A short tour around the Renaissance town of Nový Jičín – 2 km

The town of Nový Jičín became the economic center of a large medieval estate controlled by the formidable castle on the hill at Starý Jičín, 5 km to the southwest. Located at a strategic position along the Moravian gate trade corridor, close to the border with Poland, Nový Jičín was a thriving trading center by the end of the 15th century, when the aristocratic Žerotín family acquired the estate.
In the early 16th century the Žerotíns reconstructed the town castle into a state of the art Renaissance castle, with a unique system of ten turrets to defend the town (only three of which remain today). The castle today hosts part of the regional museum. Over the following centuries the town center developed its unique Renaissance-Baroque character overlaid on the original medieval plan, one of the most notable and best preserved examples in the country.
During this period, Nový Jičín hosted many illustrious figures, including the famous Austrian general Laudon, who led a large Imperial army in an attempt to recapture the Silesia from Prussia in 1790. Laudon was taken sick and died in a house at the corner of the main town square (Masarykovo náměstí). There is an exhibition and information center in the building today.
The town center is not large and a tour starting from the main bus station, walking through the main square and then around the side streets to the Žerotín chateau and back to the bus station, is around 2 km. There are many refreshment options in the town, including several cafés on the main square – Martin Café at the eastern corner serves excellent coffee.
Consider combining a walk around Nový Jičín with a similarly short trip to the spectacularly sited castle ruins at nearby Starý Jičín. The walk from Nový Jičín to Starý Jičín is around 5km, but as much of this is along a public road, taking a bus or car between the two locations might be preferable. Another good trip to combine with a walk around town is the visit to the nearby Kunín chateau, either by walking or taking the short (6 km) car/bus journey.

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Directions

Starting at the main bus station (also next to the train station and two parking areas), follow the RED hiking trail into the main square, which is reached in 500m
From the square, exit at the eastern corner, heading towards the main church, with its prominent clocktower
Pass the old Bastion – one of the few remaining elements of the 15th century town defenses – and follow the pedestrian walkway towards the chateau which is reached in 300 m
From the chateau, return back to the southern corner of the main square along Lidická street
Return back to the bus station-car park, along the RED trail