Palaces and castles of Prague. The most famous castle in the Czech Republic. Castles of the Czech Republic How to visit the castles of the Czech Republic yourself

There are many famous castles in the vicinity of Prague that are a must see. You can visit the castles near Prague on your own or by booking a tour. Each of them is unique, has a unique atmosphere and is located in a picturesque location. The excursion can be booked by contacting numerous travel agencies in Prague. Some castles provide their own guides for a fee to give tours of the building.

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Karlstein

The castle is famous all over the world. It is located on a cliff 72 meters high. It was built in the mid-14th century by order of King Charles IV and named after him. Initially, the castle was used to store relics. Karlštejn was built on the principle of a stepped arrangement of individual buildings. At the bottom of the ensemble there is a large courtyard, the Lower Castle and the main gate. The Imperial Palace and Church are located above. At the very top of the rock there is a Great Tower, as well as fortifications. This construction principle makes the castle powerful and noticeable from afar.

Karlštejn has unique wall paintings that have survived to this day from the 14th century. It preserves a collection of paintings by Theodoric. It is the largest in the world and has 129 works of art. In Karlštejn there is a replica of the royal crowns and a gallery of rulers.

The excursion can be booked on site. The castle offers 3 hiking routes. The duration of 1 route is about 1 hour. During this time you can see part of the Imperial Palace, the Marian Tower, the Noble and Knight's Halls, and the prison.

The cost for an ordinary tourist is 11 euros, for children over 6 years old, students and pensioners 7 euros, for children under 6 years old free. You need to pay 1 euro for the reservation. Photography is possible for a fee of 6 euros.

The second route involves visiting the Marian and Great Towers, the Chapel of St. Catherine and the Holy Cross, an art gallery, and a library. The tour lasts about 110 minutes. Possible only with advance reservation, the cost of which is 1 euro. A ticket for adults will cost 13 euros, for students, pensioners and children over 6 years old - 9 euros, children under 6 years old - free. Photography is prohibited.

The third tour covers only the floors of the Great Tower. Cost 6 euros for adults, 4 euros for beneficiaries, children of preschool age free. Photography is free.

Sikhrov

The castle is rightly called the pearl of the northern part of the Czech Republic. It belongs to the category of castles near Prague that everyone should see. Sykhrov was built in the 15th century. It came to us with significant reconstructions. After World War II, the castle was confiscated from its previous owners and became state property. Subsequently, Sikhrov was restored. The castle belongs to the neo-Gothic style.

Next to it there is a huge English park. It contains several species of oaks and beeches, some of the plants are quite rare. The park has a water tower, a chapel, greenhouses, fountains and swimming pools.

Hluboka nad Vltava

One of the popular castles in the Czech Republic near Prague is a snow-white building located in a picturesque location. This is Hluboka nad Vltava. The castle was built in the middle of the 13th century. The owners of Hluboka nad Vltavou often rebuilt the castle, so it has reached us in a greatly altered form. At first it was used as a guard fortress. The owners were representatives of noble aristocratic families. In the 17th century, a park was laid out near the castle. After the Second World War, Hluboka nad Vltavou came into the hands of the state.

The castle offers 6 routes for its guests. You can explore the garden and take pictures against its background absolutely free.

A special route has been developed for winter. Tourists are invited to get acquainted with the interiors of the first floor, where the personal chambers of the last residents were located. There are also unique engravings, trophies, and portraits of the owners. On the ground floor, tourists can see dining rooms. The walls are decorated with hunting weapons, because almost all the owners of the castle were avid hunters. All rooms are heated. Entrance to the tour costs 9 euros, for students 6 euros, for pensioners 8 euros.

The main excursion route runs through the Staircase and Reception halls, the bedroom and dressing room of Princess Eleanor, the dining room, the Smoking salon and much more. Tourists will be able to immerse themselves in the luxurious atmosphere of the castle. Entrance to the tour is 10 euros, for students 6 euros, for pensioners 8 euros.

You can separately visit the private apartments of the castle owners, dining rooms and the Great Marble Hall. The cost of visiting is 9 euros, for students 6 euros, for pensioners 8 euros.

You can inspect the kitchen premises and become familiar with their structure. Ticket prices are 6 euros, 3 euros and 4 euros for students and pensioners respectively.

You can climb the castle tower. A visit is only possible in good weather. It offers a magnificent view of the park and the surrounding area of ​​the castle. Cost 1.5 euros. For students and pensioners, admission is 1 euro.

Krivoklat

The castle is located in close proximity to Prague, only 40 kilometers. The owners were Czech kings. Krivoklat is a medieval castle. It served as a place where kings came to hunt. The situation inside the castle remained almost the same as it was in the Middle Ages. Now the castle is located on the territory of the reserve.

On the territory of the castle there is a Gothic church, in which the altar of the 15th century has been preserved. The figures of the apostles are hovering nearby, Jesus and 2 angels are standing. All the statues are made so skillfully that they seem alive.

It is worth visiting the royal library, where books from all over the world are collected. It stores over 50,000 copies. They are written in Czech, as well as in the languages ​​of European countries.

You can explore the Royal and Knight's Halls and enjoy the luxurious interiors. The walls are decorated with weapons that were produced for hunting. You can climb the tower to appreciate the view that opens to tourists. The castle houses a former prison.

A visit to the castle will cost 8 euros. The entrance ticket for children, students and pensioners costs 4 euros.

Loket Castle

Castles in the vicinity of Prague are considered unique historical and architectural monuments. One of them is considered to be the oldest building in the Czech Republic.

Loket Castle was built around the 12th century. For a long time it served as a fortress. Many dark legends have developed around the castle. This is due to the cruelty of the rulers who lived in this area. In 1400, a meteorite fell on the castle. Part of it is still kept in Loket. There is a legend that one of the most severe rulers, Count Puta von Ilburk, was punished by turning into this stone. The gloomy castle was used as a prison for a long time. In the 70s of the 20th century, the building was recognized as a monument, restored and opened its doors to visitors.

On the territory of the fortress you can see ancient buildings preserved almost in their original form. In the Czech Republic, the dark glory of the castle is used, so tourists are offered to visit the torture chambers. For clarity, there are moving figures on which torture instruments are used. An appropriate soundtrack has been created. You can explore the halls located in the castle. They do not have the luxury that is present in most castles in the Czech Republic, but Loket attracts the attention of tourists with a real medieval style. Every year a vibrant carnival takes place in Loket, which is free to visit in the city.

All castles located near Prague have a fascinating history associated with the names of their previous owners. The best castles near Prague also have their own official websites. On most of them you can find out upcoming interesting events, excursion schedules, and book tickets. Not all sites are maintained in Russian. Mainly represented are Czech, English and German.

The castles accept payment in cash and bank cards. Tours of castles from local travel agencies are more expensive than visiting them on your own. Getting to them is not difficult, and Russian-speaking guides can be hired on the spot.

It’s not for nothing that the Czech Republic is called the country of ancient castles. There are at least two thousand fortresses, both proud feudal nests and elegant country palaces surrounded by a park, in this state. Some are romantic ruins. Others have been carefully restored to their original condition.

What is the most famous and beautiful castle in the Czech Republic? Is it also the most ancient? And what castles in the Czech Republic are worth seeing? In this article we have collected information for you about the top fortresses in the country. Some of them can be visited on a guided tour. And in some you can even spend the night - after all, they function as hotels. There are also fortresses where you can even get married for a fee.

Castles in the Czech Republic are mainly concentrated around the capital, which is understandable: aristocratic families preferred to settle close to the royal court. And this circumstance is very convenient for modern tourists. After all, you can live in the capital of the country and from there make radial trips around the surrounding area.

Prague Castle

Where to start our tour of ancient castles if not from the royal palace! And the city in which there are as many as two fortification buildings of this rank is Prague. Czech castles in the capital stand on both banks of the Vltava River.

As for Prague Castle, a clarification needs to be made here. Initially, in the ninth century, when it was erected, its function was different. It was not a royal castle, but... Prague itself. For safety reasons, people settled on the high left bank of the river. After all, this way the enemy’s advance was visible and it was easier to defend.

The entire settlement was surrounded by walls. Later, ordinary people began to build houses behind fortifications. And the ancient core of Prague became the castle of the kings of the Czech Republic and even the heads of the Holy Roman Empire. And now this stronghold is the official residence of the president of the state.

Since it was a settlement, the castle occupies quite a significant area. It is home to many historical and architectural attractions, one of which is St. Vitus Cathedral, which took six hundred years to build. By the way, Prague Castle was opened to the general public only in nineteen eighty-nine, with the accession to the presidency of Vaclav Havel. Entrance to the territory of the castle-settlement is free. The changing of the guard of honor at the palace gates is a tourist attraction.

Visegrad

This is another famous Czech castle located in Prague. He, as a rival of the City, rises on the top of a cliff on the right bank of the Vltava. There are various legends about this stronghold. It is even argued that it was Vysehrad that became the ancient core of Prague. Allegedly, it was built by Krok, the son of the legendary Tsar Czech, the founder of the country.

The first kings of the region and Princess Libuše lived here. According to legend, it was she who predicted that a beautiful city would arise here - Prague. The fact that Vysehrad is more ancient than its “rival” on the left bank of the river is evidenced by the fact that the oldest building of the city was found here. This is the rotunda of St. Martin. It was once a separate building, but is now integrated into newer buildings. The rotunda was erected no later than the eleventh century.

The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul dates back to the High Middle Ages. The dark Gothic spiers of this cathedral harmonize beautifully with the architecture of ancient Prague. On the territory of Visegrad there is also a cemetery where famous people of the country are buried: Antonin Dvorak, Karel Capek, Alfons Mucha and others.

Zvikov

And now we will visit country castles in the Czech Republic. We will start our tour from Zvikov. And for good reason: he is rightly called the “king of castles.” The location alone - on a rocky cape at the confluence of the Vltava and its tributary the Ottawa - makes this stronghold very impressive. And Zvikov’s original function was quite pragmatic: control over the waterways along which merchants transported goods (and collecting duties for this).

A place of bread is never empty, and soon a whole town grew up around the customs point. The regalia of the kings of the Czech Republic were kept in Zvikov, and even a monarch of the Habsburg dynasty lived there at one time. The oldest part of the castle is the Glizova Tower. But in the sixteenth century, Zvikov was acquired by the powerful Schwamberg family. Its representatives rebuilt the castle, adding to the severe Gothic moats and bastions a luxurious armorial hall in the Renaissance style, a gate and a brewery. The Schwambergs' home was decorated with frescoes that have survived to this day.

Orlik

If you’re going to visit Zvikov, you can’t miss its modest neighbor. The Orlik stronghold is located very close. Therefore, excursions are offered to visit these Czech castles in one go. After walking through the Throne and Wedding Halls and getting acquainted with the interior decoration of the palace church of St. Wenceslas, tourists go to explore the second citadel.

But you can visit two architectural and historical sights on your own. The most luxurious trip to the castles will be on board a ship departing from Prague. From the surface of the water, these strongholds look simply fascinating. A more budget-friendly travel option is by bus. Cars depart from the capital’s bus stations “Na Knizheci” and “Florence”; a transfer must be made in Budejovice.

Karlstein

Zvikov and Orlik, like many other castles in the Czech Republic, are closed in winter. And in April and October they are open to the public only on weekends. But Karlstein is a pleasant exception. It can be visited all year round. Charles Stone is located just forty kilometers from Prague, making it the most visited castle in the Czech Republic.

The easiest way to get there is by train. Trains depart from the main station, but always stop at Smichov station (in Prague), so you can board there too. The trip will not take more than forty-five minutes. The downside is that the train station in the town of Karlštejn is located quite far from the castle. But you can drive up to the stronghold by horse-drawn carriage, which is here instead of a taxi.

Once you reach the castle, you can book two types of excursions. The first is an overview. You examine the main objects of the castle and go to the Treasury. Charles the Fourth, who founded the castle, collected various relics, so the tour will be interesting. The second tour is more detailed. It will be possible to go to the castle chapel and other interesting buildings.

Konopiste

This stronghold is located next to Karlštejn. And excursions from Prague also combine these castles of the Czech Republic into one trip. The Konopiste stronghold was founded at the end of the thirteenth century, but retained little of its former appearance. Since the castle became the residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, it has become a luxurious palace complex surrounded by a park, with a lake and a rose garden.

You can admire the statues of St. George the Victorious, a collection of which is collected in the garden, for free. And excursions depart along three routes: the hunting corridor and the southern wing; arsenal, library and northern wing; private chambers of the Archduke's family. All of these tours last about an hour and are conducted in various languages.

After finishing the inspection, you can stroll along the paths of the park along which peacocks walk, have a snack by the lake, and take photos in the rose garden. Nearby there is a Motorcycle Museum, a visit to which will be interesting for technology lovers.

Castle hotels in the Czech Republic

There are so many ancient palaces and impregnable fortresses in this country that it would be a sin not to use them not only as museums. In some castles you can live like princes.

One of the most popular hotels is Stirzyn. It is located only thirty kilometers from Prague. Stirzyn was founded in the fourteenth century, but is now a Renaissance palace of two floors with an attic. Antique sophistication and modern comfort await guests at this hotel.

Another castle hotel where you can spend a pleasant day and night is Shtekl. Its highlight lies in its close proximity to one of the main attractions of the country - Hluboka nad Vltavou. This Czech castle was taken as a model to create an antique atmosphere in Stekl's rooms.

The five-star Hotel Ruže is located in Krumlov. It occupies a building dating back to the sixteenth century. The furniture in the rooms is modern, but custom-made and stylized as the Middle Ages.

Near the border with Poland, on the top of a mountain, are the ruins of the ancient city of Potstein. And on the hillside there is a castle hotel of the same name. The building of the two-story palace was erected in the eighteenth century and has retained its original appearance.

Hluboka nad Vltavou

When listing the beautiful castles of the Czech Republic, it is absolutely impossible to ignore this snow-white romantic palace. Hluboka nad Vltavou was built in the thirteenth century, but this is not its main feature.

The fortress took on its current appearance in the nineteenth century. The Schwarzenbergs, the owners of the stronghold, visited Great Britain, where their imagination was captured by Windsor Castle. The family almost went bankrupt, but rebuilt the property almost exactly.

Hluboka nad Vltavou is located in the very south of the country. But nevertheless, many tourists travel the distance of one hundred and forty kilometers separating the castle from Prague to visit this place. And there are quite a lot of people willing. Which is not surprising: wedding ceremonies are officially held here. The most wonderful thing that the Czech Republic has to offer newlyweds is castles. A review and photo about getting married in the surroundings of Windsor Castle will decorate any blog and become the beginning of a cloudless married life.

Lednice

This castle is located near Brno, near the borders of the Czech Republic, Austria and Slovakia. The first written mention of Lednice dates back to the thirteenth century. For many centuries it belonged to the princes of Liechtenstein. Of course, the castle was rebuilt several times to suit the architectural trends of changing fashion. And now it is a magnificent palace, built in the neo-Gothic style with Baroque elements. The former impregnable stronghold is surrounded by a park - the largest in the country.

The Liechtensteins also owned the second castle next door - Valtice. Now this complex is included in the UNESCO list as a pearl of palace and park art.

Houska Castle in the Czech Republic

It is located seventy kilometers north of Prague. Houska is considered the most mysterious and mystical castle. Not a single settlement nearby. Dense forests around. But the name of the castle is translated from Czech as “bun”. However, chronicles say that already in the ninth century there was a fortification here, which was built by Prince Slavibor for his son Gousek. Then the Gothic castle was rebuilt into a Renaissance palace, and the stronghold has retained this appearance to this day. Over its long history, Houska has had numerous owners, and in 1999 a museum was opened in the renovated castle.

Chervena Lhota

This is, without a doubt, the most romantic and fairy-tale castle in the Czech Republic. It is located in the south of the country, near Jindzihuv Hradec. It was built in the middle of a pond in Renaissance style in the sixteenth century. A beautiful arched bridge leads to the castle from the shore. The name of this fabulous place is associated with the color (“chervena” - red). But the castle was originally snow-white.

The tourist path to Prague has long been trodden by our travelers. People go to the capital of the Czech Republic for the New Year and summer holidays, as well as in the off-season. This romantic city is also considered a good place for marriage and a honeymoon. In the capital of the Czech Republic, two castles, rising in front of each other on opposite banks of the Vltava, attract the attention of tourists. Prague Castle was founded back in the ninth century. The complex of this Kremlin includes several castles from different eras. And on the right bank of the Vltava, on a rocky hill, is the Vysehrad fortress. From this place Prague went. The first rulers of the region and Princess Libusha lived here. But few tourists know that the Czech Republic is a country of castles. There are more than two and a half thousand of them in the state. It would take a lifetime to see them all. Therefore, in this article we will highlight the most popular and interesting castles in the Czech Republic.

Classification

First of all, you need to say a few words about how these structures are divided. In the Czech language there are two words for castle: "Grad" and "Zamek". Hrad is a medieval citadel, usually surrounded by a moat or perched on an impregnable rock, with walls with loopholes and other settlements. Previously, settlements were located in castles (hence the name). But later the feudal lords separated from the people. Thus, we can say that “Hrad” corresponds to our concept of “Kremlin”. In small settlements there are “gradci” and “gradeks”. But zamek is a radically different type of structure. And they were built later, in an era when there was no need to constantly defend. The feudal lords who lived in them furnished their family nests, giving them chic by the standards of their era. On the map, the countries are scattered throughout the territory, but their maximum concentration is observed near the capital. After all, the nobles wanted to live near the royal residence.

Tours “Castles of the Czech Republic”

Since towns and palaces are scattered throughout the country, it is very difficult to visit them all on your own. We have to choose the most worthy and popular ones. If you are interested in Gothic defensive town planning or Renaissance palaces, it makes sense to book a special tour. His program includes visits to all significant castles in the Czech Republic. Tourists stay in hotels in small towns, from where they make forays into two or even three interesting places per day. This is, of course, Hluboká nad Vltava in Southern Bohemia; Konopiste and Karlstejn in Central. In the Olomouc region, tourists will visit the famous Sternbeck and Bouzov. In Pardubice - Litice nad Orlice, Kutnetska Gora and Svoyanov. And in South Moravia, tourists will see Špilberk, Lednice and Perštejn.

Wedding in the Czech Republic in a castle

Some are organizing a symbolic marriage ceremony on the Fiji islands, others are getting married according to the traditions of Thailand... And others are going to formalize the relationship in the Czech Republic. Moreover, a wedding tour can include both a real wedding, with all the necessary documents, and a symbolic one. In the second case, such a package of services will cost three hundred euros less. You can register your relationship either at Nuselska Town Hall in Prague or at a romantic castle. For example, you can exchange gold rings not just anywhere, but in the summer residence of the Czech President. Troy Castle is a very elegant palace that will surprise guests with the luxury of its interiors. An excellent backdrop for photo sessions will be the romantic Chervena Lhota or the snow-white Rožmberk, like the bride’s dress. A wedding in the Czech Republic in a castle will be an unforgettable event in your life. By the way, some palaces operate as hotels. Thus, you can not only have a wedding in the castle, but also spend your wedding night.

The best

If you are short on time, but still want to get an impression of the fortresses and palaces of the country, you have to choose. But which castle to visit? Which one is considered the best, fabulous, beautiful? This same question was asked by the Czech Ministry of Tourism. In order to clarify the matter, it conducted a survey of the local population. People had to answer which, in their opinion, are the most beautiful and romantic castles in the Czech Republic. The ministry published a photo with the names of the winners. The top three in beauty included Telč, Pernštejn and Červena Lhota. Without involving the population, the ministry found out which Czech castles are the most visited. Of course, the two Prague castles were in the lead. And of those located in the provinces, Karlštejn and Cesky Krumlov won. The most beautiful and majestic examples of Gothic construction are Loket, Křivoklát and Karlštejn, already mentioned here. Nelahozeves and Telc won in the Renaissance category, and Valtice and Mmelnik won in the Baroque category.

Zvikov

Let's now look at the most popular castles in the Czech Republic. Photos with the names of these beautiful places are placed in tourist guides around the country; they are reproduced on countless postcards, T-shirts, and magnets. If you ask yourself which castle fits perfectly into the surrounding landscape, then the answer will be: Zvikov. It stands proudly on the rock where the Vltava and Otava merge. Zvikov was first mentioned in the chronicle of 1234 as the property of Přemysl Otokar I. The castle was rebuilt and strengthened several times. But the frescoes of the fifteenth century and medieval furniture were still preserved. And the castle chapel has reached us in its original form. Now in Zvikov there is a museum exhibition that takes us back to distant medieval times. To hold a wedding ceremony in the castle, you need to contact the administration of the town of Zvikovske Pograde.

Karlstein

Konopiste

The most beautiful castles of the Czech Republic are located near the capital. One of them is Konopiste, forty-eight kilometers east of Prague and 2 km from the small town of Benesov. This castle was founded at the end of the thirteenth century. Repeated reconstructions did not disfigure, but, on the contrary, embellished the once gloomy and impregnable citadel. A charming palace rises on a medieval foundation, and adjacent to it is an equally charming park with a rose garden and artificial ponds, along which peacocks proudly walk. The entire museum exhibition of Konopiste Castle is dedicated to its last owner - Archduke Franz Ferdinand. You can take a walk in the park for free. You need to buy a ticket to get into the chambers. There are three tours of the huge castle-palace. The first is the southern wing with the Hunting Corridor. The second tour covers the northern part of the castle with the library and arsenal. And as part of the third, tourists visit the private chambers of the Archduke’s family. All excursions last about an hour.

Rožmberk nad Vltavou

Without a doubt, this is the most mysterious castle in the Czech Republic. And it was built in the middle of the thirteenth century by a representative of the noble Rozhemberg family. Its representatives were sometimes distinguished by their difficult, and sometimes simply eccentric character. They either lost their family nest at cards, then again bought it back by hook or by crook. Why does Rožmberk enjoy the fame of the most mysterious castle? In it, the visitor will not find glamorous boudoir or luxuriously furnished halls. But there are an abundance of secret passages, narrow corridors, manholes and stairs inside the walls, and the like. A ghost also lives here. Perchta, whose portrait can be seen in the castle, was born in Cesky Krumlov. But she married (against her will) John of Liechtenstein, who at that time owned Rozmberk. For twenty years of married life, this nobleman tormented the poor thing. Her soul does not know peace even after death. Perkhta was last seen in 1996.

Sternberk

Typically, castles in the Czech Republic, photos of which show ancient interiors untouched by time, are non-residential. But in Sternberk you can not only walk through the private chambers of the owners, but also talk with them. Distant descendants of the counts live in the castle. Interestingly, the excursions are led by the owner himself - Zdenek Sternberk. So what to do? You have to live somehow. And maintaining a huge castle is very expensive. Therefore, the owner not only kindly shows visitors all corners of his residence, but also accepts orders for organizing wedding ceremonies. Zdenek Sternberk has an excellent library, a rich collection of weapons, smoking pipes and ancient engravings.

Becov nad Teplou

The best castles in the Czech Republic are also available to those who come to the country for treatment. Twenty-five kilometers from the health resort of Karlovy Vary is the town of Bečov nad Teplou. Its only attraction is the castle complex, consisting of an ancient fortress and a beautiful palace. It is not known exactly when the first buildings appeared here. The donjon (a residential tower in which the feudal lord and his family and his garrison lived) appeared in the first half of the fourteenth century. Then a chapel was added to it. It is interesting that the altar part in it is not oriented according to the canon: not to the east, but to the north. The most significant jewel of the castle is the reliquary of St. Maurus. This unique sarcophagus was opened for inspection in 2002. In the oldest part of the donjon you can see ancient frescoes. In the sixteenth century, the owners began reconstruction and refurbished the medieval fortress in the fashion of the High Renaissance. In the eighteenth century, baroque decorative elements were added to it, and in the nineteenth it was given features of romanticism. Alfred Beaufort-Spontini, Bečov's master in 1838, bought the relics of St. Maurus from the local monastery and placed them in the palace chapel of St. Petra.

Hluboka nad Vltavou

The best castles in the Czech Republic are located in South Bohemia. These are Krumlov and Hluboka nad Vltavou. The distance of one hundred and forty kilometers from Prague is not an obstacle for those who want to see beautiful and ancient citadels. The first mentions of Hluboka nad Vltavou date back to the thirteenth century. True, then it was called Frauenberg (Women's Castle), and in appearance it was very different from the modern one. The fortress changed owners several times until it became the property of the Schwarzenberg family in the seventeenth century. And two hundred years later, a representative of the family, Eleanor, visited England. This trip was of great importance for the castle in the Czech Republic. Because Eleanor Schwarzenberg decided to remodel her residence into a copy of Windsor Castle. And you know, the lady made her dream come true! The Schwarzenbergs lived in “Czech Windsor” until 1945. After this, the complex was nationalized and turned into a museum.

Detenice

According to legend, in the eleventh century, the Czech Prince Ulrich, while hunting in the forest, found orphans abandoned to the mercy of fate and took them in for upbringing. And at the meeting place of the children he ordered to build a village. Later a castle appeared. It, like the settlement, is called Detenice. This castle in the Czech Republic, like many of its kind, has changed owners several times. After the nationalization of the fortress by socialist Czechoslovakia, the castle stood in disrepair. The Ondračkovs recently rented it, renovated it and now welcome visitors. It is noteworthy that the castle attracts tourists not only with its medieval interiors, park and defensive walls, but also with its tavern. Yes, here you will be fed with real medieval dishes and in the appropriate surroundings!

When to visit castles

Tourists should note that many of the country's open-air attractions are closed from November to early April. But there are also exceptions. Which Czech castles welcome visitors in winter? Naturally, these are two capital cities. But there are also many castles in the province that are open to winter tourists. These are Sychrov (where the film about Goldilocks was filmed), Dobrish near Prague, Hluboká nad Vltavou, Klášterec nad Oghra, Loket, Kšivokrat, Lednice, Sternberg, Nelahozeves, Zviržetenice and others.

Our blog contains many individual articles about castles in the Czech Republic. In this article I would like to systematize this information and tell you about those Czech castles that are a must-see during your trip.

If you come to Prague for a week, I recommend that you don’t spread yourself thin and visit only nearby castles – within 100 km from Prague. If you are visiting Prague not for the first time, and have already managed to get acquainted with the surroundings of the Czech capital, you can safely go on a trip to castles remote from Prague.

I will not indicate the operating hours of the locks, because... The schedule varies depending on the season. In winter, from November to the end of February, many castles are closed, and you can only get to them with a guided tour. Let me make a reservation right away that visiting most Czech castles is only possible as part of a guided tour, but even if you come as part of a group, the tour is still conducted by a local guide. The cost of a ticket to the castle is indicated with the expectation that you will buy a tour not in Czech, but in English or Russian.

• by direct train from Prague Main Station to Karlštejn stop, travel time: 40 minutes, train ticket price: 56 CZK one way. 150-500 CZK depending on the chosen castle tour route
• A one-day ticket is also available for 30 euros (tickets to the castle are paid separately)

– a must-see Gothic castle located just 35 km from Prague. An ideal option for a one-day excursion from Prague. The castle is located in a picturesque location - on a 72-meter limestone cliff above the river, so be prepared for an uphill climb. After the climb, you will be rewarded with enchanting views of the green forests spread around, small houses with red tiled roofs. The castle was founded in 1348. The founder was the Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia Charles IV. The castle kept the regalia of Bohemian and Czech kings, as well as the St. Wenceslas crown of the Czech kings. Visiting Prague and not visiting Karlštejn Castle is an unforgivable mistake, so go here without any hesitation.

• How to get there on your own: by train from Prague main station to the Křivoklát stop with a transfer in the city of Beroun, travel time: 1 hour 47 minutes, train ticket price: 110 CZK one way. Entrance fee to the castle: 240-340 CZK depending on the chosen castle tour route

It is located 50 km from Prague, and getting there by train is very interesting, because... the second half of the journey after a transfer in Beroun takes place on a diesel train moving on a single track. Křivoklát is famous for the fact that the film “The Chronicles of Narnia” was filmed within its walls.

The first mention of the castle dates back to the 12th century - in those days it served as a hunting castle for Czech rulers, which is not surprising - the surrounding forests are teeming with wild boars, roe deer and foxes. While walking around the castle, you will see a dungeon, a knightly and royal hall, and a huge library with more than 50 thousand books. When visiting the castle, don't forget to check out the nearby observation deck, where you can take great photos of the castle's powerful façade. Also check out the hunting restaurant U Jelena next to the castle, which serves game from the surrounding forests.

Konopiste Castle

• How to get there on your own: by direct train to Benešov u Prahy station, travel time: 40 minutes, train ticket cost: 78 CZK one way. Entrance fee to the castle: 320 CZK
• A one-day excursion to Karlstejn Castle + Konopiste Castle is also available for 30 euros (tickets to the castle are paid separately)

50 km from Prague is located one of the most beautiful and unusual buildings in the Czech Republic -. The castle served as the hunting residence of Franz Ferdinand d'Este (it was because of the assassination of Franz Ferdinand that World War I began), who loved hunting and collected hunting trophies and works of art. The collection of hunting weapons in Konopiste Castle is the largest in Europe and numbers 4,682 items, the collection of hunting trophies is about 300,000 items. The tour of the castle is very interesting - such richly decorated interiors, in my opinion, cannot be found in any other Czech castle.

The castle is surrounded by an English park with statues, terraces and a rose garden. We recommend that you go to Konopiste Castle in spring or summer to enjoy walks in the park or take the amazing road leading to the castle from the train station. A pleasant end to your walk around the castle will be a visit to the Stará myslivna restaurant, where you can taste dishes from wild boar, pheasant, roe deer or carp from the Konopišti pond. This place, by the way, was not ignored in the popular program on the Friday channel - “Food, I love you.”

Blatna Castle

• How to get there on your own: by rental car, travel time: 1.5-2 hours; by train with a transfer to Blatná station, travel time: 2.5 hours, train ticket cost: 171 CZK one way. Entrance fee to the castle: 200-360 CZK depending on the chosen route for visiting the castle, visiting the castle park is free

For almost 700 years, the castle belonged to the powerful Liechtenstein family. During this time, the Liechtensteins turned their possessions into a single palace and park ensemble. During the tour of Lednice Castle you will see the entrance hall, hunting salon, bathroom, hallway, blue room, ladies' bedroom, Chinese room and study, knights' hall, dining room, library. The Baroque Valtice Castle also belonged to the Liechtenstein family. In the dungeons of the castle there is a wine salon where you can taste and buy a bottle of Czech wine.

Orlik Castle

• How to get there on your own: by rental car, travel time: 1 hour. Entrance fee to the castle: 250 CZK
• A one-day author's session is also available for 30 euros

On a high cliff above the Berounka River stands the Gothic Karlštejn Castle, which belonged to Charles IV, who went down in history as Holy Roman Emperor. Construction of the castle began in 1348 and ended 17 years later. Moreover, Charles IV moved into it already in 1355. Due to the fact that the emperor was an ardent lover of collecting various relics, Karlštejn, along with its main functions, was also a treasury.

An interesting fact is that Karlštejn Castle was never taken. It was besieged twice by the Hussites (in 1427) and the Swedes (in 1620), but all attempts were unsuccessful. This did not prevent the transfer of Karlštejn Castle into state ownership in the 20th century, after which its gates were opened to numerous tourists.

Škvorec Castle

Škvorec Castle is located in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. It is located 22 kilometers east of the center of Prague. It is a unique architectural monument of national importance; its construction dates back to the 13th century.

In 1279, a fortress was built here, from which today the outer fortress wall and a deep well remain. In the 14th century, a Gothic tower and a drawbridge were built. And in the 18th century, the owner of the castle, Maria Theresa of Savoy, built here the Church of St. Anne, statues of St. Donatus and St. Prokop, and the castle received the status of a palace. In the 19th century, the castle fell into disrepair and many buildings were demolished.

In 2008, restoration and restoration work began here. Today there is a museum of the Liechtenstein dynasty, who owned the castle for three hundred years, as well as exhibition and concert halls. Many legends and beliefs are associated with Škvorec Castle. For example, they claim that the spirit of Maria Theresa of Savoy, under whom the castle reached its peak, still guards the building, in the form of the White Lady of Savoy. And in the main chimney of the castle lives Drak, a kind of Serpent Gorynych, who patronizes the local residents. By the way, during the reconstruction of the castle, the chimney was preserved only because of this legend. Škvorec Castle has wine cellars that are famous for their wine collection, Calvados and Nocino walnut liqueur.

Jemnište Castle

Fifty kilometers from the capital of the Czech Republic is the delightful Jemnište Castle. Compared to other castles in the Czech Republic, Jemniště Castle is quite young - it was built in the eighteenth century. The original architectural style of the castle was Baroque, but soon after the completion of construction, Emnište suffered a misfortune. Already in the middle of the eighteenth century, the castle disappeared in a fire - only Joseph's Chapel was saved.

Jemništė Castle was rebuilt. In addition to the Baroque style, notes of the Rococo style appeared in the new building. The owner of the castle to this day is the Sternberg family, who happily cooperate with travel companies, allowing numerous excursions and celebrations to be held in their home.

Mniszek pod Brdy Castle

The first mention of Mniszek pod Brdy Castle appears in chronicles dating back to 1352. The castle rose near an important strategic position - the “golden” trade route between the Czech Republic and Bulgaria. For security, trade was carried out inside the castle, which is why Mnišek pod Brdy Castle can be called the first trading center in the Czech Republic.

Mniszek pod Brdy Castle also became famous throughout the area for the delicious black beer that was brewed outside its walls from the sixteenth to the seventeenth centuries. Until 1945, the castle alternately belonged to one or another noble family. Today the castle is the property of the Czech state.

Mniszek pod Brdy Castle is surrounded by a picturesque park, in the center of which there is a pond. The castle is a popular wedding venue.

Melnik Castle

Melnik Castle stands at the confluence of the two rivers Vltava and Labe. Connecting together, they form the well-known German Elbe River. From the walls of the castle there is a magnificent view of this natural action. At one time, Melnik Castle received the nickname “Castle of Queens”. The fact is that after the death of the rulers, their wives lived out their days in this castle. Throughout the history of the castle there were 23 such widows.

The castle is especially famous for the fact that it was here that Czech winemaking began more than a thousand years ago. Tasting of the unique wine is still carried out today, thanks to which Melnik is doomed to attract tourists from all over the world. In addition, everyone can stroll through the historical interiors of the castle, enjoy the collection of Baroque paintings and listen to amazing stories from Count Lobkowicz himself, the current owner of the castle, who loves to act as a tour guide.

Křivoklát Castle

Křivoklát Castle, located 40 kilometers from Prague, is one of the oldest castles in the Czech Republic. Surrounded by forests, in the Middle Ages it served as a hunting castle for rich and noble hunting enthusiasts.

The history of the castle dates back to the 11th century, when the Křivoklát fort arose on this site. Two centuries later, the Gothic castle of the Přemyslids, rulers of the Czech Republic, appeared in its place. Rich hunting grounds and a large amount of game attracted kings and nobles here. This continued until the first fire in the history of the castle. Křivoklát was restored by the future Emperor Charles IV (Prince Wenceslas), and he also added a large tower and an upper courtyard. It is difficult to say how many times after that the castle burned, but each time it was reborn. Since the 16th century, its premises were used as a prison for especially important criminals. The English alchemist Edward Kelly, who was never able to create the philosopher's stone for Emperor Rudolf II, was imprisoned here.

Although the castle was not used as a royal residence, it contains the majestic Great Royal Hall. The royal library, collected in the 18th century, is also kept here. The Knights' Hall displays a collection of weapons and military equipment. The art gallery stores examples of painting and sculpture from the Middle Ages. The 42-meter-high tower has an observation deck with a picturesque view of the castle and the surrounding area.

Vysehrad Castle

Vysehrad Castle is undoubtedly one of the most ancient historical monuments in the Czech Republic. The history of its creation dates back to the distant tenth century. He has seen a huge number of rulers, thousands of seasons and was reflected in millions of human eyes.

The fortress, which is located on a hill and is located on the very banks of the Vltava River, towering above it, was once built to protect the city from its southern side. The fortress has withstood a lot, time has left noticeable traces on it, but it still stands and reminds of its great past.

On the vast territory of Vyšehrad there are many cultural and historical monuments, such as the Vyšehrad cemetery, on the territory of which more than 600 national cultural figures rest.

Hořovice Castle

Hořovice Castle was built in the eighteenth century. The place where this unique monument of Czech architecture stands today has a very rich history. Excavations have shown that a human settlement lived here already in the tenth century. Subsequently, a Gothic fortress was built here, which lasted for several centuries and changed many architectural styles, but was burned to the ground in the seventeenth century. The fortress was rebuilt, after which it was the residence of officials for a long time.

Today Hořovice Castle is a museum and is visited by thousands of tourists every year. The castle features interesting exhibitions that allow you to get acquainted with the history of three powerful families - the former owners of the castle.

Glubochepy Castle

Hlubočepy Castle is a classic monument of Czech architecture from the 16th century, which today hosts many official ceremonies, concerts and other cultural events. The castle is recognized as an architectural landmark of the Czech Republic - it has been on the country's cultural heritage list since 1958.

Hlubočepy Castle is located on Hlubočepy Street, on the right bank of the Vltava, in the western part of Prague. On the same territory as the castle there are several buildings that served in the Middle Ages for various food and housing needs of the nobility. The first building of the castle was founded in 1571 by Jan Kutowiec. In 1623 it was bought by the royal advisor Pavel Mikhna. After 1948, the Glubocheby fortress was owned by the Defors family, who converted it into a museum. In 1998, the castle was restored in the classical style and its numerous collections were updated, including a collection of ancient medieval weapons.

Excursions are not often held at Glubochepy Castle, but it can be clearly seen from the beautiful Zhvagovsky Hill, which offers a beautiful view of the granary and the tower with a collection of weapons.

Brandys Castle nad Labem

Brandys nad Labem Castle is located in the town of the same name. It is approximately 30 kilometers northeast of Prague. The castle was built 700 years ago, during the Renaissance.

Initially, Brandis Castle served as a hunting camp for the Habsburg imperial family. The castle has an impressive architecture and a rich history. Its walls have seen many of the greatest rulers of the Czech Republic.

A huge number of couples in love come there to hold unforgettable wedding ceremonies in the castle. The castle itself has been opened to visitors relatively recently. Sometimes excursions are held here, accompanied by dragoon officers. The castle is a popular tourist destination.

Konopiste Castle

Konopiste Castle is the last residence of the heir to the Astro-Hungarian throne, Franz Ferdinand von Habsburg, whose murder in 1914 set the stage for the outbreak of the First World War.

The Gothic castle was built in the 13th century for maximum protection against possible sieges. The castle's arsenal has seven towers, a moat and earthen ramparts. The castle bravely held out its first siege in 1467 for 17 months, but was surrendered to the troops of King George of Poděbrady. The castle was defeated for the second time in 1648, and was completely plundered by Swedish troops. Subsequently, Konopište changed owners several more times, each trying to transform the castle in their own way - this is how Gothic began to turn into Baroque. During the Second World War, the general headquarters of the SS troops was located in the castle.

Pruhonice Castle

Pruhonice Castle is located 15 kilometers west of Prague. The medieval Gothic castle of Průhonice was built in the 13th century and was restored in the neo-Renaissance style at the end of the 19th century. In front of the castle there is a pond in which there are carps.

Around the castle there is a wonderful park of 73 hectares, which contains over five thousand varieties of trees, shrubs, flowers and other plants. The park is intertwined with many paths, their total length reaches 30 kilometers.

The main influx of tourists occurs at the end of spring - beginning of summer, who come here to see the blooming collections of rhododendrons and azaleas.

Brandis Castle

Brandys Castle, a Renaissance monument, is located east of Prague on a small hill. It was built in the 13th century and is known as the hunting estate of Emperor Rudolf II, under whom science and art lived through the Golden Age.

The palace changed several owners, who rebuilt it, changing the style and its image from Gothic to Renaissance, from Baroque to pseudo-Gothic. The sculptor Quadri worked on the bas-relief decoration of the facade.

The windows of the castle offer views of the city of Stara Boleslav, which previously served as the residence of King Wenceslas.

The castle displays exhibits of weapons and cavalry uniforms, as well as valuable books from the Habsburg library.

Nelagozeves Castle

kilometers from Prague. It was built in 1593 for Florian Griespek. In 1623, Nelagozeves was bought by the noble family of Lobkowicz, who are still its owners.

Nelagozeves is not very large when compared with other castles in the Czech Republic. The external decoration of the temple is decorated with sgraffito. Sometimes this castle is called the “Czech Louvre” because it houses a huge number of paintings.

The painting collections of Nelagozeves contain many unique original paintings made by such masters as Rubens, Velasquez, Granach, Bruegel. There are also portraits of artists of the Spanish school. In addition to paintings, the castle houses within its walls manuscripts of musical works by such great composers as Mozart and Beethoven.