Contents

Bečov nad Teplou ...... 4 Kašperk ...... 35 Orlík ...... 65 Bezděz...... 5 Klášterec nad Ohří ...... 36 Pernštejn...... 66 Bítov...... 6 Kokořín ...... 37 Ploskovice ...... 67 Blatná ...... 7 Konopiště ...... 38 Praha – Pražský hrad. . . . .68 Boskovice ...... 8 Kost ...... 39 Praha – Trojský zámek. . . .70 Bouzov...... 9 Krásný Dvůr...... 40 Praha – Vyšehrad...... 71 Buchlov ...... 10 Kratochvíle ...... 41 Rabí ...... 72 Buchlovice...... 11 Kroměříž ...... 42 Ratibořice ...... 73 Častolovice ...... 12 Křivoklát ...... 43 Rožmberk ...... 74 Červená Lhota...... 13 Kuks...... 44 Slavkov (Austerlitz) ...... 75 Český Krumlov ...... 14 Kunětická hora ...... 45 Sychrov ...... 76 Český Šternberk ...... 16 Kunín...... 46 Špilberk (Brno)...... 77 Cheb...... 17 Kynžvart ...... 47 Šternberk ...... 78 Dětenice ...... 18 Landštejn ...... 48 Švihov ...... 79 Dobříš ...... 19 Lednice ...... 49 Telč ...... 80 Duchcov...... 20 Lipnice nad Sázavou . . . . .50 Točník and Žebrák ...... 82 Frýdlant...... 21 Litomyšl...... 51 Trosky...... 83 Hluboká nad Vltavou . . . . .22 Loket ...... 52 Třeboň ...... 84 Horšovský Týn...... 23 Manětín...... 53 Valtice ...... 85 Hořovice ...... 24 Mělník ...... 54 Velhartice ...... 86 Hradec nad Moravicí . . . . .25 Mikulov ...... 55 Velké Březno...... 87 Hrádek u Nechanic...... 26 Milotice ...... 56 Velké Losiny ...... 88 Hukvaldy...... 27 Mnichovo Hradiště...... 57 Vizovice ...... 89 Jaroměřice nad Rokytnou 28 Náchod ...... 58 Vranov nad Dyjí ...... 90 Javorník – Jánský Vrch. . . .29 Náměšť na Hané ...... 59 Zákupy...... 91 Jindřichův Hradec...... 30 Náměšť nad Oslavou . . . . .60 Zvíkov ...... 92 Kačina ...... 31 Nelahozeves ...... 61 Žďár nad Sázavou...... 93 Kámen...... 32 Nové Město nad Metují . . .62 Žleby ...... 94 Karlova Koruna...... 33 Olomouc ...... 63 Karlštejn ...... 34 Opočno ...... 64

Hotel Restaurant UNESCO

Opening hours Special Off er Suitable for children

Hire of premises Weddings Chateau garden for cultural and social events Tours Chateau park

2 Castles and Chateaux – heirloom of the Czech Republic

The most valuable things inherited by by your imagination of fi ction stories. You will the Czechs from their ancestors are monuments. visit magnifi cent interiors, furnished with neat Anyone coming to the Czech Republic for the fi rst taste and almost unlimited fi nancial facilities of time will be surprised by their number and intact- long-time owners, you will see all manner of col- ness, impressive location, architectural magnifi - lections and works of art collected with love and cence, variety of art designs, skilled fi nish and in- pride by generations of aristocratic families, you genious operation. The visitor will be enchanted will climb towers with magnifi cent panoramas by special energy they radiate, and thus create of the area, you will be lost in the mysterious an unprecedented atmosphere when entering labyrinths of underground corridors, you will inside. And the visitor who has already seen all inhale the scent of ancient parks and lushness of this from previous visits knows that the reper- perfectly arranged historic gardens. toire of places worth visiting, photographing and later talking about with enthusiasm to friends, However, the Czech castles and chateaux is almost inexhaustible – and the experience is are not only a sleeping museum, where time always strong, surprising and prime... stood still. These also include historic festivities and markets, night-time guided tours, guides Long centuries of Czech history left about in costumes, demonstrations of birds of prey two thousand castles, chateaux, fortresses and training, presentation of old crafts and tasting of their ruins in the country. We invite you to learn traditional delicacies, theatre and opera, fencing, about the remarkable stories and secrets. In this concerts, art festivals, exhibitions and workshops book we present a selection of the most beautiful – everything is announced on relevant websites places that the current owners make accessible in time. And if this is not enough you can try to to public curious eyes. The guides will tell you live in a chateau – almost everywhere you can in detail on the spot about the interesting fates rent most attractive premises for social events of individual residences and their inhabitants in – for example for a wedding ceremony. Please the fl ow of time and leave you to be carried away come in...

3 Bečov nad Teplou

Why visit: known about its existence. This complicated case The chateau shelters a unique treasure, the sec- investigated by leading Czechoslovak criminolo- ond most valuable artefact of the Czech Republic gists was resolved in 1985 and became also following the crown jewels. A magnifi cently a topic of a detective story. decorated golden casket created in the 13th century on the order of the Belgian Benedictine monastery for housing the remains of St. John the Baptist and St. Maurus, belongs, considering the art and the craft aspects, to The story of the St. Maurus reliquary the most beautiful medieval goldsmith’s work, including its demanding restoration by leading the only one of its kind in Central Europe. Czech restorers is told by a gripping exhibition in the chateau’s interior. From history: De Beauforts, the last owners of the chateau, V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV and X at week- had to leave the estate after collaboration with ends and public holidays the Nazis in 1945. They buried St. Maurus reli- quary beneath the fl oor in the chateau’s chapel hoping to come back for it. If later on a foreign buyer had not appeared to negotiate a purchase www.zamek-becov.cz of an unspecifi ed valuable item with the Czech Náměstí 5. května 13, state, most probably, nobody would have ever 364 64 Bečov nad Teplou

4 Bezděz

Why visit: months. In the 17th century the castle was The majestic ruin of the medieval castle is one of changed into a fortifi ed monastery and following the most distinct dominant features of the Czech its abolition it declined into a quaint ruin. landscape. It inspired many artists, for example the composer Bedřich Smetana, who used Thanks to the fact that no extensive adjust- the local story theme of the hidden treasure ments were carried out in the castle, it preserved in his opera “The Secret”. Karel Hynek Mácha, the authentic medieval atmosphere. The most the greatest Czech romantic poet, brought fame valuable structure is the Chapel of the Royal to the castle with the tragic love story in the epic Palace, a real gem of Gothic architecture. poem “May”. The nearby Lake Mácha, bearing A monumental forty meters high Big Tower used the poet’s name in tribute, is now a centre of by inhabitants as the last refuge in the siege, water sports and recreation. feasts the eyes with distant views of “the Mácha's region”. From history: Přemysl Otakar II (Ottokar II of Bohemia), “the Iron V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV and X at week- and Golden King”, certainly had not anticipated ends and holidays that the sentry castle he built in the second half of the 13th century as a residence for his oc- casional stays, would become shortly after his death a prison for his seven years old son Václav www.hrad-bezdez.eu (Wenceslaus) and his widowed queen for many Státní hrad Bezděz, 472 01 Doksy

5 Bítov

Why visit: In the last century the family residence was used as a place for building one of the biggest private zoological gardens of the time in Europe Four guided tours outline the intricate by the ever-so-slightly eccentric Baron Haas, history of one of the most ancient royal castles the last owner. In addition to live animals he also and the life of its inhabitants. In addition to loved his zoological collections of local and exotic the palace and the armoury with unique exhibits, animals, in particular the collection of 51 stuff ed the prison, dungeon and the torture chamber dogs of various breeds including the extinct with replicas of torture tools the visitors can try Aff enpinschers – today the collection has been out themselves, are also very attractive. entered in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest of its kind in the world. V–VIII Monday–Sunday, IV and X at week- ends and holidays From history: The fortifi ed castle situated on the promon- The ghostly exposition “Armorial beast” tory near the confl uence of the Želetavka and in the former castle brewery introduces mythic the Dyje rivers protected the Southern Moravia monsters, dragons, basilisks and other peculiari- Czech Kingdom borders as early as the early ties used in heraldry. Middle Ages. Its present appearance is a result of romantic adjustments from the 19th century and it picturesquely fi ts the local area of woods, waters and hillsides, where the sun and the spar- www.hradbitov.cz kling Moravian vine reign. Státní hrad Bítov, 671 07 pošta Uherčice

6 Blatná

Why visit: The town’s typical white and red entrance tower of the water castle from stone was built at the end of the Middle Ages under the rule of Lords of Rožmitál (Rosental). They held high state positions, loved luxurious life styles and were inspired by advanced culture of the Western European nobility. The reconstruction of the old palace into the splendid three fl oor Gothic and Renaissance palace was assigned to Benedict Rejt, the famous master builder working in royal services.

From history: The representative residence in Blatná was very often the centre of political events in the Czech Kingdom. Johanka, the sister of Jaroslav Lev of Rožmitál married Jiří (George) of Poděbrady and became the Czech queen. Jaroslav as a very edu- cated and competent diplomat headed on behalf of his brother-in-law the famous legation around the European courts.

The partitioned interior mainly holds family collections of Hildprandts, who possessed the chateau from the 18th century. Of interest also is the study and the exhibition of Jan Evan- gelista Purkyně, the excellent Czech doctor and naturalist of the 18th century, who worked here as a tutor in his youth.

V–September 15 Tuesday–Sunday, IV and September 16–X at weekends

www.zamek-blatna.cz Na Příkopech 320, 388 01 Blatná

7 Boskovice

Why visit: A grandiose dance hall housed many balls The charming chateau which belongs to the pur- and festivities, attended by the cream of society. est exhibits of Empire architecture in Moravia, In the battles hall you will fi nd paintings on houses special curious items: one of the three buff alo leather with scenes from wars against copper globes in the world, where the starlit the Turks. sky features heraldic symbols, and a remarkable Rococo theatre for children donated to the own- V–IX daily except Monday ers by the British Queen Victoria. The children will enjoy the miniature furni- From history: ture set and the children’s Rococo theatre. At the site of the present representative manor there used to be a Dominican monastery that served as a dye factory for a short of period of time after its abolition. The manor was rebuilt Recommendation: The chateau’s history also includes into its current appearance at the beginning of the near romantic ruin of Boskovice castle with 26 the 19th century. metres deep well driven by a wooden treadle.

www.zamekboskovice.cz Hradní 6, 680 01 Boskovice

8 Bouzov

Why visit: If fi lm-makers seek an ideal scenery for a fairy tale or a historic story, the Bouzov castle with its battlements, oriels, loopholes and gargoyles, drawbridges and portcullises is the fi rst one on their list of locations. The Order of Teutonic Knights, the then owners, ordered this romantic medieval atmosphere during the castle’s rebuild- ing at the turn of the 19th and the 20th centuries and they did not hesitate to pay for it 20 million guldens.

From history: The castle founded in the 14th century is most probably the place of birth of Jiří of Poděbrady, the future Czech king.

The furniture in the chambers of the Grand Master of the Order of Teutonic Knights, the se- cret passages, but also a big stove and a grill in the castle’s kitchen show that the holy knights liked their period comforts. The castle and the beautiful forests of the Drahanská uplands are nicely seen from the gallery of the 61 metres high watchtower.

IV and X at weekends; V–IX Tuesday– Sunday

www.hrad-bouzov.cz Státní hrad Bouzov, 783 25 Bouzov 8

9 Buchlov

Why visit: the castle presents a textbook of architectural An old, mysterious castle emblazoned with styles from the early Middle Ages up to the 19th a number of legends is the most dominant fea- century. ture of the distinctive Moravian Slovakia region. In the fi rst half of the 19th century the last In addition to the rare Egyptology collection owners of the castle established here a museum it is impossible to miss out rich collections of accessible to the general public, for which natural objects including a number of curiosi- they acquired numerous collections. Perhaps ties and a vast library established at the end the greatest curiosity is the old Egyptian mummy of the 16th century with more than 10 000 estimated to be 4 000 years old. volumes. The castle tower of 545 metres altitude is an excellent lookout on the slightly undulating From history: friendly region of Moravian Slovakia. The construction of the royal fortress castle, which the sovereign endowed with jurisdiction VII–VIII daily, IV–VI and X Tuesday–Sunday and the so-called hunting rights, started in the 13th century. Almost every owner per- www.hrad-buchlov.cz formed ambitious reconstructions and therefore Polesí 418, 68768 Buchlovice

10 Buchlovice

Why visit: Fancy interiors in the middle of greenness The Baroque chateau was a gift of Count Dětřich refl ect the elegant life style of the Austrian of Petřvald to his Italian wife of noble rank, so monarchy aristocracy at the turn of the 19th and that she would feel comfortable in her new 20th centuries. You will fi nd there both the col- home in Moravia. The designs were performed lecting hobbies of owners, as well as their family in the style of the so-called villa rustica, structure history. The Baroque garden changed in the 19th in the open rustic landscape. It is the purest century into a sentimental park with a connect- example of Baroque villa in Central Europe ing English park is a signifi cant monument of planted in the Baroque garden, the beauty of historic greenness in the Czech lands. which captivated their contemporaries, as it does for visitors today. Children will be delighted with the wild animals rescue centre and a small zoo on From history: the chateau’s premises. The chateau gained its international fame around the year 1900 when Leopold Berchtold was its V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV and X at week- owner and from 1912 the Austro-Hungarian ends and holidays monarchy foreign minister. The leading politi- cians of that time decided the fate of Europe in this representative seat; talks about annexation of Bosnia and Hercegovina by the Austrian monarchy, which was the main reason for start- www.zamek-buchlovice.cz ing the First World War, were held here. Státní zámek, 687 08 Buchlovice

11 the end of the 17th century up to today, except for the German occupation and the socialist disruption. They gathered extraordinary collec- tions of paintings with originals by outstanding European painters, such as Karel Škréta, Lucas van Valckenborg and J. H. Schonfeld and a series of portraits of Czech kings. The Tapestry Room and the Smoking Lounge are decorated with the most precious paintings.

From history: The Sternbergs were fans and patrons of arts and science. They had been building the picture gallery for 300 years. The leading representatives of the family supported the revival eff orts of the Czech nation in the 19th century, and they also took a signifi cant role in founding the Na- tional Museum in Prague in 1818.

Twenty rooms furnished in various historic styles document the change of the life style in the course of long centuries. If you raise your head to the original Renaissance coff ered ceil- ing in the Knight’s Hall, the colourful theatre of biblical stories from the Old Testament unroll in front of you.

I–XII Tuesday–Sunday and at public holidays

The tour also includes the children’s room with the exhibition of toys from the 19th century. In the chateau’s park the children can frolic in Častolovice the playground or visit a small menagerie.

Why visit: The original chateau at the foothills of the Or- lické Mountains was rebuilt several times by www.zamek-castolovice.cz the Sternbergs, who have been its owners from Masarykova 1, Častolovice, 517 50

12 Červená Lhota

Why visit: The unusual red colour distinguishes this pic- turesque “weekend” manor from other similar Renaissance chateaux in Bohemia. The glamor- The social, private and guest rooms, refur- ous outline of the chateau on the island which bished at the beginning of the 20th century, are is mirrored in the water level is most impres- furnished exclusively by authentic furniture and sive from boating around the chateau’s pond. valuable works of art. The fairytale atmosphere of the place is often used by fi lm crews. V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV and X at week- ends From history: The summer house rebuilt from the Gothic fort in the 16th century was a place of amusement, celebrations and leisure. At the beginning of Recommendation: There is a boat rental service the 17th century it obtained a new red brick with the same opening hours as the chateau. roof and the original name of Nová Lhota (New Village) changed to the “Red”, and later the same www.zamek-cervenalhota.eu colour was acquired by the facade. Červená Lhota 1, 378 21 Kardašova Řečice

13 Český Krumlov

Why visit: A vast and artistically exceptional, valuable chateau complex is the largest one in the Czech Republic after the Prague Castle. Its greatest era of fl ourishing was in the 16th century under Vilém of Rožmberk, the humanistic intel- lectual and infl uential politician in the court of the Emperor Rudolf II, and even the candidate to the Polish throne. He changed its vast domain into a profi table fi rm with fairylike income, and enchanted by the spirit of Renaissance Italy he rebuilt the family castle into the magnifi cent chateau residence. The artists, cheaters and charlatans prospered at his court.

From history: For three centuries the powerful Rožmberks had infl uenced the fate and architecture of their seat, the town below the castle and also of the whole Southern Bohemia, where they were almost absolute rulers. Their wealth was blinding, but was not suffi cient for the Renaissance reconstructions and their luxurious life style. Debts and stagnation came, the chateau changed owners several times. Only in the 18th century another creative person- ality, the Prince Joseph Adam of Schwarzenberg, brought the castle to another peak. Another monumental reconstruction of the premises and a rich social life competed with lavishness of the Emperor’s residence in Vienna.

14 Two guided tours off er the best from IV–X (Castle museum I–XII) Tuesday–Sunday the exceptionally large and complex labyrinth of richly furnished chateau interiors. The highlight “Five- Petalled Rose Festival”(VI) – for of the tour is the famous Masquerade Hall, on three days the town goes back to the times of the walls of which the paintings, mirrors and Renaissance knights, august ladies, magicians optical illusions start the frolicsome carnival and beggars. Festival of Chamber Music (VI–VII), whirl of Rococo dames, their cavaliers and Festival of Classical Music (VII), Český Krumlov servants. An extraordinary monument of world International Music Festival (VII–VIII), Festival of importance is the chateau’s Baroque theatre Baroque Arts (IX–X). Performances on the revolv- with the complete period equipment. The mag- ing stage in the chateau’s park (VI–IX). nifi cently decorated six-fl oor high Renaissance tower provides an unrepeatable view of one of the most beautiful European historic towns (UNESCO monument). www.zamek-ceskykrumlov.eu Zámek 59, 381 01 Český Krumlov

15 Český Šternberk

Why visit: you can meet the current owner, who under A huge Gothic castle on a steep stony bank of the communist regime worked as a miner or the Sázava river meander is one of the best pre- a theatre scene-shifter. served fortifi ed settlements in the Czech lands. Its original defence system of the 14th century had not counted on the invention of fi rearms and Collecting was always an interest of it completely failed in 1467 when the artillery the family. This is supported not only by exten- of the King Jiří of Poděbrady attacked it. This sive collections, of which the globally unique is painful experience then resulted in a new and the one with 545 copperplate engravings depict- more elaborated defence strategy in the castle’s ing the history of the Thirty Years’ War, but also reconstruction. The fortifi cation built with steep items mentioning Kaspar von Sternberg, the co- ramparts and a sticking out bastion ranks among founder of the National Museum in Prague. the top monuments of the medieval fortifi ca- tion art. V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV, X at weekends and holidays From history: The castle for a total of eight centuries, almost In the summer there are demonstrations of without interruption from its foundation around hawks training. 1241, was in possession of the old aristocratic family of Sternbergs, bearing an eight-pointed www.hradceskysternberk.cz golden star in the coat of arms. If you are lucky 257 27 Český Šternberk

16 Cheb

Why visit: J. W. Goethe, who liked to stay in Cheb and in the neighbouring Mariánské Lázně, considered the strange castle tower from black lava stone a work of old Romans. Though he was mistaken, Only old walls are the reminder of an opu- the tower is the oldest structure of the historic lent palace, intended for festive occasions under town. The Emperor Fridrich I Barbarossa built the presence of the sovereign. However, well- the Romanesque falce type castle in the 12th preserved is the two-fl oor castle chapel, one of century. the most signifi cant Romanesque monuments of the Czech Republic. From history: The occasional residence of sovereigns expe- IV–X Tuesday–Sunday rienced important diplomatic negotiations and signifi cant political events of European Recommendation: The municipal museum was signifi cance. The last one was the plot and crafty established in the medieval house at the main murder of generals loyal to Albrecht von Wal- Cheb’s square where Albrecht von Wallenstein was lenstein, the commander-in-chief of the Austrian murdered. An extensive exhibition is devoted to Emperor’s troops, in 1634. Since then the castle the famous general. started to decay, nobody wanted to live at the place of the barbarous crime. www.muzeumcheb.cz/hrad Trčky z Lípy 1, 350 02 Cheb

17 From history: Turbulent fates of the aristocracy in the Czech lands have been refl ected in the history of the chateau, which was confi scated by force several times, sold many times and also lost at the stock exchange. The Maltese Knights who inherited the chateau by bequest from Baron Wessenberk, the signifi cant Austrian politician who shot himself in 1873 because he had been charged with treason, left a visible construction imprint. In the period of real socialism the cha- teau served as a remand centre.

The tour includes classical, fairytale and ghostly tours through Baroque interiors with period furniture and fi ttings. The Order of Mal- tese Knights left behind its unique collection of weapons dating the Thirty Years’ War, including unique ship cannons from the battle for the is- land Rhodos in the 16th century.

VII–VIII Monday–Sunday, V–VI and IX Tuesday–Sunday, I–IV and X–XII at weekends Dětenice Each Saturday in the year there are ghostly Why visit: tours, where devils, vampires, witches, ghosts The Spanish queen Maria Cristina took such a fancy and other monsters haunt the chateau chambers. to the chateau in the romantic landscape at The tours of the chateau with live fairy tales and the edge of Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj) during singing and live music take place every Sunday her visits in the 19th century that she wanted to from June to September. buy it. The purchase did not materialize owing to the infl exibility of the Vienna court due to tense relations between the Austrian and Spanish Habsburgs. At least the Spanish court received www.zamekdetenice.cz famous beer from the chateau’s brewery. 507 24 Dětenice

18 Dobříš

Why visit: “The Writers’ room” reminds us about The attractive and opulent milieu of the Rococo the communist era when the interiors style chateau surrounded by a rare garden with were furnished with family collections of fl ower ornaments, cut hedges and sculptures, the Colloredo-Mannsfelds; the old and the latest evokes the atmosphere of the Viennese Schön- owners; and admired by the public today, were brunn. That is also the reason why fi lm-makers inaccessible to “ordinary mortals”. of fairy tales, concert organizers or participants in private celebrations and weddings seek it so I–XII daily much. Exhibition of ghosts, children’s corner, zoo From history: in the chateau’s park, the summer night tours for The magnifi cent Rococo style residence from the fearless people. the 18th century fully resembling the period, taste and style of the French King Louis XVI, appealed so much to the Nazis during the Second World War that they dispossessed the aristocratic Recommendation: Expositions of the town museum owners of it. For the period of another 50 years it are situated in part of the chateau. In addition to served as “the House of writers” for recreational the history and exhibits of local traditional gloves and creative stays of pro-regime artists and other production, there is a numerous collection of his- prominent persons. toric motorcycles of the Czechoslovak make.

www.zamekdobris.cz 263 01 Dobříš

19 Duchcov

Why visit: marked in the 20th century: part of it fell sac- If the aged Giacomo Casanova had not become rifi ce to intended coal mining and the splendid a librarian of the extensive library at the Duchcov Baroque fresco from the hospital dome had to chateau at the tail end of his stormy life, it be transferred to the newly built pavilion in is questionable, if he would have written his the chateau’s park. famous autobiography, speaking about his scandalous adventures on the royal courts and in the ladies’ sleeping chambers. The hot-blooded Italian spent 13 years in cold Bohemia and he did not take to the country very much, although even here he experienced his last love aff airs. He In addition to the representative premises died in Duchcov and is buried there. and the Wallenstein family gallery also the serv- ants’ rooms are accessible; obviously there is From history: a museum featuring the famous person Artists with resounding names participated in G. Casanova. the construction of the imposing residence of powerful Wallensteins. Prestige of the cultural V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV and X at week- centre of Northern Bohemia was gained also by ends and holidays stays of famous musicians and writers, such as L. van Beethoven, F. Chopin, F. Schiller and J. W. Goethe. Visits of the Prussian and Austrian Emperors and the Russian Tsar gave it a social www.zamek-duchcov.cz glitter. The fate of the chateau was tragically Náměstí Republiky 9, 419 01 Duchcov

20 Frýdlant

Why visit: were not spared the horrors of a long war when The original castle, extended in the 16th cen- the Swedish garrison settled here after Albrecht’s tury by the Renaissance chateau, was opened murder. to public as early as in 1801. Thus it became the oldest castle museum in Central Europe, and even now is part of the permanent exhibition. Concerning the architecture point of view it can The new armoury holds one thousand serve as a live textbook of construction styles in weapons, from which the oldest date to the 12th the history of arts. century and the newest the First World War.

From history: IV–X Tuesday–Sunday The Duke Albrecht von Wallenstein, the European politician and general, acquired fabulous wealth in the Thirty Years’ War and its basis was the prof- itable Frýdlant estate, called Terra felix – Happy www.zamek-frydlant.cz land. However, the chateau and its surrounding Zámecká 4001, 464 01 Frýdlant v Čechách

21 From history: The originally sentry royal castle had several signifi cant owners. The Schwarzenberg family lived here for a full three hundred years up to the Second World War when the chateau was occupied by Gestapo and the family emigrated over the sea. The residence was alive mostly in the autumn during the hunting period, when the leading European aristocracy came here.

Even the interiors were second to none concerning the elegance and comfort of the Eng- lish and Scottish manors of the 19th century. The necessary equipage included a private chapel, a personal theatre and the library with around 12 000 volumes. The chateau has ap- proximately 140 chambers, many of which house rich family collections of Schwarzenbergs and are open to public.

VII–VIII daily, I–VI and IX–XII Tuesday– Sunday

Recommendation: Important museum of art, the Gallery of Mikoláš Aleš, named after the South Hluboká Bohemian painter, is situated in the former Neo-Gothic riding-school next to the chateau. nad Vltavou The famous collection of Gothic art from South Bohemia and Šumava (The Bohemian Forest) Why visit: is the highlight of the high quality collections. White brickwork, battlements, loopholes, towers The festival of chamber music with a long tradition and spires, oriels, pointed windows, partitioned “Music Summer Hluboká” (VI–VIII) takes place plan – all this recalls a romantic countryside directly at the exhibition’s place. estate of English kings, Windsor Castle. All prem- ises of Hluboká and the landscape around were www.zamek-hluboka.eu reconstructed just according to its model. Bezručova 142, 373 41 Hluboká nad Vltavou

22 Horšovský Týn

Why visit: Maxmilian Trauttmansdorff , the Emperor’s A typical Renaissance chateau, which since diplomat, was the main organizer of peace the 16th century has not changed its appear- talks leading to the end of the Thirty Years’ War. ance, is one of the most open monuments in The chateau library contains rare documents the Czech Republic. During the main season relating to this eff ort, including the richly deco- there are fi ve visitors routes off ered to the public rated goose quill, by which the Count on behalf with the total time of over 5 hours! of the Habsburg monarchy personally signed the Peace of Westphalia in 1648. From history: After a big fi re of the medieval castle in the half V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV, X at weekends of the 16th century, a modern chateau was built and holidays from the damaged ruins. However, the property of the signifi cant Czech family of Lobkowicz was confi scated due to their participation in the up- rising against the Habsburgs and it was sold for a little sum to the Stereyerian county family of www.horsovsky-tyn.cz Trauttmansdorff for a period of 300 years. Náměstí Republiky 1, 346 01 Horšovský Týn

23 Hořovice

Why visit: miraculously, however, the owner of the Hořovice The nationalized chateau was plundered im- chateau, Jan Litvín of Říčany, who personally mediately after the end of the Second World War dumped Bořita, ended very badly. He lost not by the Red Army, which temporarily stayed there. only Hořovice, which the family Martinice gained Then the devastated facility was used by anyone as a confi scate, but also all other property. This until it had to be closed down due to its critical event foreshadowed the Thirty Years’ War. condition. In the last 25 years it has undergone an incredible transformation to its previous glamour. Beautifully furnished chambers again Part of the chateau’s rooms houses the ex- present the chateau’s history and the ground tensive exhibition of the games and toys of little fl oor houses a unique exhibition of musical aristocrats. There are also old theatre puppets devices and music boxes. and panoramic theatrical stage sets.

From history: V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV, X at weekends The old Czechs had an original method of how to tackle political disputes: they simply dumped the disliked offi cer from the windows of Prague Castle. Jaroslav Bořita of Martinice, the cruel www.zamek-horovice.cz royal proconsul survived the defenestration Vrbnovská 22, 268 01 Hořovice

24 Hradec nad Moravicí

Why visit: “White chateau” went through a turbulent his- tory as a strategic point of Northern Moravia near the country border. Several times it was caught in the centre of wartime, diplomatic and cultural events concerning not only the Czech lands, but also Poland, Hungary or Prussia. Its current appearance of an elegant classicist chateau originates in the 19th century and “Red chateau”, copying the medieval old German castle was built for the necessary household operation.

From history: In addition to sovereigns, dignitaries of European courts, political and social celebrities the chateau also entertained many personages of the music world, such as L. van Beethoven, N. Paganini and F. Liszt.

The interiors of the comfortably furnished residence house the exhibition of historic carriages and hunting weapons. Of interest is also the English park, smoothly continuing into the open landscape with the view on the Jeseníky Mountains.

V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV, X, XII at week- ends

The prestigious International Music Competi- tion and Music Festival “Beethoven’s Hradec” (VI) is hosted by the Big Lobby of the Red Chateau.

www.zamek-hradec.cz Městečko 2, 747 41 Hradec nad Moravicí

25 Hrádek u Nechanic

Why visit: Though the chateau is hidden in the forest park it looks like an ancient English manor, it was founded only in the middle of the 19th Armour at the entrance of the Knight’s century and ranks among the youngest chateau Hall, the historic furniture, rare paintings or structures in the Czech Republic. Through this gilded wallpapers from calf leather on the walls structure the Count František Arnošt of Har- of the Golden Hall, the largest and the most rach fulfi lled his romantic dream of reviving beautiful room of the chateau – by all of this Karl the ancient glory of his aristocratic family and Fischer, the Viennese architect, skilfully created remembering their knightly past. The inspiration an illusion of a medieval residence. was drawn from his trips around England. V–X Tuesday–Sunday, IV, XI and advent at From history: weekends and holidays The furnishing of the chateau was to evoke stories with knights. The Count Harrach transported a number of antiques from abroad, mainly from Italy and Austria, he bought entire portals, ceilings Recommendation: Four weeks prior Christmas you or complete furnishings of the rooms. His fairy may absorb the festive atmosphere at the Advent dream vanished soon: in 1866 during the Prussia- concerts and in the festally prepared interiors. Austrian war a military hospital was established in the chateau. After the Second World War the Har- www.hradekunechanic.cz rachs lost the chateau by confi scation. Státní zámek Hrádek u Nechanic, 503 15 Nechanice

26 Hukvaldy

Why visit: possible from the courtyard at the castle’s heart. On every step in Hukvaldy you will fi nd signs of Lack of water had always been the biggest prob- the famous native, Leoš Janáček, the composer. lem of the castle. The 150 metres well dug out in His music legacy is connected with the monu- the 16th century was allegedly more expensive mental castle ruin on a steep hill in the beautiful than the total construction of the castle. old game preserve with fallow deer and mouf- fl on. He liked to sit in one of the castle lookouts V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV and X at week- comprising part of the castle’s old fortifi cation, ends and holidays and derive inspiration for many of his works. In the forest below the castle his most famous Directly at the premises of the castle and opera Liška Bystrouška (The Cunning Little Vixen) in the surroundings, concerts of the prestigious has its monument. International Music Festival of “Janáček’s Hukvaldy”(VI–VII) take place in the summer. From history: One of the largest castles in the Czech Republic was founded in the 13th century. It was never captured, only 500 years later it was completely Recommendation: The Foundation of Leoš Janáček burned down. The romantic ruins have been established a monument with exhibits on the com- a favourite place for trips since the 19th century. poser’s life and works in the village Hukvaldy below the castle. A free access to the partly roofed palace, the vault, the dungeon and the former prison is www.janackovyhukvaldy.cz 739 46 Hukvaldy

27 Jaroměřice nad Rokytnou

Why visit: theatre, the music and dance halls, the library Jan Adam of Questenberk, the much-travelled and and the gallery comprise the necessary part of educated patron of arts, made a decision at the end representative rooms. of the 17th century to build a small Versailles from the inherited residence. He then fi lled every corner V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV and X at week- of the monumental Baroque chateau surrounded ends and holidays by a French garden with music, which he also actively performed. Only servants who could play International Music Festival of Peter Dvor- a music instrument or could sing were hired. ský (VIII).

From history: The fi rst Czech opera entitled “The Foundation of the Town of Jaroměřice” was composed at the cha- teau and performed in 1730 for the fi rst time. Recommendation: You may taste quality Mora- The opera was composed by Antonín Míča, the re- vian wines from the local wine restaurant in nowned Baroque composer and a court orchestra the romantic garden or under the historic vaults of master, who in the services of the count organized the chateau cellar. ample music and theatre events at the chateau. www.zamek-jaromerice.cz The Interiors of the chateau refl ect Náměstí Míru 1, the artistic disposition of its owner. The chateau 675 51 Jaroměřice nad Rokytnou

28 Javorník – Jánský Vrch

Why visit: The chateau on the rocky hill above the town close to the border with Poland was the centre of erudition and culture in the most northern tip of Silesia for many years. It stands out for unusual technological peculiarities: a water main was already here at the turn of the 18th and the 19th An interesting enrichment of the valuable centuries and in 1906–1932 gas chandeliers and interiors tour is the largest displayed collection lamps were used in the interiors and in the main of pipes and articles for smokers in the Czech courtyard. Republic. An individual tour route shows the cha- teau’s household background. From history: For a period of 600 years the chateau and the exten- V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV–X at weekends sive territory belonged to the bishops in the Polish and holidays Wroclaw. The Wroclaw bishops and archbishops gradually created a monumental Baroque chateau from the medieval castle and used it as a summer residence. In the honour of their patron, John www.janskyvrch.cz the Baptist, they renamed it to Jánský Vrch. Státní zámek, 790 70 Javorník

29 Jindřichův Hradec

Why visit: From the cradle of the Renaissance the Mediter- ranean lightness and grace were transferred to the Southern Bohemia’s picturesquely undulat- ing landscape with quiet forests and ponds by Under Adam II of Hradec the chateau the Italian masters. The old castle fort changed to underwent a radical reconstruction according a majestic chateau with palaces linked by shady to the Italian models. The most beautiful palace arcades. The vast complex of buildings, court- with outstanding Renaissance interiors bears his yards and the greenness create a harmonic unit name. The legendary White Lady, whose spectre with the adjoining town listed as a monument. as per the favourite legend appears in all estates of her ancestors, allegedly made sweet porridge From history: for the serfs in the Black kitchen of the former The catastrophic fi re of 1773 destroyed the town medieval castle. and major part of the Renaissance interiors along with artistic collections. The premises, temporar- IV–X Tuesday–Sunday ily roofed and abandoned by the Lords, went on decaying. The magnifi cent garden music pavilion In the summer the chateau and the town with ingenious acoustics, the pearl of the Renais- host the favourite festival “The Folk Rose” (VII). sance architecture, served as wood and game storage rooms and as a cowshed. Only the 20th century fully appreciated the chateau’s signifi cance and the reconstruction, which lasted for nearly www.zamek-jindrichuvhradec.eu twenty years, returned its impressive beauty. Dobrovského 1/I, 377 01 Jindřichův Hradec

30 Kačina

Why visit: The snow-white beauty of the Empire chateau, built in the 19th century on an unusual ground In addition to chateau exhibitions the col- plan in the shape of a bow, stands out against lections of the Museum of the Czech Countryside, the background of another masterpiece – a natu- such as 400 historic ploughs or 140 historic ral landscaped park. tractors, have been placed in part of the interiors and outside the premises. From history: The sublime chateau of the Chotek family was in IV–X Tuesday–Sunday its time a prototype of a manor of a new genera- tion. It fully represented the rich and politically infl uential family and manifested clearly the good taste of its owners, whose sideline was culture, Recommendation: The chateau coff ee bar will pre- arts and nature. The theatre and the library closed pare picnic baskets for fans of romance. Anywhere by cupola like the Roman Pantheon have remained in the park you may then have uninterrupted mo- the most beautiful premises of the chateau even ments on a blanket with good food and beverages. up to now. www.kacina.cz Svatý Mikuláš, 284 01 Kutná Hora

31 Kámen

Why visit: Is it possible to live in a tower? The inhabitants of the castle Kámen had full comfort there: a storage room and armoury on the ground fl oor, living quarters and a representative hall on the fi rst fl oor. Stone walls were thermally insu- lated by panelling, titled stoves were used for The exhibition of the manor life style at heating and the small arched windows provided the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries cor- a beautiful view of the land. Of course there was responds well with the set of 46 motorcycles also prevét – a medieval washroom. and bicycles of Czech manufacture of the same period. From history: The castle solid as the stone (rock-stone), on V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV, X at weekends which it was built in the Middle Ages, was and holidays an important strategic point for Hussite troops under the religious wars in the 15th century. At the end the peace talks of disunited parties un- der the Czech non-catholic King Jiří of Poděbrady www.hradkamen.cz were held here. Muzeum Vysočiny, 394 13 Kámen 1

32 Karlova Koruna

Why visit: Kinsky, was active at the beginnings of the stee- The individuality and genius of Jan Santini- plechase cross-country Velká pardubická, which Aichel, the Czech Baroque architect of Italian has been up to now the most diffi cult and origin who had drawn up the chateau plans, was prestigious horse race in the Continental part of combined with the excellent gifts of another Europe. He loved his horses so much that it is said signifi cant architect František Maxmilián Kaňka, that the most favourite ones had to be brought who managed the construction works. The cha- to his deathbed. teau with a unique ground-plan resembling a royal crown was named Charles Crown (Karlova In the chateau tour the turbulent history Koruna) by the owner, the Count Kinsky, in of the Kinsky family is obviously associated with honour of the coronation of the Emperor Charles the history of breeding of their horses. VI, King of Bohemia, to commemorate his visit to the chateau. V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV, X at weekends and holidays From history: The Kinsky family were big experts on horses and since the end of the 18th century they had an excellent stud farm of their own breed on www.kinskycastles.com the estate. The founder of the breed, Oktavian Pražská 1/IV, 503 51 Chlumec nad Cidlinou

33 From history: Charles IV personally supervised the completion of the imperial residence and the interior decora- tions, and he also consulted his astronomers. The current appearance following a substantial reconstruction at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries diff ers signifi cantly from the original Gothic castle and the architect Mocker was blamed, that he repaired the structure too beau- tifully and perfectly. This most famous Czech royal castle, sheltered from three sides by high forest hillside, has retained its magic up to today.

The premises of the Imperial Palace and the Marian Tower will not leave any room for doubts that you are in the residence of the great- est Czech sovereign. Some places, such as his bedroom and study or his Chapel of St. Catherine, evoke a strange feeling that Charles IV remains personally present.

VII–VIII, 1. 1.–9. 1., 1. 11.–13. 11. and 25. 12.–31. 12. daily, III–V and IX–X Tuesday– Sunday, other time at weekends

Every year a Royal procession in costumes Karlštejn walks with coronation jewels from Prague to the Karlštejn castle. The historic event ends with Why visit: a tournament for the Czech knight title (VI). Charles IV, the Czech King and Roman Emperor, could not have picked a better place for safe- keeping the holy relics and the imperial corona- tion jewels. He let the royal treasures rest under Recommendation: If you do not want to walk up the gilded vault of the Chapel of the Holy Cross, the steep hill to see the most visited Czech monu- covered with glass beads. The illusion of the star- ment, you can make use of a historic carriage and lit sky was fl awless. Tens of saints, as silent pair from the village below the castle. witnesses, look down from the panel paintings by Master Theodoric, the top representative of www.hradkarlstejn.cz medieval European painting. 267 18 Karlštejn 172

34 Kašperk

Why visit: Route for trading. The side towers were built, A sentry castle near the Bavaria border was except for the alcoves, without any openings – in built by the Czech King and the Roman Emperor case it was bombarded by dangerous casting and Charles IV in order to protect the gold-bearing hurling weapons. Kašperské Hory and the newly built trade route connecting the Czech Kingdom with Bavaria. As The lookout from the huge castle towers a proof of friendship he put it into the pledge of will open views of the mysterious forest Šumava his loyal and wise Prague archbishop and the fi rst (The Bohemian Forest). Czech cardinal, Jan Očko of Vlašim. The king also entrusted him with the education of his small V–X Tuesday–Sunday, IV at weekends, son, the future sovereign, Václav IV. December 28–January 1 daily

From history: The huge fortifi cation of the castle supports the view that the sovereign was serious about www.kasperk.cz the protection of this region and the Golden Žlíbek 55, 341 92 Kašperské Hory

35 Klášterec nad Ohří

Why visit: When at the end of the 18th century the chateau bailiff Weber performed experiments with kaolin An extensive exhibition dedicated to just discovered in the surrounding area, he could the development of this Czech porcelain shows not have anticipated that the porcelain of Klášterec how the taste of the period was refl ected in would become famous in the whole world. His fi rst the design of porcelain products. A walk in unskilled products were far away from the snow- the park will be enhanced by the sculptures of white translucent porcelain from distant Asia. He Josef Brokoff , perhaps by the sculptures of con- overcame the failures by persistent eff orts and tinents. However, Australia is missing – in those in 1794 he founded a factory, which has been in days it had not been discovered. continuous operation until today under the name of the chateau owners, the family Thun. IV–IX Monday–Sunday, X–III Tuesday– Saturday From history: The Thuns acquired the Renaissance chateau in 1621 as a cheap confi scate from the previous owner, who participated in the Czech nobility’s Recommendation: You may buy porcelain products uprising against the Habsburg hegemony. How- in the chateau shop and get them painted with ever, the Thirty Years’ War caught up with them motives according to your wish. too: the Swedish army plundered and vandalized the chateau twice. A costly rebuilding had to www.zamek-klasterec.cz come, this time in the Baroque style. Chomutovská 1, 431 51 Klášterec nad Ohří

36 Kokořín

Why visit: residence in “the cursed castles”, which were The castle, situated in a picturesque landscape forbidden to be repaired. It became a refuge full of sandstone, small lakes and forgotten for marauding knights and footpads, who villages is only 40 km from Prague. When it was threatened the wider surroundings. The ruin was purchased at the end of the 19th century by “discovered” by young patriots in the romantic Václav Špaček, the Prague businessman, it had 19th century and many writers and painters already been only a deserted ruin for a long time. sought their inspiration here. He reconstructed the castle very expensively under the supervision of four leading historians There are beautiful views of the Kokořín of the time and opened it to the public. He nature reserve from the castle terraces and built a recreational facility, a swimming pool the huge cylindrical tower. and tennis courts below it, thus promoting the Kokořín area to a favoured recreational and V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV, X at weekends tourist destination.

From history: After the Thirty Years’ War the Austrian Emperor www.hrad-kokorin.cz Ferdinand included the desolate medieval 277 23 Kokořín

37 From history: A very unusual castle in the Czech context, built at the end of the 13th century following the model of French castle fortresses, and protected by seven huge towers forming sepa- rate fortresses, it had fi ve gates and two draw- bridges. Even though it was considered one of the strongest chateaux in the Czech Kingdom, it was plundered by the Swedish army during the Thirty Years’ War.

Franz Ferdinand d’Este was a passionate hunter and ardent collector of works of art. He collected everything bearing the resemblance of St. George – pipes, coins, weapons, swords, containers, standards, tombstones, sculptures, paintings. He wanted to outdo the English king, who had the same passion, and he wanted to Konopiště show off with his collection. The assassination thwarted his plan. Why visit: Nothing was left unattended in the romantic IV–IX Tuesday–Sunday, X, XI at weekends rebuilding of the majestic seat of the future and holidays Austrian Emperor Franz Ferdinand d’Este. The chateau was equipped with all period The favoured children’s attraction – amenities – fl ush toilets, a lift, central heating the bears – have a long tradition in the chateau. and distribution of power from its own hydro- Allegedly they were kept here as early as electric power station. The Archduke lived the 18th century. contentedly in his family circle on the chateau away from the commotion of the surrounding world. The idyll was ended by an assassination in Sarajevo in 1914, where he died together www.zamek-konopiste.cz with his beloved wife. Konopiště 1, 256 01 Benešov

38 Kost

Why visit: The Kost castle stands in an attractive land of forests and sandstone, and by right it is called the Bohemian Paradise because of beauty. The castle stands on a low promontory above ponds, the dikes of which were, in a case of danger, burst open changing it into a water fortress. In a period of danger of war the lord with his family sought refuge on the last fl oor of the solid White Tower.

From history: In the period of religious wars in the 15th century the castle was a problem also for the invincible Jan Žižka, the Hussite’s general. It is said that he had not seized the castle because its walls were as hard as a bone (in Czech kost), and he disappointedly pulled out. The truth is slightly diff erent: this castle of his catholic enemies was simply overlooked by his troops – it does not stand as other medieval seats on an elevated hill, but in the valley. During the visit children may draw the castle and hand the picture in at the booking offi ce. If the owner likes it, he will reward the child with a diploma. The picture will be exhibited at the place of honour in the castle and on the website. The exposition introduces the Kinsky family in the Czech lands, today’s owners of the well kept castle. The medieval torture chamber with visual demonstration of the method of “inter- Recommendation: A 10 km long route goes from rogations”, which forced an accused person to the settlement around the castle through the pic- confess, is accessible in the cellar. turesque Plakánek valley up to the Humprecht castle near Sobotka. VII, VIII Monday–Sunday, IV–VI, IX, X Tuesday–Sunday www.kinskycastles.com Podkost 1–8, 507 45 Mladějov v Čechách

39 Krásný Dvůr

Why visit: The fi rst and probably the largest English park in the Czech lands was established at the end The magic of 18 opened up chateau of the 18th century near the Baroque chateau. chambers are in competition with the visit to The Count Černín (Czernin) was a keen botanist the unique naturally landscaped park. Many and he travelled a lot. In Western Europe he beautiful moments were spent here also by was fascinated by the new method of bring- J. W. Goethe, who had established a temporary ing the countryside up to the buildings. Part study in one of the pavilions. of the concept was also a number of romantic pavilions imitating the French Versailles in V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV, X at weekends almost all details. and holidays

From history: Late summer concerts in Krásný Dvůr (IX). The history of the estate is associated with Park trips in a horse-drawn carriage (VI-VIII). the history of the Černín family, who owned the chateau up to the Second World War, when the Third Reich Nazi elite picked it out as a rec- reation resort. It has been in the ownership of www.krasny-dvur.cz the Czech Republic since 1945. Zámek č. 1, 439 72 Krásný Dvůr

40 Kratochvíle

Why visit: Vilém of Rožmberk, abundant in fortune and good taste, had a charming water summer residence for moments of enjoyment and relaxa- tion built for the amusement of himself and that of his friends in Bohemia by Italian builders. (Pastime means in Czech “kratochvíle”.) There was possibly no important celebrity in the Czech Kingdom, including the Emperor Rudolf II, who would not have visited the Renaissance treasure.

From history: Jakub Krčín, the manager of the Rožemberks property, acquired the small redoubt and the land near Netolice as a gift for good services in 1569. Through his admirable managerial skills and his severity with the serfs, he signifi cantly increased the economy of the South Bohemian estate, apart from other things, by founding The colourful world of mural paintings with profi table ponds and managing to fully provide hunting and religious motives and the gilded for the costly life style of his ruler. He also de- stucco glittered in full beauty following the de- veloped the donated manor in such a way that manding reconstructions. The management of Vilém of Rožmberk recognized that the place was this state chateau has been returning gradually ideal for leisure time of the Renaissance feudal the original furniture to all chambers according lord, and reacquired it at great expense back for to the period style. the construction of his villa. V–VIII Tuesday–Sunday, IV, X at weekends and holidays

The chateau premises regularly host the Theatre summer (VII)

www.zamek-kratochvile.eu Státní zámek Kratochvíle, 384 11 Netolice

41 Kroměříž

Why visit: The opulent palace houses apart from The historical gardens, mainly the Flower garden, other things the European famous collection of are the chateau’s pride. Its globally unique Central European paintings of the 15th–18th concept of linking the world of plants and water centuries with original works by Titian, van Dyck, with arts and architecture, and its unaltered Cranacha senior and Dürer. From the 84 metres historic appearance, brought it onto the UNESCO high chateau tower there is a view on the historic World Heritage List. heart of Kroměříž and its surroundings.

From history: V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV, X at weekends Since the Middle Ages Kroměříž has been a sum- only mer residence of the Olomouc bishops and refl ected their power and wealth. In the Baroque period the town was talked about as “The Mora- vian Athens”. The newly built majestic structures were equipped with no less grand collections of Recommendation: Do not miss a visit to the me- furniture, glass, porcelain, books and paintings. dieval vaults of Archbishops’ wine cellars. Taste The permanent orchestra outdid by its number the sacramental wines, which are attended to and and repertoire the orchestras of the Austrian decanted with love. Emperor or the French King. www.zamek-kromeriz.cz Sněmovní náměstí 1, 767 01 Kroměříž

42 Křivoklát

Why visit: Among the forest hills the high circular tower of the ancient castle with extensive fortifi cation stands out white. Many Czech sovereigns fa- The castle, damaged by many fi res, un- voured the castle because of its excellent setting derwent several reconstructions, which ended in the middle of forests full of game. The castle only in the 20th century. The only chamber with halls experienced a lot of fun, feasts and drinking its original furnishing is the Gothic chapel with bouts, but also many serious political discussions the richly carved altar. However, the imprints of and fateful diplomatic talks. the Czech kings and the splendour of their life style are visible at every step. The preservation- From history: ists, who successfully seek for return into the in- The royal seat was built in the 13th cen- teriors the once taken away historic collections, tury as a support base for the ruling family of have their share there. Přemyslids. Later on it also served as a state prison. For example Edward Kelly, the court IV–X Tuesday–Sunday, I–III Monday–Satur- alchemist of the Emperor Rudolf II, was im- day, XI, XII at weekends and holidays prisoned here for three years for the murder of the Emperor’s offi cial in a prohibited duel.

www.krivoklat.cz Křivoklát 47, 270 23 Křivoklát

43 Kuks

Why visit: One of the most fascinating sets of Baroque sculptures adorn the terraces in front of the huge In addition to the free tour of the place with stone church and extensive monastery on the outside gallery of sculptures, it is possible the bank above the river Elbe. The allegories also to visit the monastic church and its vault of Virtue and Vice, and other collections of with the tomb of the Count Sporck, the interiors sandstone sculptures were created by “the Czech of the Baroque hospital with dispensary and Michelangelo” – Matthias Bernard Braun during the unique exposition of the Czech Pharmacy an incredibly short period of time on the order of Museum. the Count Sporck. A contrast to the humble work of Merciful Brethrens in the monastic hospital for VII–VIII daily, V, VI and IX Tuesday–Sunday, the poor was the opulent world of luxury, balls, IV, X at weekends and holidays theatres, hunting and other amusements in the majestic spa residence on the opposite hill. “The Music Summer in Kuks”– the festival of classical music in the Holy Trinity Church (VI–VIII). From history: The founder of the grounds in Kuks and other excel- lent buildings, libraries and picture galleries, Franz Anton, the Count of Sporck, was a big and contradic- Recommendation: M. B. Braun, the brilliant master tory personality of the Czech Baroque and suff ered of the Baroque sculpture, is also the maker of for the whole of his life from a complex relating to the unusual set of sculptures and reliefs in the forest the low social background of his father. Therefore 3 km westward from Kuks. He carved Biblical scenes even more he wanted to showcase the grounds on directly into the rocks, so they would look like both sides of the river Elbe as a grandiose social the work of nature. The Braun’s Bethlehem is freely centre of the aristocratic cream of society providing accessible on foot by tourist marked paths. his guests with all manner of attractions and com- fort. A number of buildings, including the chateau, www.hospital-kuks.cz irrecoverably disappeared in the course of the time. Hospital Kuks, 544 43 Kuks

44 Kunětická hora

Why visit: A ruin of the Gothic castle on the highly visible hill stands out above the horizon in the fertile plain of the Elbe valley in Eastern Bohemia. It used to be higher, but during the centuries the stone was extracted and used, for example, for constructions in the nearby town Pardubice. At the end the quarry slumped and took with it also part of the castle’s area. In the 20th century the Museums’ Association in Pardubice provided for an extensive reconstruction according to the project of the excellent architect Dušan Jurkovič.

From history: The castle became very famous under the reli- gious wars in the 15th century. It was occupied by Diviš Bořek, the recognized Hussite com- mander, and with the assistance of local inhabit- ants he built an ingenious system of fortifi cation in a period of two years.

V–VIII Tuesday–Sunday, IV, IX, X at week- The exposition of archaeological discoveries ends and holidays includes amongst the most interesting items playing dice, more than 500 years old. And what The children may experience shooting from would a castle be without an exhibition of me- a bow and crossbows in the castle’s shooting dieval torture instruments? However what you archery. would not fi nd anywhere else is the executioner’s price list from which it is evident that the execu- tioner received a sizeable amount of money for practising his profession. www.hrad-kunetickahora.cz 533 52 Staré Hradiště

45 Kunín

Why visit: heating and enjoyed themselves by cutting up One of the most valuable Baroque chateaux in the precious paintings. The socialist era fi nished North Moravia and Silesia, it experienced its the work of devastation. In 1999 the dilapidated greatest heyday at the turn of the 18th and 19th chateau became the property of the village centuries under the Maria Walburga of Harrach. Kunín, which saved the Baroque pearl. The beautiful and intelligent Countess suff ered a tragic fate: three children died here and her husband left her and took away her last son. In spite of that or because of it that is the reason In addition to the tour of the chateau’s why she made hundreds of children happy from school classrooms and their furnishings, of inter- various social strata and religion. She built and est is the attic with a unique Baroque system of co-funded a tuition and educational institute, chimneys. one of most modern ones in Europe at that time. V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV–X at weekends From history: and holidays The former Enlightenment centre of education and culture was plundered by the Soviet Army at the end of the Second World War. The soldiers were riding on horses in the chateau’s interiors; www.zamek.kunin.cz they used the furniture and the books for Zámek Kunín 1, 742 53 Kunín

46 Kynžvart

Why visit: childs were honoured with an aristocratic title for Kynžvart chateau with its unique collections their services. ranks among the most signifi cant European historic monuments. It was reopened after A passionate collector Metternich accumu- a quarter of the century in 2000 and the precious lated an unrivalled chamber of curiosities which manuscripts from the library of the Chancellor ranks among the oldest publicly open museums Metternich are being gradually digitised. in Europe. It includes also hundreds of items with a relationship to historic personalities – for From history: example an amulet of Lord Byron, a prayer book Even though the Austrian State Chancellor of Marie Antoinette, the desk and the arm chair disliked and dreaded in the Czech lands, lived of Alexandre Dumas senior, and a cigarette, not most of his life in Vienna, he devoted aff ectionate fully smoked, from the Emperor Napoleon III. attention to his chateau in the spa area of West- ern Bohemia. He even borrowed a staggering V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV, X at weekends sum of 900 thousand guldens from Rothschild, and holidays the banker, for the demanding reconstruction of the devastated residence. The loan was a reward to both parties: the duke built a luxurious resi- dence corresponding to his position and bought www.zamek-kynzvart.eu jewels, coins and art collections and the Roths- Zámek Kynžvart, 354 91 Lázně Kynžvart

47 Landštejn

Why visit: was mortally wounded. The route was diverted A huge royal castle in the unspoiled nature of in a diff erent direction and the castle lost its the most Southern edge of Bohemia, called for signifi cance. its harsh climate “Czech Canada”, ranks among the most signifi cant Romanesque historic monu- ments in Central Europe. It was built in the 13th century for the protection of an important trade Thanks to extensive archaeological research route and the border between the Czech lands and exhibitions it is possible to get a picture of and Austria. Even though only a monumental the luxurious life of inhabitants of the castle in ruin has remained, it still commands respect the 13th and 14th centuries. They belonged to with its plain architecture meeting defensive the then social elite and led an expensive life purposes. made more pleasant by luxurious utility items, artefacts and amenities of that time. From history: The land route brought big wealth to the Lords V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV, X at weekends of the castle. Its trail was a source of permanent confl icts with equally powerful neighbours, the Lords of Hradec. The confl ict led to a regular war and at the end to a personal duel of implac- www.hrad-landstejn.eu able opponents, in which Vilém of Landštejn Státní hrad Landštejn, 378 81 Slavonice

48 Lednice

Why visit: many rare woods, ponds with nesting water- The chateau, French garden with unique green- fowls, and a number of interesting small struc- house and an extensive park passing into a free tures, such as the 60 metres high Turkish minaret, open landscape extending to the Valtice chateau the lookout tower called the Temple of the God of belongs to the most signifi cant manifestation of Sun Apollo, or an artifi cial ruin called the John’s high European Romanticism. castle, the owners wanting to make the appar- ently unattractive land more unique. From history: The huge lands on both sides of today’s V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV, X at weekends Moravian-Austrian border had been acquired and and holidays developed by generations of the Liechtensteins family from the early Middle Ages. In the 19th Authentically furnished rooms of princes century Prince Alois II decided that the chateau in and princesses of Liechtenstein with original Lednice was better suited for summer meetings, furniture and historic toys were opened at festivities and the balls of European aristocracy the second fl oor of the chateau in 2011. There than heated Vienna and he rebuilt it opulently in is also the largest private collection of historic the spirit of English new Gothic. marionettes in the Czech Republic.

Four sightseeing tours show a picture of the extent of the social and private lives of the ar- istocracy in the course of centuries. The beautiful www.zamek-lednice.com park called “the Garden of Europe” is unique with Zámek 1, 691 44 Lednice

49 Lipnice nad Sázavou

Why visit: A free tour of the monumental and ragged Seven centuries of Czech history have been architecture with unique views of the surround- inscribed into the wall of one of the most gi- ings is supplemented by the maze of extensive gantic Czech aristocratic castles. Since the 14th castle cellars. century it resisted invasions on its rocky bump between two hills and it guarded as a sentry VI–VIII Tuesday–Sunday, IV, IX and X at the surrounding silver mines and merchant weekends and holidays routes which interlaced the area of the river Sázava at the boundary of the Czech Kingdom and the Margraviate of Moravia. Recommendation: Lipnice is inseparably connected From history: with the name of Jaroslav Hašek, who in the house In 1869 the castle and the Lipnice town below it (Today’s Museum) below the castle and in the inn burned down. The fi re was viewed with horror U České koruny (At the Czech Crown) wrote the major by the whole region. The burned ruin remained part of his world-famous work “The Fortunes of abandoned for half a century. After the First the Good Soldier Švejk”. The writer is also buried here. World War, the Club of Czechoslovak Tourists Every summer the natural amphitheatre hosts a Festi- bought it for 100 Czech Crowns and gradual val of humour and satire called Haškova Lipnice (VII). reconstruction has been continuing up to now. www.hrad-lipnice.eu Státní hrad, 582 32 Lipnice nad Sázavou

50 Litomyšl

Why visit: A chateau with arcades from the 16th century ranks among the most signifi cant Renaissance monuments to the North of the Alps. You may stand in front of the sgraffi to decoration of its facade and swallow tailed gables for a long time and seek two equal pictures among hundreds of “love letters” carved in the stucco – you will not fi nd any.

From history: The French garden, English park and other barns and buildings, including a brewery, were part of the chateau. In 1824 there was a big celebration, the beer fl owed freely. The brewer was very happy, because the 11th child was a boy. He got the name Bedřich Smetana and he grew into a famous composer.

Two classical tours covering the representa- tive halls, including the Baroque theatre and the apartments of aristocrats, are supplemented VI–IX Tuesday–Sunday, V and X at week- by the possibility of looking around from the 55 ends and holidays metres high tower or exploring the cellars. The acoustically perfect courtyard with a unique International Opera Festival “Smetana’s extensible roof is fi lled with stylish music Litomyšl” (VI–VII). reminding us that every year a famous music fes- tival accompanied by a number of good exhibi- tions and other events takes place in the chateau and in the whole picturesque town. www.zamek-litomysl.cz Jiráskova 93, 570 01 Litomyšl

51 Loket

Why visit: prisoners were kept here many times, but from The Czech name of the royal castle Loket (i.e. El- the 18th century up to 1949 the castle served bow) and the town of the same name surround- only as an ordinary regional prison. ing it, developed in the Middle Ages from a place where the river Ohře creates a lovely meander in the shape of a human elbow. The legendary The most impressive part of the tour sovereign Charles IV preferably stayed here and comprises premises where the practices of he alternated his state duties with hunting in torture were executed. The cells of the former his game preserves. According to a legend his four-fl oor prison have moving life-sized dum- entourage discovered, during a hunt, a spring mies, on which various methods of torture are with thermal water which healed the King’s sick being performed, accompanied by heartbreaking leg. Above this wonder spring, he then founded background sounds. the town Teplé lázně near Loket, today’s Karlovy Vary. I–XII daily

From history: Middle Age Festivities (VIII) Charles IV liked Loket very much even though his royal father imprisoned him here for several months in his childhood. As a three years’ old boy he was separated from his mother, who he www.hradloket.cz never saw again. In the course of history noble Zámecká 67, 357 33 Loket

52 Manětín

Why visit: when the aristocracy sent the local stonemason A discreet town, harmonized with the chateau to serve his apprenticeship with the famous Jan into a unique whole called “The Baroque Pearl of Brokoff ’s Prague workshop. Western Bohemia”. Following a great fi re at the be- ginning of the 18th century the Count Lažanský invited leading artists of the Czech High Baroque The tour represents life in the chateau to perform an entire reconstruction of his seat. under the Lažanský family, in particular under Marie Gabriela, who married into the family, and From history: had a special set of 13 paintings portraying her Manětín owes for its unmistakable atmosphere servants painted. to sculptures scattered around the whole town and lining the main road leading to Pilsen. V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV and X at week- The stone fi gures of saints, telamones, allegories ends of elements or human characteristics look down from their pedestals in the chateau, in the cem- etery, inside the fountains, and from the terraces in front of the chateau’s windows. The tradition www.zamek-manetin.cz was established at the end of the 18th century, Zámek 1, 331 62 Manětín

53 Mělník

Why visit: The centre of the open representative and A visit to a chateau with a magnifi cent view living chambers of the Early Baroque chateau is of the confl uence of the Elbe and Vltava rivers the Great Hall with its unique collection of maps below the traditional vineyards with the sacred of all big European towns of the 17th century hill Říp on the horizon is like a trip to the roots of including their vedutas. They serve to show Czech history. Two legendary Slavonic families of the excellent work of cartographers and graphic Pšovans and Czechs (Čechové) were joined here artists and printers of that time. into one through a marriage. The Princess Ludmi- la, the fi rst Czech saint, with her husband Bořivoj I–XII daily brought the Christian religion to the Czech lands then and founded the Přemyslids ruling dynasty. The beginnings of viticulture in the Czech lands fall into the 10th century when the Prin- From history: cess Ludmila founded a fi rst vineyard in Since the early Middle Ages the castle was occu- the Mělník region. The current owner restored pied by widows of Czech kings and dukes. Under the original production of wine in historic cellars the rule of the Emperor Charles IV the town and off ers a wide selection of chateau wines – became a dowry property of Czech queens. Later the most famous one is “Ludmila” in its typical the chateau was owned by various aristocratic bottle, the shape of which comes from the time families, and since the 18th century, by one of of the great medieval sovereign Charles IV. the oldest still living Czech aristocratic families – the Lobkowicz.

www.lobkowicz-melnik.cz Svatováclavská 19/16, 276 01 Mělník

54 Mikulov

Why visit: Mikulov town is situated in the very centre of the wine-growing region of South Moravia in The Museum expositions represent, in the magnifi cent nature reserve Pálava. In addition addition to the local viticulture, the history of to stops at local and family wine cellars or tast- the chateau and the aristocratic family of Di- ing of wines in wine bars and wine restaurants, etrichsteins, archaeology and attractive seasonal the visit also includes the historic chateau cellar exhibitions. with expositions of traditional viticulture. The huge richly decorated Renaissance wine cask with a vol- IV–X Tuesday–Sunday ume of 101 400 litres and weight of 26.1 tonnes is the largest one in the Czech Republic. Since 1994 the chateau’s “Workshop” has been gradually establishing one of the highest From history: quality collections of contemporary sculpture in Fires became fatal for the highly visible Baroque the Czech Republic as a result of annual summer chateau up above the town. It burned to the ground art symposiums. for the last time a few days before the end of the Second World War when the German Army was retreating. Thanks to the initiative of local inhabit- ants the chateau was soon sensitively restored and www.rmm.cz adjusted for the needs of the Regional Museum. Zámek 1, 692 15 Mikulov

55 Milotice

Why visit: This Pearl on the string of Moravian Baroque chateaux is situated in the middle of fertile vine- yards and wine cellars in the Slovácko (Moravian The tour shows the stylish interiors, which Slovakia) region, on the Moravian wine path. were installed exactly in accordance with The chateau acquired its appearance comprising the period photographs and with still living the French Baroque garden, pheasantry, oranger- eyewitnesses, presents the life of the last owners ies, a riding hall and a stable, in the 18th century of the chateau, the German family of Seilern under the family of Serény, after the old manor Aspang. was twice ravaged by foreign raiders. V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV and X at week- From history: ends and holidays Serényi, by origin a Hungarian count, spent most of his time at the Emperor’s court in Vienna; how- Sales gallery of wines and a wine restau- ever, he often invited selected Viennese society rant. to his Milotice estate, mainly to boast about his unique collection of thoroughbred horses, stalled in the luxurious environment of the chateau stables. Portraits of the 32 most precious stal- www.zamekmilotice.cz lions are exhibited at the chateau. Zámecká 1, 696 05 Milotice

56 Mnichovo Hradiště

Why visit: Several tours of the Baroque chateau and its The family of Wallensteins found a perfectly rich interiors return the visitor to the aristocratic luxurious manor at the western promontory of life of the 18th century. At that time also 22 the magnifi cent land of the Bohemian Paradise, thousand volumes were brought from the library exactly in accordance with the family slogan “In in Duchcov, another chateau of the powerful defi ance of envy!” (Invita invidia!) Wallensteins, where the library had been man- aged by the exiled Giacomo Casanova, the aged From history: seducer and diplomat–schemer, until his death. Václav Budovec, the founder of the chateau and a signifi cant Protestant politician, a writer V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV and X at week- and a patriot, was executed in 1621 as one of ends and holidays the main leaders of the Czech revolt against the Emperor. His confi scated chateau and Saturday’s extraordinary tours of the back- the whole estate were acquired by Albrecht von stage and historic stage equipment of the cha- Wallenstein, the Emperor’s general, as another teau theatre from the 18th century (V–IX). part of his huge and expanding property. After several years his life was also prematurely ended Sunday’s children’s tours with a guide in – he was done away with by assassins in order period costume and with the fairy tale of be- to prevent his plans of crowning his starry career witched knights (VII–VIII). with a coronation to become Czech king. His body following many transfers, 150 years after his death, was laid to rest in the St. Anna Chapel, close to the chateau. www.mnichovo-hradiste.cz Státní zámek, 295 01 Mnichovo Hradiště

57 Náchod

Why visit: as a brother in law and trustee of Albrecht, was When in 1634 Ottavio Piccolomini, the Italian murdered together with him, in 1634 in Cheb general, acquired the chateau and the extensive during the liquidation of the so called Wallen- estate as a gift from the Emperor for help with stein’s conspiracy. dispatching Albrecht von Wallenstein, he was only 35 years old. However, he already had The chateau off ers six diff erent tours of a more than rich experience from the Thirty the beautifully furnished interiors of the chateau. Years’ War, so it was not a wonder that his fi rst The newest one is the exposition of a unique col- steps in his new residence led to modernization lection of orders and decorations, mainly jewels of the fortifi cation. Under the 150 years reign of on big ribbons and order stars from the old the Piccolomini family in the Baroque and Rococo chateau’s safe. periods, the chateau basically received its current appearance. V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV and X at week- ends and holidays From history: Albrecht von Wallenstein came, by the mother’s Those who would not like to see the bears line, from the Smiřický family, the long-time Dáša and Ludvík in the chateau’s moat may peep owners of the Náchod estate. In the 17th cen- into the children’s room with historic toys from tury they owned the most extensive lands in the 19th century and the fi rst half of the 20th in the Czech Kingdom, including tens of castles and the Piccolominsk’s exposition. towns. However, the property was confi scated by the Emperor from the last heiress, who took sides with the Czech nobility’s revolt in 1620. Shortly after, the chateau was confi scated by www.zamek-nachod.cz the Emperor also from Adam Erdman Trčka, who, Zámek 1282, Náchod 547 01

58 Náměšť na Hané

Why visit: million Austrian Crowns for it and invested other A beautiful carriage of the Olomouc archbishop big sums into the modernization of his residence, appeared in the fi lm of Miloš Forman “Amadeus”, which should refl ect his property upturn. but also other carriages from the local historic The family lost its property a few weeks after collection are extraordinary; mainly the three the end of the Second World War. It was one of unique richly gilded carriages used for ceremo- the fi rst confi scations in Czechoslovakia accord- nial occasions. The velvet and gold embroidered ing to the Decree of president Beneš on seizing seats are fi lled with eiderdown and the curtains the property of Germans. are sewn from rare brocade. The length of the carriage with six thoroughbred horses was The exhibition of more than 50 historic up to 15 metres, and the biggest carriage is more children’s prams is also part of one of the tours. than 3.5 metres high and weighs over 2 tonnes. V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV and X at week- From history: ends and holidays František Ottáhal, the iron merchant, bought the estate with a French style chateau, to which avenues of centuries-old lime trees are con- verged from four sides, from the Count Kinsky, www.zamek.namestnahane.cz the last aristocratic owner, in 1916. He paid 2.3 Hrad 1, 783 44 Náměšť na Hané

59 were excellent, concerts were held even three times a week. Famous composers and performers were guests at the chateau. Musical tradition still continues.

From history: In the 16th century the Žerotíns family played an important role in rebuilding the inconvenient castle into an extensive Renaissance chateau. The elite of the Moravian aristocracy met here in order to enjoy themselves and plot their political and family plans. At that time Moravia was a country of welfare, religious freedom and tolerance, thus the biggest in Europe. The Protes- tant Unity of Brethren had a printing house here, which was transferred to the nearby town Kralice in 1578. There one of the most valuable works of the Czech literature of that time originated – “The Kralice Bible”.

The famous collection of 24 large historic tapestries from the Renaissance up to the 19th century stands out among the exhibits of Náměšť nad the tour route.

Oslavou V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV, X at weekends and holidays Why visit: The chateau was famous at the end of the 18th Summer international multigenre cul- century as an important centre of musical life tural festival “Folk holidays” (VII), concerts in in Central Europe. The chateau’s numerous the chateau. orchestral players included teachers and folk musicians from the neighbourhood, but mainly the servants of the Haugwitz family – those who did not play well on an instrument were www.zamek-namest.cz dismissed. The repertoire and the artistic quality Zámek 1, 675 71 Náměšť nad Oslavou

60 Nelahozeves

Why visit: The view into the aristocratic interiors of The chateau houses a signifi cant part of the col- the Lobkowicz family illustrates how an old and lections of the Lobkowicz family, which rank infl uential noble family lived in one of their among the oldest, the most extensive and eminent chateaux in the countryside. Hunting the most well-preserved private arts and archi- was the essential entertainment of the autumn tecture collections in the Czech Republic. Another months, which is shown by trophies of the chase, part of the collection can be seen in the Lobkowicz a collection of fi rearms and stag horn furniture. Palace in the Prague Castle. IV–X daily From history: Originally a fortress and later a Renaissance chateau built in an Italian style by Italian artists it changed owners constantly and no one stayed Recommendation: The great Czech composer there for a long time. Since the 17th century Antonín Dvořák was born in Nelahozeves. There is the opulent residence served only as offi ces and a museum in his parental house and the chateau warehouses and gradually started to decay. hosts a cycle of concerts of classical, jazz and alter- A new active chapter started to be written only native music from spring till autumn. at the end of the last century, when the chateau was returned, as restitution, to the family of www.lobkowiczevents.cz Lobkowicz and opened to the public. Zámek Lobkowiczů, 277 51 Nelahozeves

61 Nové Město nad Metují

Why visit: At the beginning of the 20th century J. Bartoň, the rich owner of a textile factory, picked out the devastated Baroque chateau as a future family residence. Excellent architects of that time, Dušan Jurkovič and Pavel Janák, rebuilt it into a modern residence equipped with technical amenities, such as a water main, central heat- ing, electric power, telephone, and dining and personal lifts.

From history: In the 17th century the whole chateau and the estate came into possession of Walter of Leslie, a Scottish constable, who was promoted to the position of fi eld marshal and imperial Count. It was a reward for his share in the murder of Albrecht von Wallenstein and other Czech aristocrats accused of a plot against the Emperor.

Modernised historic interiors for the rep- resentation and privacy of the industrial family were boldly decorated in the Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Cubism and Functionalism styles by promi- nent Czech artists.

V and VI, IX Tuesday–Sunday, VII and VIII daily, IV, X at weekends and holidays

www.zameknm.cz Husovo náměstí 1201 549 01 Nové Město nad Metují

62 Olomouc

Why visit: reliably clarifi ed. This meant a defi nitive end of The signifi cance of the Přemyslid castle in Olo- the single Czech ruling dynasty of Přemyslids. mouc for Czech history is comparable only with Thirty of its representatives were in power for Prague Castle. The fragment of the Bishop’s Pal- more than 400 years. The castle was then left to ace from the 12th century with beautiful stone the clergy. windows is considered to be one of the most signifi cant European monuments of residential The permanent exposition of the Archdioc- Romanesque architecture. Contrast is given by esan museum shows gems of art from the 12th– the hypermodern reconstruction of the premises 18th centuries, one of the highest quality Central into an attractive museum of arts, which brought European collections of the old art of painting many prestigious awards to its young architects. and the vault treasures of Olomouc archbishops. As far as the number of collection items and or- From history: ganization of excellent exhibitions are concerned, In 1063 the fi rst Czech King Vratislav II founded the museum is the most signifi cant Czech art the bishopric in Olomouc, which then was based institution after the National Gallery in Prague. directly in his castle. In 1306 one of the oldest Czech detective stories took place in these walls V–X Tuesday–Sunday not resolved up to this time: the murder of the sixteen years’ old King Václav III, who rested www.olmuart.cz here prior to his crusade to Poland, was never Václavské náměstí 3, 771 11 Olomouc

63 Opočno

Why visit: accused of a plot, unseated and wilfully assas- At fi rst it looked as if Jan Rudolf Trčka of Lípa was sinated together with his friends and counsel- very lucky. He inherited an opulent Renaissance lors, among whom was also Adam Erdman family chateau, a profi table estate and married Trčka, the young offi cer and his brother-in-law. Marie Magdalena of Lobkowicz, a woman not The family died out and Opočno became the pos- only beautiful and intelligent, but also active and session of the Italian aristocratic family Colloredo businesslike. Maybe even too active. The serfs until the Second World War. called her “Bad Manda” due to her selfi shness, greed and inhuman treatment. Mainly after the year 1620, when the Czech nobility’s revolt The genteel representative premises in against the Emperor had been defeated, she had the so called French palace style were remod- become the richest woman of that time through elled in the 19th–20th centuries, when big property leverage, intrigues and relations with collections of paintings, weapons, ethnographic both the defeated and the victorious sides. She exotic items and hunting trophies from Africa dreamed about a military and later a politi- and America were installed here. cal career for her son, but this ended with his death and the loss of credit and the property of V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV and X at week- the whole family. ends and holidays

From history: Alliance with the Duke Albrecht von Wallenstein was fatal for the Trčka of Lípa family. In 1634 www.zamek-opocno.cz the formerly favoured Emperor’s general was Trčkovo náměstí 1, 517 73 Opočno

64 Orlík

Why visit: troops. His 237 000 men then defi nitively crashed A wooden castle like an eagle’s nest was built on the French army of the Emperor Napoleon in a steep rock above the Vltava river in the 13th “The Battle of Nations” at Leipzig in 1813. century and in later centuries it got the ap- pearance of a stone Gothic castle for the royal The diplomatic talent of the Schwarzen- garrison. However, the rock and the settlement bergs has been remembered not only by below the castle were swallowed up by a dam in the unique collection of orders, but also by the 20th century, but the impressive appearance the Empire style lounges with furniture brought and the ancient name Orlík (Small eagle) were from the Ambassador’s residence of Karl Philipp preserved. in Paris, and by the activity of the current owner, Karl Schwarzenberg, as a Foreign Aff airs Minister From history: of the Czech Republic. The period of greatest glory of Orlík came after the year 1802 with Karl Philipp Schwarzenberg. VI–IX daily, IV, V and X Tuesday–Sunday When he was only 16 years old he started a bril- liant military career, fi rst in the bodyguard of the Austrian Emperor, then four years later he already was a colonel and very soon a marshal www.schwarzenberg.cz and the commander-in-chief of anti-Napoleon Zámek Orlík, 398 07 Orlík nad Vltavou

65 Pernštejn

Why visit: A marble castle with a silver access road (made of small mica stones) and remarkable architecture stands up from the rock above the surround- ing dark green woods as a mysterious seat of the Lord of the Rings. The alcoves attached to the higher fl oors like swallow nests ingeniously increased the castle’s living space.

From history: The castle bears the name of a famous aristocratic family, one of the richest in the Czech lands, to which the irrecoverable loans to emperors became fatal. The Pernsteins had to sell up their vast lands. The castle remained in its intact ap- pearance in the Gothic and Renaissance forms as it had in the 16th century, when it was fi nished. Its insuffi ciently used interiors were then consid- erably marked by ravages of time and vandals.

Thick walls, small windows and impressive vaults, the dungeon, the chapel – comprise the Gothic base of the castle. And also the spiral staircase and narrow corridors with a number of authentic medieval inscriptions – quotations of Ovidius and smutty drawings by long-time military guards. This is in contrast with the com- fortably furnished chambers of last owners.

V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV and X at week- ends and holidays

www.hrad-pernstejn.cz Státní hrad Pernštejn, 592 62 Nedvědice

66 Ploskovice

Why visit: executed. His story came alive in the 19th centu- It is said that for this luxurious Baroque chateau, ry in the period of Romanticism, when thanks to which would equal the structures of foreign nobil- the patriotic opera “Dalibor” by Bedřich Smetana, ity, the ambitious Anna Maria Franziska, the Grand he directly became a symbol of Czech music. Duchess of Tuscany paid an outrageous sum of more than one million guldens. She cared so much The interiors evoke the atmosphere of about the construction of “small Versailles” that the summer stays of the retired Austrian Emperor she personally followed the construction and every and the last crowned King of Bohemia, Ferdi- week she paid out all the workers. In order to hide nand V. Habsburg in the 19th century. The arti- the price for her lavishness from her husband, she fi cial Baroque water caves called grottos should burned all bills at the end, so there is no document be experienced. about either the exact time of construction or about the architect.

From history: V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV and X at week- At the end of the 15th century a rebellion of serfs ends and holidays took place in the chateau and in the domain and its main protagonist was the defender of oppressed people, the Knight Dalibor of Kozojed. As a punishment he was put as the fi rst prisoner www.zamek-ploskovice.cz in the new dungeon in the Prague Castle and Státní zámek, 411 42 Ploskovice 1

67 Praha – Pražský hrad

Why visit: From history: It is hard to say which of Prague’s panoramas Whether you choose the monumental entrance is more breathtaking: whether the view from through triumphal arches through which below the river with the characteristic silhouette the kings and emperors with their escorts used of the Hradčany, or from above the terraces and to arrive, and nowadays presidents in their windows of Prague Castle down to the magic limousines arrive, or a sort of a “back entrance town with its hundreds of spires and sights for servants”(but the Old Castle stairs along spread on the hills on both banks of the Vltava the terraced southern Castle gardens which are river itself spanned by many historical bridges. In more romantic), you will be overwhelmed by any case Prague Castle together with the St. Vitus the size and magnifi cence of this ancient seat of Cathedral belong to the nations treasures, they the Czech sovereigns. Nowadays the castle is also are symbols of Czech statehood and an area the residence of the head of state. The fi rst rate contributing to the reputation of Prague as one architectural monuments, of all art styles, ranging of the most beautiful cities in the world. from the Romanesque Royal Palace, the Gothic Metropolitan Cathedral, Renaissance summer palaces, Baroque galleries, Classicist ceremonial halls to the high-tech greenhouse by the re- nowned architect, Eva Jiřičná, in the gardens are a textbook of architecture and shown in a 3D fi lm on the Czech history and national identity.

68 The whole Castle premises are freely ac- cessible. Of the interiors open to guided tours worth mentioning are: the Old Royal Palace, a permanent exhibition called the Story of the Prague Castle, St. George’s Basilica, the Con- vent of St. George’s (exposition of the National Gallery), the Picture Gallery of Prague Castle, Powder Tower, St. Vitus Cathedral with the tombs of Czech kings, the Rožmberk Palace, the Great Southern Spire of the Cathedral and the Golden Lane with its ramparts. The representative halls of Prague Castle are open to the general public on two holidays in a year, typically on the fi rst Saturday after the 8th May, and the fi rst Saturday after the 28th October. In many Prague Castle premises temporary exhibitions and cultural events are organized throughout the year.

The Castle precincts and premises open to visitors I–XII daily, gardens IV–X daily

“Summer Shakespeare Festival”– the oldest and the biggest Shakespearean theatre festival in the open air in Europe (VI–IX)

The Supreme Burgrave’s house accom- modates one of the largest private collections of toys in the world including a huge number of old European and American unique items.

Recommendation: Each hour changing of the Cas- tle guards takes place, at noon with fanfares and the exchange of the standard in the fi rst courtyard. www.praguewelcome.cz Pražský hrad, 119 08 Praha 1

69 Praha – Trojský zámek

Why visit: But the Emperor left Prague for good shortly The young Czech Count, Wenzel Adalbert von after the start of construction and only over 23 Sternberg had been so thrilled by the atmos- years, in 1703, could the Count welcome his son, phere of the “Eternal City” of Rome that he the Emperor Joseph I. decided to bring a part of it home. He was extremely lucky in choosing the place and artists The story of the construction is narrated who were to bring his dreams of a magnifi cent by the exhibition “Eternal Summer in a Roman Baroque suburban villa full of works of art amidst villa”. It is complemented by a unique selection boundless gardens to life. of historical portrayals of hounds, horses and other animals from collections in aristocratic From history: manors, and other art collections of the Gallery The oasis of joy and rest surrounded by pictur- of the Capital City of Prague. esque vineyards and whispering river had not been meant for longer stays but for organizing I–XII Tuesday–Sunday festivals. The major theme of the magnifi cent mural decorations of the castle was the glo- rifi cation of the power and fame of the house of Habsburg and the Count also hoped to host www.citygalleryprague.cz Emperor Leopold I and his hunting entourage. U Trojského zámku 1, 170 00 Praha 7

70 Praha – Vyšehrad

Why visit: The rock above the Vltava river and the twin slender spires are emblazoned with many ancient legends and genius loci (spirit of the place) of one of the most memorable places of the Czech people. Away from the crowds of tourists fl owing through the oldest of Prague’s quarters in the centre, it off ers an unusual view of the magnifi cent city and a peaceful walk in the beautiful park.

From history: Vyšehrad is the oldest Czech royal residence because Vratislav II, the fi rst man to be crowned resided there. Legends go back to the beginnings of the Přemyslide state in the 11th century and even deeper in the ancient times, as the major architectural monuments at Vyšehrad (Neo- Gothic St. Peter and Paul’s Cathedral, Baroque Casemates) are not of such an old date. Of Leisurely walk and stops at memorable the abundance of old national legends artisti- places or observation places may be comple- cally rendered many times, the most popular one mented by visiting the Art Nouveau interior of is the legend of the mythical horse, called Šemík, the capitulary cathedral, the tombs of the most who saved his rider from execution having famous Czech prominent people in the Vyšehrad jumped over the ramparts and the river. Princess cemetery, or entering casemates and a large Libuše, a mythical prophet who chose Přemysl underground hall Gorlice where the original the Ploughman for founding the royal family, is sculptures from the Charles Bridge are placed. said to have predicted the immortal glory and starry future of Prague. I–XII daily

www.praha-vysehrad.cz V Pevnosti 159/5b, 120 00 Praha 2-Vyšehrad

71 Rabí

Why visit: Nearly 3 kilometres of ramparts encircle the larg- est Czech castle ruin boasting one of the most advanced defence systems of that time in Europe. The attractive medieval milieu is popular with fairytale and historical story fi lm makers. In 1967, director František Vláčil shot the most famous Czech art fi lm “Markéta Lazarová” here. How was it with Žižka’s eye? What view does the donjon off er? Is the well in the court- From history: yard really bottomless? Two guided tours give The most famous event from the rich history of answers to these and other questions. the castle is the siege by Hussite troops in 1421. The legendary folk commander Jan Žižka lost V–IX Tuesday – Sunday, IV and X at week- his only healthy eye in the siege, allegedly after ends and public holidays being shot from a bow by the castle defend- ers. The scene was once carved on the castle gate, but people from the neighbourhood used the stones from the derelict building, uninhab- www.rabi.cz ited since the 18th century, as building material. Státní hrad Rabí, 342 01 Sušice

72 Ratibořice

Why visit: Russia and Prussia on a coalition against Napo- Intelligent, independent and on top of that leon which contributed to his fall and the new attractive, Katharina Wilhelmine, Duchess of arrangement of Europe. Sagan (in Czech Kateřina Zaháňská) had en- chanted the highest European social circles with her charm and subtlety for many years; she was The tour of the manor drawing rooms is admired by prominent men of the early 19th successfully complemented by a walk round century, from the Russian Tsar to the Austrian the manor park and the “Grandma Valley”, where chancellor Metternich. She knew the whole of everything reminds you of the story of the cult Europe, she was in her element when at the Vi- Czech novel “Grandma” by the popular novelist of enna royal court, but she considered her summer the 19th century, Božena Němcová. residence amidst the beautiful countryside of Eastern Bohemia as her real home. V and VI Tuesday–Sunday, VII and VIII daily, IV, IX, X at weekends and holidays From history: “The Hall of Three Emperors” reminds us of the fact that in 1813, Katharina Wilhelmine, Duchess of Sagan lent her elegant manor house www.zamek-ratiborice.cz to host the secret negotiations between Austria, Státní zámek Ratibořice, 552 03 Česká Skalice

73 Rožmberk

Why visit: A portrait of the famous White Lady deco- The most splendid view of the huge medieval rates the Hall of Rožmberks in the fi rst guided tour, castle and the romantic countryside of Southern which will bring the visitors to the times of the last Bohemia opens to you from the English Tower. Rožmberks, Vilém and Petr. The Buquoy family, But you must climb more than 200 steps. which held the castle in possession from 1620 until the end of the Second World War, will be intro- From history: duced during the guided tour of the private family The castle from the middle of the 13th century rooms on the second fl oor of the castle. belongs among the oldest castles of the Vítkovci family, the predecessors of the one of the most V–XI Tuesday–Sunday, IV and X at week- powerful Bohemian aristocratic families – ends and holidays, XI–III daily Rožmberks – who, after the king, used to be in the most powerful positions in the country. Evening tours in period costumes where Despite a number of learned and venturesome historic personalities guide visitors around feudal lords, apparently the most popular family the castle have become a summer tradition fi gure is Perchta of Rožmberk, who, as the legend (VII–VIII). says, has been walking around the family resi- dences as a mournful ghost since her death.

www.hrad-rozmberk.eu Státní hrad, 382 18 Rožmberk nad Vltavou

74 Slavkov (Austerlitz)

Why visit: The monumental Baroque chateau became famous in connection with the Battle of Slavkov which took place in 1805 between the French troops on one side and allied Russian-Austrian troops on the other. The Emperor Napoleon after the victorious battle stayed in the chateau overnight several times and started peace negotia- tions.

From history: The chateau reached the peak of its fame in the second half of the 18th century under Wenzel Anton Kaunitz, a member of the old Moravian aristocratic family, which had owned the manor for four centuries. In the highest circles, the Prince participated in the creation of the Habsburg monarchy policy and hosted the Empress Maria Theresa in his magnifi cent residence many times. IV–XI Tuesday–Sunday, VI–VIII daily He was the lover of art and books and regardless of censorship he was ordering “subversive” new titles focused on Enlightenment and new revolutionary movements directly from France. Recommendation: Every year at the beginning of December, a reconstruction of the battle takes The chambers with rich artistic decora- place on the Slavkov battlefi eld where Napoleon tions and unique gallery of Baroque paintings Bonaparte defeated the numerically superior represent the Italian concept of the palace style army commanded by the Austrian and Russian of living. In the main round hall the history of emperors. The memorable places, of which the Art Europe was drawn up – after the famous “Battle Nouveau memorial called the Cairn of Peace is of Three Emperors” the armistice between France the most notable, are possible to visit, organised and Austria was signed here. The major instances by the château’s custodians, or to one’s own taste of the famous event are reconstructed in a virtual any time during the year. Battle at Slavkov (Austerlitz) in the form of a projection. www.zamek-slavkov.cz Palackého náměstí 1, 684 01 Slavkov u Brna

75 From history: The manor, confi scated from the Czech nobility, was once acquired by a French Chivalry family as a benefi t for the services provided to the Austrian Emperor during the Thirty Years’ War. The manor prospered mostly in the 19th century when Brit- tany princes of the House of Rohan moved in. As the fi rst cousins of French kings of the Bourbon dynasty they found a refuge here after the Great French Revolution and they grew fond of the North of Bohemia insofar as they stayed here even though they were invited to return back home later on.

In addition to the basic guided tour of the noble interiors with fantastic carving decora- tion and the portrait gallery of the Rohan family, Sychrov which survived the French revolution hidden in an attic of one of the Parisian palaces, also Why visit: many interesting details and secluded places of Not only the chateau itself belonging to the complex chateau including the pink bath- the most notable sights of the historicist styles room of one of the Rohan princesses can be seen. of the 19th century, but also the surrounding countryside reshaped in a work of art features I–XII daily the esprit of the French countryside. But all the work during its reconstruction in its abso- Professional falconers demonstrate the his- lutely enchanting Neo-Gothic form was done torical way of training of birds of prey several exclusively by domestic artisans and craftsmen, times a day (V–IX). namely by the brilliant carver Petr Bušek who imprinted high artistic value to the interiors of the chateau and an unrepeatable atmosphere. www.zamek-sychrov.cz Státní zámek, 463 44 Sychrov

76 Špilberk (Brno)

Why visit: The stone castle high above the city invoked mixed feelings of safety and fear in citizens of Brno throughout long centuries. This leading In addition to the tour of casemates it is residence of the Czech kings and Moravian also possible to visit the castle interiors, several Margraves had gradually changed into a huge permanent expositions and occasional exhibi- Baroque military fortress with the severest prison tions from the museum collections of the City of the Austrian monarchy – the well-known of Brno. The observation gallery on the bastion “Prison of Nations”. Later the army barracks were off ers a unique view of the City of Brno and its there. Nowadays, it is the seat of the Museum of surroundings. the City of Brno and one of the most signifi cant Brno cultural centres for exhibitions, theatre, Exhibitions and historical interiors - Tues- concerts and historical and sporting events. day–Sunday all year round, casemates and the southeast bastion V–IX including Monday From history: The prison had been a part of the fortress since “Summer Shakespeare Festival” (VII–VIII), the Thirty Years’ War. Its cells witnessed hardened Festival Špilberk Filharmonie Brno (VIII), fencing criminals and military and political prisoners of all festival (IX) regimes, for example Hungarian Jacobites, Italian patriots, or Polish revolutionaries from the Krakow Uprising in 1846. During the Second World War it became an interchange station to other German www.spilberk.cz prisons or concentration camps. Špilberk 1, 662 24 Brno-střed

77 Šternberk

Why visit: The complex castle with rich decoration ranging from Gothic to Art Nouveau styles is a typical example of the method of restoration of old his- torical buildings in the Romantic spirit of the 19th century. Opulent furnishing was mostly brought in from inaccessible North Moravian chateaux.

From history: The long history of the residence of the Sternberg Collections of the last owners of the Liech- family is closely linked with the troubled times tenstein family are the basis of two guided tours. of Czech history, mainly with wars during which the castle and the town below it suff ered con- V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV and X at week- siderably. The castle was for a long-time in ruins ends and holidays and only at the end of the 19th century the own- ers decided to undertake a general reconstruc- tion. Installation of a water main, hot air heating system, equipping of bathrooms and a personal www.hrad-sternberk.cz lift were a part of the refurbishments. Horní náměstí 6, 785 01 Šternberk

78 Švihov

Why visit: Guided tours of interiors where the nobility The magnifi cent water castle was built by rich, lived and entertained, but also of the parts of power intoxicated, Půta Švihovský of Rýzmberk. the castle where the staff worked hard per- Till these days legends go round about the pride fectly illustrate the castle style of life in the 16th and cruelty with which he handled his serfs and century. craftsmen and for which the devil brought him allegedly down to hell. In his bedroom there has V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV and X at week- been a mysterious hole in the vault till these days ends and holidays allegedly resisting any attempts to be walled up. What do dragons look like? Everything From history: about dragons and how to outsmart them The perfectly protected medieval fortress, with is shown in an exhibition “Dragons” during its ingenious equipment capable of fl ooding the holidays. the surroundings with water in no time (includ- ing the inner courtyard) and letting the water out without any harm to the building, is con- sidered to be the last real castle in Czech lands www.hradsvihov.cz – only chateaux were built after it. Žižkova 1, 340 12 Švihov

79 Telč

Why visit: a magnifi cent park with an orangery surrounded The chateau and the main square in Telč belong by ponds, all this is a remarkable illustration of among the most distinctive European historical translating Italian art into the Czech milieu. monuments of the Renaissance style outside its cradle in Italy. It was there that one of the rich- From history: est and most powerful feudal lords of his time, The luxurious residence rebuilt during the sec- Zacharias of Hradec, became enthusiastic about ond half of the 16th century from the original the new artistic style during his diplomatic Gothic castle had lived on its fame for many missions. He invited home top ranked Italian centuries. The enormous patrimony from one architects, craftsmen and artists and gave them of the most prosperous Moravian estates had a free hand in the reconstruction of his old family been decreasing and passing to the possession residence. Richly decorated interiors with gilded of other aristocratic families. The Renaissance silver furniture, tapestries, jewels and gemstones, form of the chateau and the adjacent square sgraffi ti, courtyards interconnected by arcades and lined by the pastel facades of patrician houses

80 above the arcades has not therefore essentially the large Golden Hall called after its gilded changed and has preserved its original character; coff ered ceiling with scenes from Ancient Greek this was the reason for its entry in the UNESCO mythology. A visit to the private drawing-rooms World Heritage List. The exceptional Renaissance of the last owners of the chateau, Podstatzky of treasure nestled among ponds looks nearly like Liechtenstein, also includes a tour of the Count’s fairytale fi lm scenery – and so fi lms are often bathrooms and a dressing-room with a collection shot here and the locals have become experi- of historical clothing and accessories. enced supernumerary actors. IV–X Tuesday–Sunday The guided tour of the chateau chambers gives the impression of a compendium of Renais- sance artistic techniques. They boast of carved coff ered ceilings decorated with paintings and www.zamek-telc.cz curious hunting trophies. But the real gem is Náměstí Zachariáše z Hradce 1, 588 56 Telč

81 Točník and Žebrák

Why visit: the king ruling over ten countries, as seen on The ruins of two closely neighbouring medieval the entrance gate with their coats of arms on castles creating the best preserved twin castles in it, including the favourite symbol of Václav IV - the Czech Republic dominate the deep forests of kingfi sher surrounded by a fi bre veil. the Křivoklát region.

From history: The free visit is livened up at practically Žebrák, the older one, had been used by nobility any time by various festivals, medieval markets, and the Czech kings since the 13th century. It music festivals and fencing combats. was a place of frequent intermediate stops by the Emperor Charles IV on his “business trips” Točník: V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, III, IV and X in foreign countries, and also his successor to at weekends and holidays, Žebrák: VII and VIII the throne, Václav IV, an ardent hunter, and daily, IV–IV and IX at weekends and holidays his numerous hunting entourage spent a lot of time there. After a great fi re, he had the more comfortable castle Točník built on the opposite hill; at those times an unprecedently luxurious www.tocnik.com residence with two palaces, representing indeed Hrady Točník a Žebrák, 267 51 Zdice

82 Trosky

Why visit: that got hold of the castle using a trick fought The towers of the ruins (“trosky”) of the Gothic off , in this way, the enormous predominance of castle called the Virgin and the Crone are a symbol the Territorial Army. of the picturesque region of the Bohemian Para- dise – from the towers a unique view of the wide During the individual tour you will admire countryside opens up. The castle, abandoned distant views from the observation platform since the Thirty Years’ War, and gradually falling on the Crone tower and in the summer months into picturesque ruins, is still popular with poets, demonstrations of birds of prey trainings in painter, photographers and all romantic souls. the castle premises.

From history: V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV and X at week- Building the castle on two steep volcanic rocks ends and holidays made the castle an impregnable fortress, which was not seized even during fi erce Hussite wars. As a last resort, there are allegedly large cellars under the castle and escape routes in the maze www.hrad-trosky.eu of the surrounding sandstone rocks and under- Státní hrad Trosky, ground caverns. Once, 200 marauding knights 512 63 Rovensko pod Troskami

83 From history: Not even Petr Vok, an educated and art-loving feudal lord, so charming and attractive to women, had children, and so after his death in 1611 the 400 year course of the aristocratic family of Rožmberks through the Czech history ended. The results of their presence in the South- ern Bohemia are a large number of fi sh breeding ponds that generated a substantial part of their profi ts and gave the countryside an unrepeat- able charm.

Renaissance chambers of the Rožmberk nobility and rooms of courtiers and ladies-in- waiting give us the image of the life in noble courts of those days, for example of the rules for the art of fi ne dining and feasting. During holi- days it is possible to visit the stables, kitchen just for dogs and underground casemates which were Třeboň converted into wine cellars later on. Also the tour of the remarkably furnished private suites of Why visit: the last owners, Schwarzenbergs, is possible. Not even three groups of ten alchemists headed by the famous Dr. John Dee and Edward Kelley IV–X Tuesday–Sunday invited to Třeboň by Vilém of Rožmberk were able to prepare a potion guaranteeing the birth of a descendant. He died childless and his younger brother Petr Vok inherited his vast estate, but Recommendation: In the English park at the banks of also his debts. He gradually sold several family the large pond called Svět (World) stands a remark- residences and moved with his entire court to able stone tomb with 26 coffi ns of the members of Třeboň, which he got rebuilt in Renaissance the Schwarzenberg family. Owing to its magnifi cent style for his comfort and the storing of a unique acoustics it is used for the organising of concerts. archive and collections only commensurate with collections of the Emperor Rudolf II at the Prague www.zamek-trebon.eu Castle. Zámek 115, 379 01 Třeboň

84 Valtice

Why visit: In addition to the guided tour of the Count’s In the southern most part of the Czech Repub- chambers of the Liechtenstein family it is also lic the powerful and rich Leichtensteins let possible in summer months to visit places of the swamps and marshes around the Dyje river interest in the surroundings, such as the Rendez- between their beautiful chateaux in Valtice and vous hunting lodge, the antique styled colonnade Lednice be drained and created an artifi cial with its beautiful view, or the chapel of the hunt- landscape with ponds full of water lilies, shady ers’ patron St. Hubert where votive services were woods, scented meadows and blossoming served after the end of aristocratic hunting. parks in an area of 185 km2. For the delight and surprise of guests, the best Viennese architects V–X Tuesday–Sunday, IV at weekends and also placed a number of remarkable romantic holidays buildings in the countryside. The chateau amidst the traditional wine- From history: growing area off ers, in addition to wine tasting Valtice, in history, belonged more to Austria from their own wine cellars, also summer wine and from the Middle Ages to 1945 was owned festivals (VII), and at the end of September by Liechtensteins. Gradually, 13 ruling counts the tasting of new wine, and the grape harvest built their residence, which, with its decorative- beginning of October. ness and magnifi cence and rich equipment and collections competed with the Viennese imperial court itself in the 18th century. www.zamek-valtice.cz Zámek 1, 691 42 Valtice

85 Velhartice

Why visit: Do not miss a tour of the poetic castle The romantic atmosphere of the ancient castle premises with a beautiful view and visit also together with its unusual defence system is the open-air museum of vernacular architecture in amplifi ed by the forested hillsides of one of the settlement around the castle. the most beautiful Šumava valleys. V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV and X at week- From history: ends and holidays One of the fi rst owners and builders of the castle Bušek of Velhartice and his son were favourite and faithful chamberlains of the King and Em- peror Charles IV. The strong bonds of friendship among them became an inspiration for great www.hradvelhartice.cz many poets, writers and fi lm-makers. Hrad Velhartice, 341 42 Kolinec

86 Velké Březno

Why visit: The Count Chotek had the one of the newest and smallest Czech chateaux built in the middle of the 19th century, where he wished to spend the autumn of his life. As a youth he toured the whole of Europe and became familiar with the social life in capital cities; after retirement he retreated to the Czech countryside.

From history: From outside the building is rather reminiscent of a railway station building, but it was equipped with all amenities available in those days for the comfort of the freshly retired. This former leading politician and his charming wife had numerous guests, among them for example Franz Liszt.

In the interior, you can look into the secrets of aristocratic living, including ladies and man’s bedrooms. The amount of paraphernalia for everyday hygiene gives evidence that neat personal appearance was important for men as much as for women.

V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV and X at week- ends and holidays

www.zamek-vbrezno.cz 403 23 Velké Březno

87 From history: Over three centuries the residence was owned by one of the richest Moravian families – Žerotíns. The original small water fortress was unable to meet their high demands and therefore it was rebuilt generously in the 16th century.

Though the Court Hall aff ords the greatest interest to visitors as the tragic scene of the inter- rogations of the alleged witches, the austere Knight’s Hall is the most precious interior of the chateau with leather decorated walls and equipped with a three meters high Renaissance colour-tiled Dutch stove. The chateau also hosts a large collection of art, armoury and a beautiful collection of tapestries, the second largest in Moravia.

V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV and X at week- Velké Losiny ends and holidays

Why visit: One of the most splendid Renaissance arcade chateaux to the North of the Alps was ill-famed Recommendation: At the end of the 19th century, for witch trials at the end of the 17th century. the Žerotíns founded a handmade paper mill in The cruel inquisition tribunal ordered, through Velké Losiny. The factory having been producing invented accusations, the torturing and burning uninterruptedly from those days the highest qual- to death on the stake of over a hundred innocent ity and exceptionally resistant handmade paper people, women and men, mostly affl uent sought for by artists from all over the world, is burghers, whose property was the real reason accessible the whole year round. for pursuit. www.zamek-losiny.cz 788 15 Velké Losiny 268

88 Vizovice

Why visit: In the second half of the 18th century under A late Baroque chateau, one of the most beauti- the Blümegens not only were the construction of ful ones in Moravia, is situated in the town centre the chateau and its garden completed, but also at the foothill of Vizovice Heights. It contains exceedingly valuable interior furnishings were an exceptional collection of paintings created by acquired. the master builder of the Vizovice chateau and completed by the Stillfried family. The chateau Two guided tours introduce representative premises include also a garden with a pond built rooms of the nobility including the chateau concurrently with the chateau. chapel and chambers of family members, guests and servants. From history: The chateau in Vizovice was built in the middle V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV and X at week- of the 18th century by Hermann Hannibal von ends and holidays Blümegen, the priest of Olomouc and future bishop of Hradec Kralové. Franz Anton Grimm (1710-1784), a prominent Brno architect, was charged with the construction of the chateau www.zamek-vizovice.cz and conceived it in the then modern French style. Náměstí Palackého 376, 763 12 Vizovice

89 Vranov nad Dyjí

Why visit: The luxurious chateau on a promontory above the picturesque valley of the river Dyje belonged to the most famous aristocratic residences in Richly furnished interiors acquaint us with Baroque times. The major credit in its fame the exquisite culture of the aristocratic living should be paid to its charming owner, Maria in the chateau. The monumental round hall of Anna, Marquise Pignatelli, who was brought to the predecessors of the Atlhann family from a family residence by Count Althann, the favour- the end of the 17th century belongs to the treas- ite of the Emperor Charles VI, from Spain. It was ure house of European architecture. The chateau a public secret that the real reason for the Mon- chapel was built by the same architect. arch’s visits from nearby Vienna was just that, the energetic and intelligent lady of the chateau. V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV and X at week- ends and holidays From history: The current appearance is to be credited to In the carriage house in front of the main the Counts of Althann at the end of the 17th cen- gate of the chateau, every year, seasonal exhibi- tury after a disastrous fi re in 1665. They invited tions of exhibits from closed depositories of the most renowned personality of the Central South Moravian castles and chateaux take place. European Baroque – the Vienna court architect, Fischer von Erlach. Through the 19th century the chateau was owned by Polish Mniszeks who brought the well-known Vranov factory for www.zamekvranov.cz the production of crockery into prosperity. Zámecká 93, 671 03 Vranov nad Dyjí

90 Zákupy

Why visit: with Marie Louise, the daughter of the Austrian The last crowned King of Bohemia – Ferdinand I, Emperor Franz I. However, the young duke died Dobrotivý (the Gracious), from the Habsburg of tuberculosis without seeing his new residence. dynasty liked to stay in the chateau following his voluntary abdication as the Austrian Emperor in The interiors of the chateau were splendidly 1848. He virtually never reigned himself, he was converted for the retired Emperor in the then considered a nice, however, somewhat degener- modern style of the second Rococo. For his ated descendent of close blood relations of maximum comfort also the Baroque lift was the European nobility who was in Vienna mock- renovated and its technical background is part ingly called “der arme Trottel Nandel”. Contrary of the tour. to all expectations he lived to a ripe old age and looked well after his summer residence, which V–IX Tuesday - Sunday, IV and X at week- was expensively rebuilt for him. ends and holidays

From history: In 1815 after the fall of Napoleon the Zákupy chateau was set as asylum for the general’s son www.zamek-zakupy.cz called Orlik (small eagle) from the marriage Borská 1, 471 23 Zákupy

91 Zvíkov

Why visit: reconstruction, he loved to stay there and until The huge residential tower of very unusual the construction of Karlštejn the Czech crown construction is the centre of the fortifi cation of jewels were kept there. Its ancient history was the royal castle. Its three meters thick walls of rounded off in the 20th century by construction black square stones were even more reinforced of a dam which swallowed up the high rock by spiked blades on which the projectiles cata- below the castle and the fortifi ed settlement pulted by trebuchets and fi re arms under a sharp around the castle. angle slid down without doing serious harm. The castle had been seized neither in the early Middle Ages nor during the Thirty Years’ War. The lovers of mysteries allege that it is due to the mysterious protective symbols carved in the low 11 rows of the tower stones. Although A free tour of the courtyards, cellars and of they really look like runic letters, the historians the royal palace allows for the due relishing of only see the marks of the stone cutters who the romantic atmosphere. The chapel is the most worked on royal constructions in them. But who beautiful part of the castle built in the 13th knows? century to celebrate the greatness and power of the Přemysl Otakar II, called the Iron and From history: Golden King. The seat of the fi rst Czech kings on the strategic trade route at the confl uence of Vltava and I–XII daily, Royal Palace: V–IX Tuesday- Otava rivers had changed its owners quite often, Sunday, IV and X at weekends and holidays but it reached its greatest fame in the 14th century under the reign of the beloved Czech www.hrad-zvikov.eu sovereign Charles IV. He commissioned thorough 398 18 Záhoří

92 Žďár nad Sázavou

Why visit: the monastery was abolished by the Emperor One of the most stunning ecclesiastical residences Joseph II and it was changed into an economic of the early 18th century was a project by the en- centre and a chateau. lightened and art-loving Abbot Václav Vejmluva together with the architectural genius Jan Santini-Aichel. The monastery with its perfectly The energetic owners of the chateau, operating economy where the stables are just the old aristocratic family of Kinsky, make as magnifi cent as the prelacy halls; the mystical the premises of the former monastery and its pilgrimage church of the St. John of Nepomuk at economy background accessible to the general Zelená Hora (Green Hill), and the cemetery with public for tours of the most beautiful interiors the layout of a skull, are the gems of the original nowadays hosting a number of permanent artistic style called Baroque Gothic. exhibitions: exposition on the evolution of books, typography and book culture, Baroque works of From history: art from the collections of the National Gallery, In the beginning a group of Cistercian monks Kinsky gallery, historical pianos, an exposition on built a log cabin in the wild forest of the Sázava the life of the architect Santini, and the museum river in the 13th century and step by step of local fi re brigades. with their bare hands they built their humble monastery. Five centuries later, the magnifi cent V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV and X at week- Baroque reconstruction of the monastery ranked ends and holidays, XI–III at business days among the most expensive projects of those days. The triumph of the thirty year construction eff ort was celebrated in 1735, and only two years later the monastery burned down and Vejmluva www.zamekzdar.cz himself died in a year. At the end of the century Zámek 11, 591 02 Žďár nad Sázavou 2

93 Žleby

Why visit: Two guided tours present not only the luxu- In the 19th century, romantic, even a little rious chambers, the chateau theatre, the lookout bit weird Vincent Karel Auersperg inspired by tower and chateau armoury with one of the larg- the traditions of Old England transformed his est collection of arms in Europe, including chateau into a medieval manor of knights similar a knight on a horse wearing full armour, but also to those in the novels by W. Scott. off er interesting insights in the kitchen equipped with advanced technology and ingeniously From history: solved hygienic background and the under- The Count designed his Neo-Gothic reconstruc- ground labyrinth of the old castle cellars. tion exactly according to the saying “My house – my castle”. He gathered antiquities from V–IX Tuesday–Sunday, IV and X at week- the whole of Europe, from furniture, paintings, ends and holidays rugs and carpets, dishes, glass and historical armoury to the subtlest details. But he did not hesitate to use the most advanced equipment of the day for the everyday operation of his “Medi- Recommendation: A game preserve with a unique eval” household where he loved to change into herd of white deer following the chateau park. knightly armour. www.zamek-zleby.cz Zámecká 1, 285 61 Žleby

94 Taste the Czech Republic!

Let us invite you to experience real culinary pleasure at the restaurants certifi ed within the Czech Specials project and have a taste of the Czech Republic! www.czechspecials.com Index

Bečov nad Teplou ...... 4 Kašperk ...... 35 Orlík ...... 65 Bezděz...... 5 Klášterec nad Ohří ...... 36 Pernštejn...... 66 Bítov...... 6 Kokořín ...... 37 Ploskovice ...... 67 Blatná ...... 7 Konopiště ...... 38 Praha – Pražský hrad. . . . .68 Boskovice ...... 8 Kost ...... 39 Praha – Trojský zámek. . . .70 Bouzov...... 9 Krásný Dvůr...... 40 Praha – Vyšehrad...... 71 Buchlov ...... 10 Kratochvíle ...... 41 Rabí ...... 72 Buchlovice...... 11 Kroměříž ...... 42 Ratibořice ...... 73 Častolovice ...... 12 Křivoklát ...... 43 Rožmberk ...... 74 Červená Lhota...... 13 Kuks...... 44 Slavkov (Austerlitz) ...... 75 Český Krumlov ...... 14 Kunětická hora ...... 45 Sychrov ...... 76 Český Šternberk ...... 16 Kunín...... 46 Špilberk (Brno)...... 77 Cheb...... 17 Kynžvart ...... 47 Šternberk ...... 78 Dětenice ...... 18 Landštejn ...... 48 Švihov ...... 79 Dobříš ...... 19 Lednice ...... 49 Telč ...... 80 Duchcov...... 20 Lipnice nad Sázavou . . . . .50 Točník and Žebrák ...... 82 Frýdlant...... 21 Litomyšl...... 51 Trosky...... 83 Hluboká nad Vltavou . . . . .22 Loket ...... 52 Třeboň ...... 84 Horšovský Týn...... 23 Manětín...... 53 Valtice ...... 85 Hořovice ...... 24 Mělník ...... 54 Velhartice ...... 86 Hradec nad Moravicí . . . . .25 Mikulov ...... 55 Velké Březno...... 87 Hrádek u Nechanic...... 26 Milotice ...... 56 Velké Losiny ...... 88 Hukvaldy...... 27 Mnichovo Hradiště...... 57 Vizovice ...... 89 Jaroměřice nad Rokytnou 28 Náchod ...... 58 Vranov nad Dyjí ...... 90 Javorník – Jánský Vrch. . . .29 Náměšť na Hané ...... 59 Zákupy...... 91 Jindřichův Hradec...... 30 Náměšť nad Oslavou . . . . .60 Zvíkov ...... 92 Kačina ...... 31 Nelahozeves ...... 61 Žďár nad Sázavou...... 93 Kámen...... 32 Nové Město nad Metují . . .62 Žleby ...... 94 Karlova Koruna...... 33 Olomouc ...... 63 Karlštejn ...... 34 Opočno ...... 64

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Tips for Trips Holidaying in the Czech Republic a Smash Hit!

At www.tipsfortrips.cz you will find tips for everyday trips in all weathers - whether you are looking for adventure and adrenalin, re- laxation, good restaurants, or interesting des- tinations for cycling or hiking trips. www.tipsfortrips.cz