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CASTLESThe castle above the river Tepla was built around the end of the 13th century. The greatest development of Becov occurred in the period between 1495 and 1557, when the castle belonged to the noble family of Pluhas of Rabstejn.
The manor under it has recently restored interiors (the Spanish and Tapestry Hall, library, the St. Peter's Chapel), equipped with furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries, some pieces date even further back. The Romanesque St. Maur reliquary has outstanding historical value. This castle is one of the most important early Gothic castles in the Czech Republic. The order for the foundation of Bezdez Castle, ruling the countryside around Macha's Lake, was issued in 1260 by king Premysl Otakar II and after his death became a prison for his wife Kunhuta and his son; Prince Václav. Czech sovereigns kept this castle in their possession up until 1420. Its importance can be illustrated by the fact that even in the course of the 30- years war, the commander Albrecht of Valdstejn ordered a Baroque bastion to be built in front of the castle. Since 1633 the castle premises served as a monastery, and after its abolition in 1785 Bezdez was abandoned. Since the middle of 19th century significant restoration projects have taken place on Bezdez, which has allowed the castle to have survived until the present as an excellent example of early Gothic architecture. Bitov is one of the oldest castles in the Czech Republic. The castle was built at the time of the joining of the Moravian and the Czech lands. The first written references to the castle date back to around 1061 - 1067. Until the 13 th century, the castle belonged to the Lords and the castle was the centre of the administration of castles. In the region it also played an important role in the line of defence of the South Moravian borders.
The first half of the 19th century became the last remarkable phase of the reconstruction, when the whole grounds, then under the ownership of the Earls of Daun, took on a new Gothic appearance. Georg Haas, Baron of Hasenfeld, was the last owner until 1945. He was also the co-owner of the first Czech factory for the manufacture of china at Horni Slavkov near Karlovy Vary. It was he who changed the castle into a private zoo featuring a famous collection of stuffed animals including a collection of stuffed dods. The first half of the 19th century became the last remarkable phase of the reconstruction, when the whole grounds, then under the ownership of the Earls of Daun, took on a new Gothic appearance. Georg Haas, Baron of Hasenfeld, was the last owner until 1945. He was also the co-owner of the first Czech factory for the manufacture of china at Horni Slavkov near Karlovy Vary. It was he who changed the castle into a private zoo featuring a famous collection of stuffed animals including a collection of stuffed dods. In 1979 a complete reconstruction of the castle had begun. The endangered castle buildings have been secured and stabilized. New services built include an ecological and a biological sewage treatment plant. Alongside the reconstructions, the restoration of the famous illusion paintings has been carried out. Old furniture and facilities are being renewed and the zoological collection preserved. The woodland at Litovel is over looked by the Romantic castle Bouzov. The castle was built around the beginning of the 14th century, with the first known owner from 1317. Since the middle of the 14th century until 1695 the castle changed hands several times.
The new structure, representing the late German Gothic style, abounds in projections, little towers as well as other, in relation to the rest of Czech architecture, very unusual elements. The castle as a whole, however, is an honored setting for film fairy tales. The stately interiors of the castle are furnished with valuable historic furniture and old relics of the order. The dominant room is a pseudo-Gothic Knight Hall. The grand master's bedroom excels in splendid carved furniture and other works of art. Adults may climb a 61 m tall watch tower. The beginnings of this castle date back to the first half of the 13th century. Although the castle was the permanent property of the king until the 16 th century, it was often given out to the management of noble families. In 1511 the castle entered private hands. From the 16th to the 18th centuries, the castle was owned by the families from Zerotin, Zastrizl, and Petrvald. Additional construction was made on Buchlov in Renaissance and Baroque styles. However, in 1707 a Baroque chateau in Buchlovice was completed, and the owners had moved there permanently by 1751. In 1800 the Berchtolds of Uhercice became the last holders of Buchlov. Under the auspices of 2 half-brothers Leopold and Bedrich, a family museum was created in the castle, which was opened to the public in the middle of the 19th century. Today's interior furnishings, together with a collection of specimens from nature and an extensive library, document the evolution of interior design and lifestyles between the 15th and the 19th centuries. A visit to the castle may be combined with a tour of the private cemetery of the owners of the chapel of St.Barbora.
The total area is 11 hectares and they are from the 17th century. They were changed from Baroque style to the Rococo, then to Classicist and then to English park in the 19th century. The gardens are dominated by Rococo summerhouse Bellaria and a cascading fountain with statues of water gods. Inside the castle is a Baroque Theatre, which is a monument so unique that it hold no equal in the world today. The Schwarzenbergs (1719 - 1947) left behind the perfectly preserved theatre with its priceless collection of original scenery, costumes, props and still functional machinery.
The ruined castle was later returned to the aristocracy of Sternberk and they extended and securing the castle with powerful fortifications. The last significant adaptations took place in the second half of 17th century, when the original broken silhouette nearly disappeared. It was also the home of the Crown Prince Regent Ferdinand II and his wife prior to their assassination in Sarajevo in 1914. This impressive fortress stands atop a hill, rising above the Sázava River. The enormous main hall and several smaller salons with fine baroque detailing, elaborate chandeliers and period art are testaments to the wealth of the Sternberk family. One of the oldest and most valuable historical sights in Bohemia is Cheb castle. It was founded in the 12th century by the Bavarian Vohburg family. In the 13th century the castle was incorporated into the town fortification and lost its independent defending role In the middle of the 17th century it turned into a Baroque fortress. After being plundered in 1742 the castle was neglected till it reached the appearance it has today. The original 13th century castle was the administrative centre of the surrounding Chodsko region. It was then severely damaged by a fire at the end of the 16th century and abandoned for a long time. It was only in 1772 that the owners of the estate had it rebuilt. Later it was the seat of administration. Today it houses a museum of the Chodsko Region. This early Gothic castle was built by the powerful family of Ronovec, within whose period the center of the cylindrical tower was created. This tower dominates the whole structure. In 1278 the Frydlant castle was passed over to the nobility of Biberstejn, who extended it to other buildings. The shape of the exterior was substantially changed by the Renaissance, particularly in the second half of the 16th century when the Italian architect Marco Spazio built a one story manor with Renaissance gables and graffiti decorated facades under the castle. The exterior of the standing buildings must have been adapted to the new style of architecture.
After the battle of White Mountain (1620) the estate was obtained by Albrecht of Valdstejn. After his assassination the manor was obtained by Matyas Gallas, the commander in chief of the imperial army. After fires in the manor, an early Baroque reconstruction took place. The historical construction interventions started to be projected into the architecture of the castle and the manor in the 19th century. What is really remarkable is that the collections in the castle were openly accessible to the public as early as 1801. In Frydlant, visitors go through more than 50 accessible interiors, the guided tour is therefore longer and more demanding. Many rooms have outstanding historical decorations. Interiors are equipped with furniture from the past 4 centuries. There are ceramics and china, abundant armory and to a smaller extent other collections. Among the curiosities are 200 pipes. The castle kitchen, with a rare collection of copper and tin plates, dates back to about 1900. Originally a Gothic castle, founded in the middle of the 13th century by the nobility of Donin. In 1566 - 1586 it was rebuilt into a Renaissance mansion and under the castle a new chateau was constructed. The complicated reconstructions crowned the family of Clam-Gallas, who owned the chateau from 1704 and renovated it in Baroque and Classical styles. The chateau is surrounded by an English park.
This castle was founded in 1355 when King Charles IV granted permission to Jan of Rozmberk and his 3 brothers. Its construction was finished after 9 years in 1364. This castle was the property of the Rozmberks, but it had never become a seignorial residence, it served as an administration castle. The Rozmberks possessed it until 1475 and then they sold it to Jan of Svamberk, who let the castle to Vaclav Vlcek of Cenov.
The Rozmberks acquired the castle back in 1503. They had it in possession until 1593 when Petr Vok; the last of the Rozmberks, sold it together with its estates to the town Prachatice. After confiscating the property of the town in 1622, the castle belonged to the Eggenbergs. Later on the Schwarzenbergs inherited it in 1717 and owned it until the first land reform which took place between 1921 and 1922. Then the castle ruin accrued to the Czechoslovakian state which leased it to the Club of Czech Tourists. After 1945 the ruin was classified among state castles and chateaux. Nowadays the castle is managed by the town Bavorov together with the village Krajnicko. The ruins of Helfenburk, widespread outside the wooded hills called Mlaka, are visible from large distance. The castle was built on a place where the rocky mountain range turns to the east. This rocky moutain range divides the circular ground plan into 2 settlements round the castle and on its top there is a palace. The southern courtyard standing over the rocky cliff was defended by a simple wall with the battlement. The nothern one was far more vulnerable because of the approach that led to the castle. It was necessary to fort this side more thoroughly. An additional area was secured with a high wall at the end of the 14th century. The total fort was finished in the last quarter of the 15th century when 3 bulwarks were built in the corners of the original wall. Originally a rather small castle without towers, Helfstyn was founded by the robbing knight Fridus of Linava after 1306. The King Jan Lucembursky took the castle away from him.
At the end of the 18th century Helfstyn was abandoned, but ever since the 19th century an effort was put forth for its preservation. Among cultural events held every year at the castle, the meeting of art smiths has achieved international fame. Many of their works are permanently exhibited at the castle. This originally Gothic castle, remodeled in the Baroque style, is located 10 km north of Ceské Budejovice. It underwent a significant transformation in the 19th century when it was remodeled in the English Windsor-style Gothic into the official seat of the Schwarzenberg dynasty. The castle is now a museum. There are more than 140 rooms and halls rich in collection of pictures (especially Dutch paintings), porcelain, tapestries by Badouin von Beveren, weapons, glass, furniture with woodcarvings, hunting trophies and much else besides. The complex includes a glassed-in winter garden, a riding hall, an English park (190 hectares), and a chapel. Nearby is the Ohrada Zoo, which is nicely located on the shores of a lake and provides a very welcome interlude for the whole family after visiting the chateau. Formerly an episcopal castle was founded in the middle of the 13 th century. The features of it are apparent only in interiors today; a Gothic chapel is the most valuable part. John Popel Lobkowitz, who was in favour with the king Ferdinand I and holding important powers in the country, obtained this manor in the year 1535.
For its enormous historical value, the whole complex was declared to be a National Cultural Monument in the year 1996. The chateau is one of the most accessible monuments in the Czech Republic today. Hukvaldy Castle is first mentioned as early as 1285. In the following 4 centuries the Olomouc Bishops extended Hukvaldy into a mighty fortress with 5 cannon bastions, which proved itself as a stronghold during a Danish blockade and double siege by the Swedes in the last phase of the 30-Years War. After the fire in 1762 the castle was dilapidating. Nowadays it is a partially reconstructed castle ruin, one of the biggest in the Czech Republic. This romantic castle was built on a granite rock in the 14th century. For over 200 years it was the property of the Malovec family who rebuilt it into a Baroque chateau in the 17th century. In 1870 the romantic pseudo-gothic reconstruction was finished and the chateau took its present appearance. The castle houses a motorcycle museum.
By far the most popular destination in the Czech Republic after Prague, Karlstejn Castle is an easy day trip 29 km from Prague for those interested in getting out of the city. Charles IV built this medieval castle from 1348 to 1357 to safeguard the crown jewels of the Holy Roman Empire.
In its early days, the king's jewels housed within enhanced the castle's importance and reputation. Vandalism having forced several of its finest rooms to close, these days the castle is most spectacular from the outside. Unfortunately, many of the more interesting restored rooms are kept off-limits and open only for special guests. Since Karlstejn's beauty lies more in its facade and surroundings than in the castle itself, the 20 to 30-minute walk up the hill is, along with the view, one of the main features that makes the trip amazing. When you reach the top, you have a very nice view of the town and down the Well Tower. A ruin of a Gothic castle built in a dominant position, was founded in 1356 to protect the area's gold mines as well as the old route to Bohemia. Advanced fortifications from the same period are found to the southeast and known as 'the Deserted Castle'. The castle is a fine example of the defense architecture. The castle was mentioned first back in 1291 when its construction was undoubtedly finished. At the start of the Hussite Wars, Pribik of Klenova had the castle partially refashioned and, above all, thoroughly fortified. In the 16th century the castle started to deteriorate and its owners, instead of saving it, preferred to build a new residential building in its proximity, later transformed into a manor. In 1834 - 1836 the building passed through a Neo-Gothic adjustment. At present, there is a modern art gallery placed in this romantic setting. Sculptures are situated next to the tower with a former starving tower, within which are contained, for instance, pictures, graphic art, minute sculptures, and photographs.
The architect, Eduard Sochor, was a leader in this project and considering its occurrence between 1911 and 1918, it was one of the latest Romantic restorations of a Medieval object. This 17th century castle-turned-hunting-lodge, about 2 km from the town of Benesov, and an hour-long scenic train trek from Prague, was built by the Habsburgs. Here emperors and archdukes relaxed amid the well-stocked hunting grounds surrounding the castle. In 1887 the castle became the property of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne.
Though he's best known for being assassinated by the Black Hand (the repercussions of which included WW I), it's Franz's trophy collection that brings in the crowds. The archduke was an obsessive hunter, as you'll learn on any of the 3 guided tours through the palace (Stuffed animals, both local and exotic. After exploring the castle's interior, wander around the beautiful gardens where quails, pheasants, and peacocks roam freely. Down below the castle is a large pond where some people go swimming and picknicking.
The building is dominated by its 6-story residential tower called White Tower. Around 1414 the castle was acquired by the Zajics of Hazmburk. In 1497 - 1524 Kost had been occupied by the Selmberks, who refashioned the western wing. The Bibernstejn Palace was built next to the castle road by the middle of the 16th century. The outer buildings, fortified and affiliated to the castle, came into existence in a fortified approach under the Lobkowics (since 1585). In the spacious halls visitors are attracted by the numerous weapons from the 17th to 19th centuries. A fortress ruin from the middle of the 14th century surrounded by a moat and a battlement with a residential watchtower. Jan Hus, a Czech priest, preached below the fortress. The fortress was destroyed in the middle of the 15th century.
The ruins of Krakovec castle are on a hill above the junction of Sipsky and Krakovsky creeks. The castle was built in 1381 - 1383. Before his journey to Kostnice, the famous czech reformer Jan Hus lived here. During the hussite wars and during the 30-Year's War the castle was almost destroyed. At the end of the 17th century it was rebuilt but after a fire in 1783 it was abandoned and continued decaying till today. Krivoklat castle is less crowded and much less touristy than its neighbor Karlstejn. Krivoklat is a royal castle mentioned as early as the 11th century and is located in the peaceful Berounka River Valley. The fortress was rebuilt several times over the years but retains its Gothic style. The royal family was among Krivoklat's frequent visitors, and during the Hussite Uprising, King Zigmund of Luxembourg hid his jewels here. Often a castle tour fails to live up to expectations, but this is one of the best castle tours; it's almost a reverse of Karlstejn
Krivoklat is near Karlstejn, so consider visiting both in 1 day if you drive or take the train. The contrast between the bustling Karlstejn and the sleepy Krivoklat is startling.
Today visitors can see the Knights' Hall, an archeological exposition, the castle chapel, cellar rooms, and climb the tower, whose little windows offer a good view in all directions.
The most significant Medieval owner of the castle was Vilem of Landstejn, the counselor to both the King Jan Lucembursky and the King Karel IV. In the 15th and 16th centuries, under the authority of the Krajirs of Krajek, the greatest building modifications were done to the castle in a fully Renaissance style but after 1579 the owners frequently changed and the castle decreased in its significance. Ledec nad Sazavou Castle was the property of the Ledecsti family of Ricany from it foundation in the 13th century up to the 16th century.
In the 16th century it was adapted and rebuilt in the Renaissance style. It went through further adaptations after a fire in 1879. From the original Medieval castle only the cylindrical tower has been preserved until today. However, the regular character of the manor buildings bears witness to the fact that they may belong to the newly erected buildings originating from the end of the 16th century. 
A considerable early Baroque modification, which gave the construction its present appearance, occurred after 1660 under the direction of Jan R. Breda and his successor Krystof. The most famous occupier of Lemberk, in the 13th century, was Zdislava, the wife of the castle founder, becoming famous within her short life through both her merciful deeds and talent to miraculously heal. In 1995 she was canonized by Pope Jan Pavel II. Of the interiors it is the late Renaissance Hall of Fables that stands out, named after the 77th motif from Esop's Fables, which are painted on the panel ceiling. A kitchen from the 17th century has been preserved in a functional state. Lipnice castle was founded by Raimund of Lichtemburk at the beginning of the 14th century. Other important possessors were Jan Lucembursky, Karel IV, the nobility of both Lipa and Landstejn, and Cenek of Vartemberk.
Later, when the castle silhouette threatened to vanish from the horizon entirely, a few enthusiasts established the Association for Preservation of the Castle Lipnice. It had to wait for thorough reconstruction until the second half of the 20th century, with only the basic structure being secured against collapse. In the castle's interior is an armory, an archeological exposition, and an ample collection of stone tiles from the 15th and 16th centuries. The spacious cellar vaults and pillared Banquet Hall are accessible as well. In a nearby cottage under the castle, J. Hasek wrote his world famous Stories of the Good Soldier Svejk. The construction of Litice Castle began in the 13th century by the Drslavice family. In the middle of the 14th century it got into the nobility of Lichtenburg who added 2 palaces and a castle tower. In 1427 Jiri of Podebrady inherited the castle. Jiri further developed the castle and completed its fortification. Later the castle lost its importance and was abandoned. In the early 19th century the castle was bought by J. Parish, an English merchant. In 1948 the castle was acquired by the state.
In the area of the castle is a unique and special small theatre with an auditorium for 150 people. Founded in the 12th century, the ancient town of Loket is situated not far from the famous west Bohemian spa towns, dominated by the mighty structure of the Medieval castle fortress. In 1434 the castle and the town was given by the Emperor Zikmund to the Sliks, under whom expensive modifications of the castle took place.
After extensive restoration work, the castle is now open to public and serves as a museum with a permanent exhibition of china and it is also used for other cultural purposes. The center of the town gives a pleasantly impression. A preserved medieval castle from the 14th century in the town of Zlin. In following centuries rebuilt in the Renaissance style and later Baroque styles and enlarged with new residential buildings. From 1804 to 1945 it belonged to the Sternberk family. This castle, perched over the west side of the town of Mikulov, has been restored after being burned by the Germans in WW II. The museum inside includes local archaeology and natural history, paintings and weapons, but the best displays are on regional folk traditions and wine making. In the cellar is the largest wine barrel in central Europe.
In 1468 Tovacovsky of Cimburk took possession of the castle and started to rebuild it. Another fundamental reconstruction was carried out in the early 16th century and it acquired its renaissance look. In the middle of the 18th century the building was adapted to a barracks which it served as until 1918. Now the castle houses the district museum.
This Gothic castle documented as early 1277 seemed to attract all sorts of disasters (apart from several fires there was also a gun powder explosion and an earthquake) so that its famous owners, the Rosenbergs since 1359 and Buquoys since 1620, had to reconstruct or restore the castle several times. The interiors made publicly accessible so far are only modestly furnished. Nearby is Zumberk, the only village in Bohemia with a preserved fortification, i.e. about one third of the original oblong shape. The high stone wall with salient round bastions dates back probably to the beginning of the 17th century.  Castles closer to Prague like Karlstejn and Konopiste get all the attention, but it is worthwhile to take the time to visit Orlík Castle, located 70 km south of Prague. Set among forests that line the Vltava where it swells from the Orlík Dam, the castle is definitely worth a visit.
It stayed that way until 1962, when water trapped by the Orlík Dam downriver flooded thousands of hectares of land, bringing the water level up to the castle's lower walls. Returned to the Schwarzenberg family in 1992, the castle retains its splendor, while the surrounding area has become one of the most popular lake resorts in the Czech Republic. Orlík is also one of the nicest swimming areas in the country and therefore is a very popular holiday destination for camping. Castle tours explain the history of the Schwarzenberg family and take you through a fine collection of artifacts celebrating the victory over Napoléon at the Battle of Leipzig in 1815. Keep an eye out for the hand-carved wooden ceiling that took over 4 years to complete.
In the latter half of the 16th century the castle was adapted in a Renaissance style. Hidden in the forests of the eastern edge of the Bohemia-Moravia highlands, Pernstejn is one of the most important and most beautiful castles in Moravia. From the middle of the 13th century it was the seat of the lords of Pernstejn who for centuries played an important role in the political affairs of the Czech kingdom.
Around the 1700's Baroque alterations were carried out in the castle rooms, and in 1716 Franz Eckstein decorated the ceilings of the chapel while Corbellini added stucco to the Knights Hall. The end of the 18th century brought further modifications required by the new owners, the Schröffl family from Mannsberk, in whose days Schweigl executed the sculptures for the castle gardens. The beginnings of the history of the Prague Castle go back to the middle of the 9th century when it became the residence of the Premysl family. By the beginning of the 14th century a number of palaces of the ruling Cukes and later Czech Kings grew out in the area of the Castle, as well as the palaces of the bishops and sacral buildings, all this protected by a mighty fortification.
After the damage during the Hussite wars the Prague Castle rose to a new glory during the reign of Vladislav Jagellonsky who built the vast Vladislav's Hall with a wonderful vault before 1493, the first building with Renaissance elements in Bohemia. The Castle experienced another period of blossom during the reign of the emperor Rudolf II. During 1753 to 1775 the Prague Castle was rebuilt by the decision of Maria Theresia, according to the project of the architect Niccolo Pacassi from the court in Vienna. At present the historical objects of the Prague Castle are under the administration of the Office of the President of the Republic. The dominant of the Prague Castle is the already mentioned church of St. Vitus, successor of a rotunda of the same name established around 925 by the Duke Wenceslas, later saint and chief patron saint of the kingdom. The iconographic program of the cathedral which is at present the most visited building in Bohemia was formulated probably by Charles IV himself. The idea to follow the legacy of the family of Premysl was expressed by carrying over the bodies of the Premysl dukes and kings to the choir of the cathedral. The construction of this monumental cathedral was interrupted by the Hussite wars and certainly nobody had any idea that the completion of the construction would be postponed for the whole next centuries so that the cathedral was not ultimately completed and consecrated until the time of the millennium of St. Wenceslas, i.e. in 1929. During the long time of its development the cathedral became a symbol of both spiritual and material identity of the Czech nation since there are the old symbols of the Czech state, culture and history hidden in its walls. This is a ruin of the oldest stone castle in the territory of the Czech Republic. It was built by the Masters of Vohburg at the beginning of the 12th century. Up to the end of the 16th century the castle fulfilled its guarding function and after that it lost its strategic position and fell into a state of disrepair. From 1675 it was the property of the Kolovrats who had the ruin provisionally secured in the middle of the 19th century. Today the massive residential tower whose ground floor was used as a prison is the most visible part of the castle core.
By the end of the 15th century the castle was enlarged and newly fortified by a row of inward open gun bastions. Since the 17th century the ruler Ferdinand II prohibited to repair the castle which consequently dilapidated. The builders however did a very good work and the fortress survived long periods of time in such good condition that at present it is a brilliant example of castle architecture and one of the biggest castles in the Czech Republic.
In the originally residential rooms there are not very extensive exhibitions of china and tin, wood products, hunting weapons and accessories, simple contemporary furniture and exhibition of masonry. There is also an interesting blazon hall with Renaissance wall paintings of blazons from the 17th century in the interiors, botanical hall with paintings of flowers from the beginning of the 19th century and a large wooden Christmas crib.
In the course of the 3 centuries past, the Rozmberk castle underwent several partial reconstructions. The first one started in 1620, the second one 100 years later during the time of Charles Albert Buquoy, and the third reconstruction began in the 1850s. The interior of the Rozmberk castle is accessed by a monumental, lavishly carved staircase dating from the 1850s. Visitors can stroll through the Crusade Gallery where there are portraits of leading Christian crusaders. The Rozmberk armoury is, from a historical point of view, one of the most valuable in Bohemia today. Here you can see numerous examples of armour, helmets called morions, cutting weapons, and firearms mostly from the time of the 30-Years War. In the room once belonging to Charles Albert, there is an interesting green stove along with 4 bureaus dating from the 17th century. Originally a Romanesque castle from the beginning of the 13th century called Seeberg which was enlarged in the middle of the 15 th century and again in the 16th century. It was plundered during the 30-Year's War, restoration was carried out at the beginning of the 20th century. Today the castle has been reconstructed and there are interiors with furnishings from the 19th century and a regional ethnographic exhibition. Sovinec Castle was built by the nobility of Sovinec in 1333. At the turn of the 16th century began a reconstruction and enlargement of the castle in the late gothic and early renaissance styles. In 1623 the German Knights Order bought the castle and rebuilt it into a fortress. The castle was later conquered and routed by the Swedes. The first repairs were not made until 1837 and the castle served as a summer residence of the members of the order. In 1945 the castle burned down and was reconstructed after the war.
In the 18th century Spilberk was transformed into an enormous Baroque fort which also became a feared prison, with the casemates being particularly notorious. It became the place of grim, lengthy suffering for French revolutionaries, Italian carbonari, adherents of the Young Italy movement as well as Czech political prisoners. The prison was also a place of terror during WW II. Since 1961 it has been a museum under the administration of Brno city and is used for exhibition purposes. The former prison cells and casemates are also open for viewing. The castle of Strakonice was built by an important family of Bavors who started the construction of their residence at the beginning of the 13th century. Later they donated part of the castle to the knights of the Order of St. John. In the beginning of the 15th century the knights of St. John owned the whole castle as well as the surrounding manor. The castle had an extensive reconstruction to a representation residence of the Grand Pilliers of the Order in the 16th century, the later modifications were only minor. Part of the castle serves today as museum of the region of Strakonice.
From the middle of the 17th century the castle fell into a state of disrepair. At the end of the 19th century it was partially restored. The castle watch tower, a part of the palace with a chapel, the knight's hall and battlements with remnants if bastions have been preserved up to now. This royal castle of Premysl Otakar II from the period around 1265 was thoroughly fortified in the 15th century by the barons from Boskovice. The so called House of armorers also dates from before 1480. The barons of Trcka from Lipa built a new palace in the 16 th century. After the 30-Year's War the whole site dilapidated. Restoring works began in 1910 and they dragged on with many pauses for several decades. At present there are exhibition spaces in this important castle with an introductory historical exhibition.
The repairs after the 30-Year's War did not architecturally enrich the castle anymore. The dilapidating building was rebuilt in a Romantic style after 1886. The first floor of the castle palace is furnished by individual pieces of furniture from the 16th century, there are also paintings and sculptures. Each stove in the rooms of the second floor has different decoration as well as furniture from later periods. The castle of Sternberk is also famous for its rich museum of table clocks. The water castle of Svihov built at the break of the 15th and 16th century on the site of a former stronghold has an important place among fortification buildings. The core of the castle consists of 2 residential wings, which enclose 2 internal regular yards. The presbytery of the chapel stands out from the moat in the east, in the west there is a mighty prism tower. Around the castle there was a settlement fortified by bastions and another water dike. The interiors of the castle illustrate the life in the 16th century. There are precious sculptures in the chapel, the armory of the castle is also remarkable. There is a valuable set of Gothic art from the collections of the National Gallery in the castle. Historical exhibitions alternate in the exhibition hall. This castle belongs among the jewels of Moravian Renaissance architecture. The original interiors have been preserved in very good condition. Many of them are representative examples of the outreach of Italian art into the country, which was influenced often by the environment north of the Alps.
The most splendid rooms, for example the Blue and Golden Halls of 1561 were created in the newly built palace opposite the castle, which was lined by an arcade to the Renaissance Park. A memorial chapel adjoined the castle where the lords of Hradec built themselves a marble mausoleum. This is where the last descendant of the Vitkovec of Jindrichuv Hradec was buried.
Even now however it dominates the whole neighborhood. It is possible to see the original interiors and archaeological finds related to the castle in its 5-story royal palace. The venerable building and its prison dug in the rock, well and tower with a view as well as a number of newly installed accessories bring about the impression of Medieval age. Its even older period can be recalled at the nearby ruin of the former royal castle of Zebrak. The castle in Trebic arose in 1468, after the total reconstruction of the former Benedictine Monastery originated from the 12th century. In one part of the Castle, there is now the West-Moravian Museum exhibiting permanent expositions of Bethlehems, Moldawites and pipes. The symbol of the Cesky Raj is the Trosky Castle, now in ruins, which was built on 2 high peaks of volcanic rock. The Tower buildings on Baba and Panna rocks, built in the 14th century, represent a rare technical feat for the time. The castle fell into disrepair in the 17th century and its ruins are now being under conservation order.
Before 1487 the castle palace was rebuilt by the barons from Vlasim, partial modifications were made by the barons from Boskovice and since the 17th century by the Liechtensteins who owned the castle till 1945. The present museum exhibition in the interiors of the manor is based upon collections of trophies from hunting expeditions of the Liechtensteins to Africa and Asia as well as those acquired in Europe. The remains of Valdstejn Castle can be found at the western edge of Hrubá Skála (an extensive rock formation). The castle was constructed in the 13th century. As it was largely built of wood, by as early as 1582 there remained only a ruin of the castle complex. The composer Josef Bohuslav Foester wrote many of his works in this castle, which is celebrated by the memorial plaque placed in the second courtyard. The site of the castle of Velhartice belongs to exceptional works of the Czech castle architecture. It was established on the turn of the 13th and 14th century.
Its dominants are the ruins of an old Gothic palace called Paradise House and the tower Putna standing opposite to it which had both defensive and residential character. Both these parts are connected by a mighty stone bridge with 4 ogees. Next to the Paradise House stands a late Renaissance palace called after its builder the Huert wing. The site includes the building of beer brewery, relics of walls and utility buildings.
From 1085 - 1140 Vysehrad was the capital of Bohemia and Poland, but in 1140 the coronation of Vladislav transferred the capital to the newly built Prague Castle. During the centuries Vysehrad served as a fortress which protected Prague from the south. Now it is a quiet and peaceful fortress located on a rock, that offers the weary tourist a beautiful park and grounds whose walls overlook the Vltava River and historical Prague. Zebrak Castle dates from the 13th century and was reconstructed during the rule of Charles IV into a Kings Residence. It underwent the largest renovation during the rule of Wenceslas IV although he started to build another castle (Tocnik) nearby. In the 15th century the castle was given as a guarantee and fell into disrepair. After a fire in 1532 it was left as a ruin, which it is still today.
Probably to 1134 was the rotunda decorated with the fresco paintings that symbolize besides the scriptural motives the legend about the calling of the Premysl the Tiller to the princely throne and a picture-gallery of the oldest princes form the House of Premysliden. The hill towering over the joining of the Vltava and Otava rivers had been considered a suitable place for new settlements since the prehistoric times. It was there that a castle was founded by King Wenceslas I in 1234. The building and development of the castle is connected with the name of the son of Wenceslas I, Premysl Otakar II. It was he who added a 4-wing huge palace with an irregular layout, unusual for that time.
The 17th century marked the end of Zvíkov's prominent era. Although the castle was repaired, and in 1648 was ready to face the attacks of the Swedes, it began to dilapidate in subsequent years in the hands of the Eggenbergs and the Schwarzenbergs. Only in the first half of the 19th century were the roof of the chapel and the castle towers repaired. Between 1881 and 1885 more extensive restoration works were done, thanks to the owner, Karel Schwarzenberg, from the Orlik family branch. |
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The settlement in front of the castle obtained its present appearance in the year 1752, when the mighty protective tower was replaced by the Baroque manor, the surroundings also went through substantial change. At present the original castle is closed. 
The original castle was built of wood and covered the whole area of the promontory surrounded on 3 sides by the Zeletavka river. The oldest well-preserved stone building is the residential tower, probably originating from the third decade of the 13th century. The castle and its original buildings were, at the turn of the 14th century, rebuilt into a massive castle palace during the reconstruction which marked the passage of the Renaissance to Baroque. 
In 1695 Bouzov was obtained by an order of German knights, but they did not take proper care of it over the following 200 years. Not until the decision of the order grand master, Archduke Eugenius, did radical reconstruction take place between the years 1896 and 1901. The project, which was designed by Professor George Hauberisser of the Munich Polytechnic University, was more or less respectful of the ground plan of old castle, but all similarity with the previous building finishes here.
The original castle was founded by the lords of Krumlov in the first half of the 13 th century. The present chateau complex is one of the largest in Central Europe and it was recorded in the UNESCO List of World Cultural and Natural Heritage in 1992. It has a 6-stories and 54.5 m high gothic Renaissance tower and the surrounding gardens are some of the largest in Central Europe.
About 48 km of Prague lies Ceský Sternberk, once one of Bohemia's most powerful fortifications. The structure was built in the Gothic style in the first half of the 13th century, during the reign of Wenceslas I. 
The nobility of Kravare and Sovinec extended Helfstyn substantially before the end of the century. Other extensions and in particular mighty fortifications were made by Vilem of Pernstejn and his son Jan. 
In 1547 there was a big fire in the town and the castle was damaged too. John had the remains of the castle rebuilt after the Renaissance style. The chateau in this form has remained until today. William, the son and heir of John Popel, was given a death sentence for his participation in the uprising against the king in 1618 and his property was confiscated. The earl Maxmilian of Trauttmansdorff ans imperial diplomat bought the manor behind slight amount in 1623. The chateau was in the possesion of this house until the year 1945, when the state became its owner.
Although the castle has been changed over the years, with such additions as late Gothic staircases and bridges, renovators have removed these additions, restoring the castle to its original medieval state. As you approach, little can prepare you for your first view: a spectacular Disney-like castle perched on a hill, surrounded by lush forests and vineyards.
The fortified palace with a tower and a wall was built by Hynek Berka of Dube around 1320. At the close of the 15th century the castle was renovated in the late Gothic style by the lords of Klinstejn. Since the middle of the 17th century Kokorin had been tenantless and it deteriorated. The ruins were not bought until 1894 by Vaclav Spacek of Starburk, who decided to renovate the castle. 
In the beautiful environment of the Czech Paradise, in between the sandstone rocks, lies Kost, the medieval castle. It dates back to about the middle of the 14th century. It was built by Benes of Vartemberk in 1358. The silhouette of Kost, by a rare coincidence, has not changed since that time. 
Outside, Krivoklat pales in comparison to Karlstejn's beauty. But inside, Krivoklat is the better one. Take time to study the carvings at the altar in the Royal Chapel. They're not exactly angelic: the angels are holding instruments of torture; Krivoklat was once a prison for political criminals. The 24 m long Kings Hall is the second-longest secular hallway in the country after Prague's Vladislav Hall. In the Knights Hall you'll find a collection of fabulous late Gothic art. And the Furstenberg Picture Gallery is one of the country's largest castle libraries, with some 53,000 volumes on its shelves. 
The almost unidentifiable structure dates back to approximately the second half of the 14th century. It was then refashioned into the appearance of a castle by Divis Borek of Miletinek after 1420. At the end of the 15th century the Pernstejns started extensive modifications and during their time the castle obtained the representation late Gothic rooms. At the beginning of the 20th century essential reconstruction took place on the castle. 
Construction of the castle was started approximately at the beginning of the 13th century. Due to annexation of the Austrian countries by Premysl Otakar II the castle was seized by the Czech rulers and prominent south Bohemian magnates, the Vitkovecs. 
In the 15th century the estate was obtained by Mikulas Trcka of Lipa, whose descendants built a new palace at the start of the 16th century and around 1537 Jan Trcka ordered other parts of the castle to be adapted in the late Gothic style, though showing a touch of the oncoming Renaissance. Though the castle was partially damaged before the end of the 30-Year's War, it was not completely abandoned in the following centuries and thus did not become desolate until after the fire of 1869. 
The construction of the castle was finished in 1582. It was originally a Renaissance arcade-castle of the type first developed in Italy and then adopted and greatly developed in central Europe in the 16th century. Its design and decoration are particularly fine, including the later High-Baroque features added in the 18th century. It preserves intact the range of ancillary buildings associated with an aristocratic residence of this type. 
After the development of the town a long period of stagnation occurred, the gradual end of which was manifested by the building of an ostentatious early Baroque Town Hall and a broad minded modification of the church constructions. However, the castle lost much of its importance. It was predominantly utilized as a big storeroom and after 1822 it became a prison. 
On the site of a Premyslid fortified settlement was in the 13th century constructed for the King a stone castle. 
It was built in the 13th century but burned down several times, only to rise like a phoenix from the ashes with new additions and extensions. Inherited by the Schwarzenberg family in 1719 upon the death of Maria Ernestina, a member of the Habsburg dynasty, the castle was set high up on a hill, overlooking a once vibrant trade route. 
This Gothic castle was established at the beginning of the 14th century probably by barons from Zeleznice. The lords from Horice bought the manor from them in 1475 and reconstructed the original palace in the southern part of the building. 
Its present appearance results from the late Gothic transformations the castle underwent between 1450 and 1550. It came to be known as the 'marble' castle because of the marble- like local stone used to frame the doors and windows. The same material was used for the late Gothic church of nearby Doubravnik which contains the family vault. The castle has preserved some of its alveolar vaulting. At the end of the 16th century the family was obliged to sell both the castle and attendant estate, which marked the end of its days of glory. 
In 1344 King Charles IV laid the cornerstone of the cathedral of St. Vitus and called the French architect Mathias from Arras for its construction and the young Peter Parler after Mathias' death in 1356. 
Large ruins of a castle established in the first half of the 14th century. The castle was twice besieged and conquered by the Hussites, during the second siege in 1421 the commander Jan Zizka was badly injured in his only sound eye. 
The castle of Rostejn was built some time after 1339 by the barons from Hradec and used it as a hunting manor. As a dominant remained the original heptagonal tower 53 m high, open for the public and with a view far over the countryside.
The castle was founded by Vok of Rozmberk in the first half of the 13th century. The first word of it is found in a scroll by King Wenceslas I in 1250. In 1612 the castle was passed on to the Svamberk family, only to be conquered 7 years later by the Habsburg general, Charles Bonaventura Buquoy. The French family of the Buquoys, whom the castle was given to by the Emperor Ferdinand, stayed in Rozmberk and in nearby Nove Hrady where they lived from the 19th century until 1945. 
This castle in Brno was built in the first half of the 13th century on top of a hill bearing the same name. The original building often changed hands and the medieval part was later rebuilt. 
This is a castle ruin from the beginning of the 14th century. In 1564 the castle was acquired by the Lobkovics who had the abandoned castle restored and enlarged in the renaissance style. 
The original castle was established after the middle of the 13th century by Zdeslav from Sternberk. The building damaged by the Hussite wars was restored by Jiri Straznicky from Kravare; further additions were made by the family of Berka from Duba and Lipa in the 16th century.
The Gothic castle was built in the second half of the 14th century. Towards the end of the 15th century the castle fortifications were strengthened and a new gate-tower built. By the middle of the 16th century the medieval castle no longer satisfied Renaissance noblemen and the castle was altered in the Renaissance style. The facade decorated with graffito and the state apartments and living quarters received stucco ornamentation together with trompe l'oeil paintings and chiaroscuro in 1553. 
Tocnik is first mentioned from 1398. It is an architecturally mature building where its founder, King Wenceslas IV, liked to dwell. After Renaissance adaptations performed by the barons of Vartemberk and Lobkovice the castle was inhabited till the 30-Year's War during which it most of the castle dilapidated.
According to the archaeological research it appears very likely that the original castle here was established around the middle of the 13th century, probably upon an order of the Czech ruler. 
Vysehrad castle (castle on the hill) is Prague's second castle, but built sooner than Prague Castle. Originally built in the 10 th century, a little before King Wenceslas came to power, Vysehrad castle has been rebuilt many times since. According to legend princess Libussa founded Vysehrad castle in 710 AD. In Vysehrad she married Premysl Orác, a commoner, and together they went on to become the founders of Prague. 
The Rotunda of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the St. Catherine reared about 1037 by the Czech Prince Bretislav I as a great parish church.
On the ground and first floors, the wings are connected by arcade passages with circular windows facing the courtyard. Towards the end of the 13th century, construction work begun on ramparts with gates and bastions of the chief administrative buildings, and a tower called Hlaska which was made higher in 1554. 
