Impressions to the European Fortress Summer 2018

14 European Fortress Summer 2018 www.fortress-summer.eu The impressive fortress Špilberk in Brno looks back on an already 700-year-old eventful his- tory. In the 13th century the Bohemian King Přemysl Ottokar II built a castle over the old town. In the 17th century, it became a citadel and with the for- mer town fortification it was the once most powerful and most important baroque fortress of Moravia. Fortress Špilberk, Brno (CZ) Photo: Milos Strnad The fortification resisted the attacks of Sweden in 1643 and 1645 and of Prussia in 1742. Only Napoleon was able to conquer Brno in 1805 and fortress Špilberk after the battle of Austerlitz without a fight. Today Špilberk Fortress is a national cultural monument and with the Municipal Museum of Brno an important cultural center of the Sou- th Moravian city of Brno.