Nobility on the Move - Prince Emanuel Collalto and His Journey to Abyssinia

As part of the 16th edition of the National Heritage Institute's project "In the Footsteps of Noble Families," which carries the subtitle "Nobility on the Move" in 2026, the permanent exhibition route at Uherčice Castle is being expanded with an exhibition dedicated to Prince Emanuel Collalto et San Salvatore (1854–1924), a significant estate holder who owned the castle for 62 years. On the first exhibition route, a copy of Prince Emanuel's travel diary will be displayed, documenting his remarkable journey to Abyssinia (present-day Ethiopia) in the early 20th century, specifically in 1908, which he undertook with a group of friends. The atmosphere of the expedition is enhanced by period photographs taken by his fellow traveler, Count Rudolf Salm. During the tour, visitors will also learn about Emanuel's travels across Europe, including Paris, Switzerland, and other locations. This expedition represents unique testimony to the travel customs of the time and to encounters between European nobility and different cultures. The "Nobility on the Move" project in 2026 transports visitors to the "long 19th century," when the development of rail, maritime, and automobile transport opened the way for the discovery of exotic lands in Asia, Africa, and America. The theme comes alive at more than forty National Heritage Institute monuments throughout the Czech Republic.