Fryštát Palace in Karvina is an exceptional palace monument in this region. It was the only residence of the Piasts in the Czech Republic, and later, the residence of the Counts Larisch-Mönnich. This is the only one of three huge palaces existing in the city still in the 20th century that has been preserved.
The story of the palace is connected most of all to its founders, the Principe family of Těšín Piasts and its last owners, the Counts Larisch-Mönnich who enjoyed a significant status at the Viennese court and were related to the Empress Elisabeth, called “Sissi”. Since 1997, the renovated palace is open to public. During the tour around the stylish rooms of both the main building and Lottyhaus, visitors have a chance to learn about the life of the nobility at the turn of 19th and 20th centuries. In the palace, there is one of the most important palace libraries, it houses also an astonishing collection of hand-knotted carpets, made in France in the 18th century. One one side the palace is linked to an oratorio of the Church of the Elevation of the Holy Cross with a roofed corridor, and on the other, to a Lottyhaus building, forming one whole. By the main entrance, there are two baroque figures of Hercules. From the south, the palace is surrounded with a Boženy Němcova Park covering an area of 36 ha. In the park, apart from many valuable tree species, there is also a children’s corner in the form of a Slavic hill fort and a recreational object “Loděnice” (Shipyard), where you can rent boats and go for a ride along the blind arm of the Olza River.
In the middle of the park, there is a small zoo with a paddock for big game and small waterfowl. It is also worth mentioning that one of the representative rooms of the palace serves for organising weddings and occasional concerts of chamber music. Every year, a few thematic events are organised here. Visitors can also take a carriage ride.
