Medieval “Comics” Discovered in Czech Castle

Kunštát Castle, located in the city of Blanska in the Hornosvratec Highlands of South Moravia, encompasses a palace and a Gothic fortress which first appeared in the history books as early as 1380, becoming the property of King George of Poděbrady in 1448.

This week, the historically undervisited castle got a significant PR boost when it was announced that a large-scale series of frescoes, dating to first half of the 14th century were discovered by conservationists.

The unique, knight-themed figurative paintings, uncovered in one of the oldest parts of the complex, covers four walls. 

“The scale of the painting was a big surprise…it has more than a hundred pieces,” Radim Štěpán Kunštát castellan said in an interview, likening the epic cycle to a “medieval comic book.”

The artist is unknown at this point; experts are guessing the panels were intended to depict monarchs on the throne, knights with swords, or scenes from battle. 

According to historians, the painting was likely part of a representative hall of the former Gothic palace. 

The room with the painting will be a highlight of a new sightseeing tour of the castle, which will open in June. A maximum of 10 visitors will be allowed access to the space in an effort to protect the treasure from wear and tear.