as chandeliers. The payment schedule includes CZK 40 million this year, CZK 30 million next year, and the remaining CZK 11 million by 2026.

Located just a few hundred meters from the town hall, the castle was built between 1583 and 1587 by the Redern brothers and is one of Liberec’s earliest stone structures. Although much of the original building has been altered over the centuries, the most notable feature is the chapel added by Katherine of Redern between 1604 and 1606. The castle has served various functions over time, including as a noble residence, court, hostel, and the site of a renowned glass exhibition by Skloexport.

Currently, the castle remains largely vacant, hosting occasional events such as the Anifilm international animation festival. Deputy Mayor Jiří Janďourek (SLK) reported that the building’s condition is relatively good, noting that the last major renovation occurred around 30 years ago at a cost of CZK 300 million.

This summer, the city has begun offering guided tours of the castle, with the tower open to visitors, local artists performing on the steps, and regular concerts and film screenings planned.

Looking ahead, the city intends to establish a permanent tour route and relocate the architecture office to the castle by autumn. Initial efforts will focus on enhancing social facilities and accessibility, with substantial investment anticipated for these improvements.

Source: Liberec and CTK