Prison at Špilberk

Allegedly, in the 15th century, Jobst of Luxembourg imprisoned his brother Prokop here when he interfered too much in his affairs. Later, the Moravian Estates were imprisoned here after the Battle of White Mountain. In the 18th century there was a civil prison in the rear moat and in 1783 Joseph II established a prison in the casemates (vaulted corridors in the side moats). From the turn of the 19th century, so-called political prisoners were also imprisoned on the upper floors of the castle. Prisoners were also imprisoned here in the 20th century during both world wars.

The prison of the nations

"Climbing up to the bars of the narrow window, I saw the valley below, a part of Brno, a town with many gardens, a cemetery, a monastery pond, and the wooded hills on the side of the famous Austerlitz battlefield.” (S. Pellico - from the book My Prisons)

Prisoner logbook entries
Silvio Pellico (prisoner no. 303)

Originally from Saluzzo in the Kingdom of Sardinia, 32 years old, single, Catholic, private secretary. Last place of residence Forli.

Of good health.

Small stature, weak constitution, well coloured face, brown hair and beard, blue eyes, regular nose, small mouth. He speaks Italian, French, Latin and broken German.

Convicted of treason. The Emperor pardoned the death penalty, sentencing him to 15 years in a harsh prison instead.

Arrival at Špilberk on 10th of April 1822. The sentence is imposed from 21 February 1822 to 20 February 1837. He was pardoned and handed over to the Brno Police Directorate on 1st of August 1830.

Pietro Maroncelli (prisoner no. 302)

Originally from Forli, 26 years old, single, Catholic, musician and writer. Last place of residence Forli.

Of good health.

Average stature, weak constitution, chestnut brown hair and eyebrows, regular forehead, grey eyes, large nose, medium mouth, round chin. He speaks Italian and French.

Convicted of treason. The Emperor pardoned the death penalty, sentencing him to 20 years in a harsh prison instead.

Arrival at Špilberk on 10th of April 1822. The sentence is imposed from 21st of February 1822 to 20th of February 1842.

He was pardoned and handed over to the Brno Police Directorate on 1st of August 1830