For centuries, Hradec nad Moravicí was the centre of Opavské Slezsko. This small city, home to a beautiful chateau surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, is where the stories of internationally renowned celebrities played out. The local breed of sheep was admired by the Russian czar himself, and later was the foundation of the flocks in Australia.
As early as the 8th century, a hillfort stood where the chateau stands today. During the Thirty Years' War, the Danish army established a production of false coins here that were minted along the cliff side of the old brewery.
The city experienced its greatest boom during the era of the Lichnowsky princes. Their chateau hosted the composers Beethoven and Liszt, as well as a performance by violinist Niccolò Paganini.
The area was also made famous by the breeding programme of merino sheep that Russian czar Alexander I brought home with him. The local herds served as a foundation for those in Australia.