1. Who was Albrecht von Wallenstein?

Albrecht Václav Eusebius of Wallenstein, also known as Vojtěch Václav Eusebius of Wallenstein (German Wallenstein, English Waldstein), was born on 14 September 1583 in the village of Heřmanice near Jaroměř. He died on 25 February 1634 in Cheb.

He was a Czech military leader and politician, Duke of Mecklenburg, Duke of Frýdlant and Prince of Hlohov and Hlan. Next to Jan Tserclaes Tilly, he was the supreme commander of the Imperial-Ligist armies during the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648). In this war he fought on the side of the Emperor against the Protestant Union. He later fell into disfavour and was assassinated by Imperial officers.

He was the first person ever to maintain a standing army, not from imperial apanage, but from contrivances from enemy and allied territories and from his own funds (the proceeds of his duchy). He died one of the most influential figures in Europe at the time. He came to his immense wealth and influence through his single-mindedness, enterprise and two advantageous marriages.

THE WALLENSTEIN FESTIVAL

Thanks to Wallenstein's positive influence on the development of Českolipsko and Frýdlantsko, the Wallenstein Festival is held annually. The town of Frýdlant and Jičín take turns in organising these festivities.