iCEER 2004 International Conference on Engineering Education and Research ”Progress Through Partnership” Olomouc and Bouzov Castle, Czech Republic June 27-30, 2004

Bouzov castle

Moravian aristocracy to defend a trade route to Prague founded the Bouzov Castle probably in the early 14^th century. The first known owner of Bouzov was the Moravian aristocrat Buz; a written document about him dates from 1317.

A turning point occurred in the late 17^th century, when the castle was sold with a part of the dominion to an order of German knights dominating almost all of northern Moravia. Archduke Eugene Habsburg undertook a significant and extensive renovation and radical reconstruction on the castle (1895-1910). Bouzov turned into a romantic castle.. Architectionically Bouzov was reconstructed on a large scale in the Middle Ages from German Gothic style to Renaissance according to models - south German castles, into a unified organism. Emphasis was laid on artistic decoration.

It was mainly the local inhabitants who participated in the reconstruction - bricklayers, stonecutters, woodcutters, etc. Their perfect work still impresses the visitor by a mastered craft and by the capturing the spirit of the past. Copies and modern imitations supplemented the imported paintings, statues, furniture and other furnishings. Late Gothic statues and panel paintings, Renaissance and Baroque furniture, statues and paintings from all over Europe occupy a prominent place.

Of exceptional historical value are the chapel, knights' hall and assembly hall - these rooms excel by their dimensions and rich decoration.

Transportation

Bus transportation from Olomouc (conference venue) to the Bouzov castle is included in the conference fee. Buses will depart from conference hotel according to the conference time schedule.