Czech Republic Guide
North Moravia
Hradec nad Moravicí
The castle high above the town of HRADEC NAD MORAVICÍ appears at first sight to be a neo-Gothic pile straight out of a Hammer Horror film. In fact, the red-brick castle's magnificent gateway opens up to reveal another, earlier, Neoclassical zámek covered in smooth white plaster. The Červený zámek, or Rotes Schloss as the red-brick castle was known, is now occupied by the hotel of the same name, while the Bílý zámek or Weisses Schloss contains a collection of porcelain and paintings (April, Oct & Dec Sat & Sun 10am– noon & 1–4pm; May– Sept Tues– Sun 9am– noon & 1–5pm; 120Kč). The latter used to belong to the Lichnovský family, who invited performances from the likes of Beethoven, Liszt and Paganini – in early June there's a Beethoven music festival, Beethovenův hradec, held here. On a clear day it's well worth exploring the lovely grounds that stretch out along the ridge beyond the white castle.
Although Hradec is an easy day-trip from Opava or Ostrava, it's worth considering an overnight stay in the Červený zámek hotel ( 
553 783 021, 
www.cervenyzamek.hotel-cz.com ; Price: 1001-1500Kč), with a restaurant open to non-guests. There's also the Hradec campsite (May– Sept) a short way to the south of the town and castles, along route 57.