Seated into the picturesque relief of the Lower Ash Mountains (Nízký Jeseník), the Moravian town of Šternberk lies some 16 km north of Olomouc. Less than 14.5 thousand inhabitants rank it among Czechia's small places, but the well- preserved architectural nucleus, abundance of memorable buildings and beautiful country around make it a real attraction. Mentioned in the annals of history in 1296 for the first time, the township celebrated its 700th birth day in 1996. Old architects must have used as substance an even older settlement that had surrouded a Gothic castle which the Šternberks had founded back between 1253 and 1269. The castle still dominates the town's modern skyline. As we know it today, the castle emerged throughout several reconstruction projects, showing evidence of almost all architectural styles from the Gothic down to neo- classicism now. Today, an exhibition of period lifestyles and art is shown inside. The chapel cherishes the extremely high valued piece of Gothic sculpture-"the Madonna of Šternberk". Another unique attraction is found just at the castle's feet -Czechia's only clock museum. The next-door Libor Vojkůvka Gallery commemorates the~ainter and prominent citizen of Sternberk. Šternberk's second memorable dominant is the Augustinian Monastery founded with the "Our Lady Annunciation Church" in 1371. Both buildings are the place's gems of baroque architecture. The square's main ornament is the 1719 builtVirgin Mary's Post. Neo-classical burgher houses testify to past wealth of the l9th-century burghers. Their portals, more abundant and numerous than anywhere else in North Moravia, are all pieces of art themselves. Very eyetouching, too, are the historicising former Burgher's Savings Bank designed by architect Josef Gartner of Vienna, an 1876 neo-Renaissance fountain and the neo-classical arbour that rules over the town high above, attracting locals and visitors to taste a fine view. Šternberk's specialties include the famous uphill car race "Ecce Homo" included in the European Championship series since 1981. Pleasant and manifold, the terrain around provides ideal environment for hikers, bikers and, in winter, for hobby skiers.

The Šternberk Castle

Aerial view of Šternberk

'Green Hut' -the lookout place

Madonna of Šternberk