Rabbits on the ceiling - Bučovice Castle
Lifelike (and unique) bunnies
The dominant feature of Bučovice is the Renaissance castle with its charming garden, where they commemorate an unusual victory every year: In 1645, a mere handful of officials, hunters, and townspeople defended the castle against a numerically superior Swedish troop. (If you go here in June, they commemorate the event yearly as Bučovice 1645: Storming the Castle.)
You won't find a similar gem north of the Alps. The last man of the ancient family, Jan Šembera of Boskovice, commissioned the construction to the then art connoisseur and imperial antiquarian Strada. He designed a magnificent building including perfect interiors. Late Renaissance artists from all over Europe put their talents to good use. Explore the Venus Hall, the Bird Hall, the Hall of the Senses... And let's not forget the curious Rabbit Room! It's where the rabbits run on the ceiling. Painted, that is, but they look lifelike. The ceiling shows a world of rabbits that have taken over the human race (Planet of the Apes also comes to mind?). You see scenes like a hare cavalry charge against human infantry, a manhunt, or a feast of a royal hare couple.
The impressive 90 columns of the arcaded courtyard are lavishly decorated with 540 reliefs. War motifs, coats of arms, plants, fantastic animals and creatures, and musical instruments come to life thanks to the skill of the Italian stonemasons. The mannerist fountains from a later period also come from their workshops - Playful mermaids perched on dolphins and dragon heads spouting water. The scene is crowned by a simple man on top.
