The perfect setting for dark, mystical and sinister stories – but also for romances and fairy tales! The cultural heritage monuments in Jeseníky and surrounding countryside offer it all. Grand locations such the chateau in Velké Losiny still recall the Inquisition – that brutal era in history is evident also in the region’s historical buildings.

The picturesque spa town of Velké Losiny (population 3,000) lies north of the city of Šumperk in the valley of the Desna River and is among the most visited areas in the foothills of Jeseníky. At the close of the 17^th century the chateau became the setting for the so-called “witch trials.” This period of history inspired director Otakar Vávra, who in 1969 shot his chilling masterpiece Witches’ Hammer (Kladivo na čarodějnice), which became a kind of cult film for Czech audiences. “The chateau is perfect for filming and boasts especially well-preserved interiors. They include plenty of world and European rarities and amazing hidden spaces," says the chateau caretaker, Marcela Tomášková. "Also, the furnishings are venerable – we find furniture here from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical and Empire periods. The oldest part of the chateau furnishings include an impressive library, established by the Žerotín family in the late 16^th century." Also quite unique is the chateau’s collection of leather and textile wallpaper, featuring countless tapestries and a collection of weapons dating from the 16^th to 19^th centuries. A substantial part of the interior of the 16^th century Hall of Knights has been preserved, including the oldest tiled stove in Moravia (1585). The many varied rooms also feature the original parquet floor and painted coffered ceilings that create the illusion of a starry night sky. At the turn of the 19^th century, the indebted Žerotín family had to sell the estate, to Prince Karel of Lichtenstein, who remodeled the so-called lower chateau in the Biedermeir style as well as the park, which took on its current form. Today the chateau is managed by the Czech National Heritage Institute.

Contact the Czech Film Commission or one of the many local location managers for more information about this and other locations. For more information about filming in the Jeseníky region, contact Lenka Dusovová, Jeseníky Film Office, +420 608 119 093, lenka.dusova@jesenikytourism.cz, www.jesenikyfilmoffice.cz.