The distinctive landmark of the town of Most, visible from afar, is Hněvín Castle. It is a popular destination for visitors, with wonderful panoramic views of the countryside from the Krušné Mountains to the Central Bohemian Highlands. On its premises are accommodations and a restaurant. The castle tower serves as a lookout tower. There is also an observatory open to the public and an outdoor theater.
Hrad Hněvín History
Mostec Castle was built on Castle Mountain (Hněvín). Archaeological research has shown remains of walls as early as the 9th century, but the stone castle was probably built by the Hrabišice family, owners of Most, in the 12th century. Wenceslas I made Most a royal city and the castle the seat of the count.
In the 13th century the castle was confiscated by Wenceslas II from the Branibors, and at the time of disputes between Wenceslas IV and the nobility, the castle passed to the Meissen family. Only in 1406 did Wenceslas regain the castle. In 1459, the castle passed into the hands of Jiří of Poděbrady on the basis of the Cheb Peace Treaty. Jiří of Poděbrady's son Jindřich sold the castle to Benes of Veitmile in 1480, and in 1482 the famous congress of Saxon princes with King Vladislav was held in Most. Here Czech-Saxon relations were established for many years.
During the reign of Rudolf II, the English alchemist Edward Kelley and the Greek Marek Mamugny stayed in Most castle on his orders. Rudolf ordered the citizens to take care of them, and the demanding nature of the two adventurers caused the city to incur considerable expense. In 1595 Rudolf II sold the castle to the city of Most.
The citizens of Most enjoyed relatively peaceful possession of the castle and its possessions until the Thirty Years' War. In 1646, the Swedes conquered it by deception and imposed heavy fines and taxes on the Muslims. For a year and a half the imperial army besieged the castle, but it remained in the hands of the Swedes. They held it even after the Peace of Westphalia. The castle, which had always attracted the enemy because of its importance, was to blame for their misfortune.
Emperor Ferdinand III then authorized the demolition of the castle, which began in 1651. The castle hill became deserted, at the foot of which were vineyards and gardens. In 1879 a restaurant was built, and in 1889 a watchtower was erected, which was torn down a year later. In 1896 the Friends of Castle Mountain were founded and construction of the watchtower began. It was completed in September 1900.