Since the Middle Ages, the Hukvaldy Castle has been the administrative centre of the important domain of the Olomouc bishops and archbishops. Iv was probably built in the middle of the l3th century by its original owner-Count Arnold of Hückeswagen. Later, it was in the hands of Emperor Sigmund (of Luxemburg), Bishop Tas of Boskovice and numerous other owners. In the l6th century, when the Turks threatened the area, the castle got an effective system of mighty fortifications and new buildings, connecting the west wing of the castle with the east. At this time, the red deer and fallow deer parks were established, which one can enjoy today particularly at dawn or at dusk. Hukvaldy Castle had great importance during the 30 Year War, in the course of which it was besieged several times. In the l8th century, it was burnt down, and not rebuilt anymore. In spite of this, it is the biggest stronghold in the Czech Republic with an original baroque chapel (St. Andrew's), which serves as a concert hall for chamber music and choral concerts today. There is a link with nature here too: Hukvaldy Castle takes its name from the wood nymphs known as "húkalky". Which other place could have offered more effective inspiration for the compositional genius of Leoš Janáček, the Hukvaldy native, who grew up here until he was eleven years old. Then he moved to Brno, where he taught at the organ school. Later he bought a small house with a garden in Hukvaldy, which he later bequeathed in his will to the town provided his rooms would remain preserved in their original state. Today a memorial of Leoš Janáček is located here in the form of an exposition of his life and work. Even Janáček's own music stand and harmonium are here. Hukvaldy Castle and the land around have been the scene of the international music festival "Janáček's Hukvaldy" for several years, visited by many superb musician and music lovers from near and far. Equally popular is the Janáček's Lašsko Musical Festival.

Noah's Ark, the Moravian-Silesian National Theatre of Ostrava, children of Janáček's Basic School at Hukvaldy, 1995

The Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra, Ostrava, 1996

Leoš Janáček's study

Her Steep-Daughter, the National Theatre of Brno, 1995

Carmen, the Moravian-Silesian National Theatre of Ostrava, 1996

Moravian Teacher's Singing ensemble, 1996

Rusalka, the Moravian-Silesian National Theatre of Ostrava, 1997