Castello Palazzo Contesto storico, Slavkov-u-brna, Repubblica-ceca  

The Baroque castle at Slavkov u Brna / Austerlitz is renowned in the Czech Republik and abroad through its history which is connected both with its former owners - the noble family of Kaunitz - and, above all, through Napoleon´s victorious battle which had taken place in the surroundings on December 2, 1805. In the field of historical research, the museum particularly focuses on the theme of the French revolution and the Napoleonic wars, then also on the history of the Kounic family and of the town of Slavkov and its surroundings. The museum has at its disposal a large and constantly supplemented library focused on the Napoleonic theme. Also planned is a study centre focusing on the period of the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries and the Napoleonic wars. Further, the Museum also keeps a technical library and library of non-fiction supplemented with the works of the members of the Club of non-fiction authors in Prague.

At the moment, almost the entire first floor of the Slavkov manor is accessible to the public. It comprises of parts of the once large Kounic gallery, the beginnings of which go back to the first half of the 17th century. The biggest expansion of the family gallery happened in the second half of the 18th century under Václav Antonín from Kounice. The gallery contained not only copies, but also the originals of the works of famous European masters. During the tour, the public also has access to the oratory of the manor's chapel of the Holy Rood. The Chapel, going through both floors, was completed as the last part of the manor in 1769 when it was decorated by Josef Pichler. The interior is dominated by the altar with monumental statues of angels, the work of F. X. Messerschmidt from 1774. On the alter are kept fragments of the gospels written on parchment paper. Prentable castle rooms and the adjoining castle gardens are offering a wonderful area for various social meetings - festive luncheons, garden and welcome parties, symposia, congresses, conferences, lectures - as well as private celebrations, e.g. wedding ceremonies and receptions, family gatherings, etc. A well-trained staff is ready to fulfil all requirements of quests who decide to spend their festive occasion, certainly unforgettable for them, in this unique milieu. As concerns restaurant services, accompanying programmes and floral decorations, we cooperate with renowned firms and we offer an all-inclusive service, in order to secure all your wishes.