Medieval Baroque castle Konopiste. Konopiste Castle, Czech Republic Konopiste Castle Czech Republic on the map

Konopiste Castle is known as the last residence of the Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand. His assassination in Sarajevo provoked the outbreak of World War I. The bullet fired at Archduke Gavrilo Princip by the Black Hand organization is now on display in the castle museum as an exhibit.

Konopiště is a beautiful and majestic castle near the city, surrounded by a park with a greenhouse and a rose garden. A luxurious building dominates the area. Prague is 45 kilometers away.

History reference

The Konopiště Fortress was built in the 13th century on the model of French castles. Throughout its history, it has changed its appearance many times. The Czech castle performed different functions: it was a defensive structure and a cozy home residence. The modern look of the complex has been preserved since the 19th century, from the time of Archduke Franz Ferdinand d`Este.

Castle Collections

In Konopiste you will get acquainted with a collection of unique weapons of the 16th-18th centuries and the life tragedy of the owner of the fortress. During the tour of the castle, you will have the opportunity to see the hunting corridor with trophies, the arsenal, the library, the luxurious chambers of the Archduke and his family. The interior is impressive with paintings, sculptures, outlandish items and souvenirs from the Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance eras.

The hall with the richest collection of hunting weapons and trophies, including many stuffed exotic animals from overseas travels, deserves special attention. The exposition tells about another hobby of the Archduke.

Castle park with rose garden

After the tour, take a walk through the picturesque English castle park, where luxurious roses bloom, exotic plants grow and peacocks walk.

Working hours

The opening hours of the castle may vary. Check the schedule on the website.

Castle routes and entrance fees

Children under 6 years old are admitted free of charge.

The tour for each route lasts approximately 1 hour.
For up-to-date information on prices for excursions, see the website of the castle.

Parking costs 60 CZK.

How to get to Konopiste?

Take a bus from the Roztyly or Florenc station to the station. Benešov, and then transfer to the train to Konopiste or walk two kilometers on foot. Up to st. Benešov can also be reached by train from the Hlavní nádraží train station.

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Konopiste Castle is located 2 km from the city of Benešov, located in the Central Region of the Czech Republic, about 40 km from Prague in a southeast direction. The residence of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand d'Este, is one of the most beautiful Czech castles.

Konopiste Castle, founded as a Gothic fortress, was inspired by French fortresses with symmetrical towers, numerous entrances and leaning bridges. Through many modifications, the castle was gradually rebuilt into a romantic castle with a luxuriously equipped interior designed for the everyday life of the nobility.

On the territory of Konopiste you can see an amazing park, the Rose Garden, a greenhouse, a unique shooting place, admire a huge collection of antique furniture, hunting trophies and art objects. By the significance and value of its collections, the castle is one of the most interesting in all of Central Europe.

Konopiste Castle was founded in the 13th century around 1294 in the Gothic style, probably by Tobias from Benešov (Tobisem z Benesova). The castle was built on the model of French fortresses: with cylindrical towers, parkan (an unbuilt belt between defensive walls), 4 gates and a drawbridge.

Seven towers gave the castle a majestic appearance. After all the Benesovtsy died out in 1327, the medieval residence became the property of the Sternbergs for 275 years. During the 17th-19th centuries. in Konopiste, a number of influential noble families were replaced: the Godeevskys from Godeev, after the battle on the White Mountain for a short time Albrecht from Wallenstein, the Mikhnovs of their Vatsinov, the Vrtbovs from Vrtba, Lobkowitz and others.

The first changes in the medieval architecture of the city were carried out at the end of the 15th century by Irzhim from Sternberg, at the beginning of the 17th century by the Godeevskys from Godeev. Konopiště acquired baroque features in the 18th century under Vrtbach from Vrtba, and in this form it has survived to this day.

In 1887, Archduke Franz Ferdinand d'Este, the official heir to the Austrian throne since 1896, bought the castle from Lobkowicz. Konopiste, where he liked to hide from court quarrels (due to an unequal marriage with Sophia Chotek), began to turn into a future imperial residence. Being a great romantic, the Archduke gave the order to rebuild the castle in the historical style according to the design of Josef Motzker, so that it would resemble its original medieval appearance as much as possible.

Franz Ferdinand bought this castle to run away with his beloved, who did not belong to the monarchy. The wedding with her was played only after the prince officially renounced the right to the crown.

In June 1914, Franz Ferdinand took part in the maneuvers of the Austrian army in Bosnia and on June 28, 1914, together with his wife Sofia, became the victim of an assassination attempt by the Serbian nationalist Gavrila Princip. A month after the terrorist attack, the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I declared war on Serbia.

After the assassination of Franz Ferdinand in 1921, the castle was transferred to the ownership of Czechoslovakia, and then the Czech Republic, as the successor.

Furniture, porcelain, majolica, chandeliers, tapestries, weapons, hunting trophies, art collections and other exhibits of the museum are of great cultural value. The collection of historical weapons and armor from the collection of the d'Este family is very popular.

Franz d'Este was an avid hunter and collector. On a tour of the castle, you can admire a rare collection of weapons in the so-called Estens Arsenal, one of the largest in Europe.

Franz Ferdinand ordered the completion of the room intended for more than 1000 portraits of St. Jiri, with which he wanted to surpass a similar collection of the English king. The Great Trophy Corridor is a testament to the hunting habits of Franz Ferdinand, who killed nearly 300,000 animals in his lifetime.

The Great Trophy Corridor is a testament to the hunting habits of Franz Ferdinand, who killed nearly 300,000 animals in his lifetime.

In Konopiste Castle, you can see the magnificent collection of hunting and combat weapons and armor of the 16th-19th centuries, collected by Archduke Franz Ferdinand, numbering more than 4,500 items. There is also a large collection of hunting trophies that adorn the walls of this Czech castle - about 300,000 copies.

The Estonian weapons collection impresses with its size, which includes cold and firearms, armor and other items of the 15th - 19th centuries, which have no analogues in Europe.Extremely valuable exhibits contain the so-called. St. George's collection and the rarest collection of church antiquities related to the cult of St. Jiri, patron saint of knights.

Castle chapel.

Around the castle there is an unusually beautiful park on an area of ​​225 hectares, where peacocks walk along. On the territory there are greenhouses with exotic plants and enclosures with bears. All together, this seems to immerse visitors of historical monuments into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. A particularly beautiful part of the park is the Rose Garden with sculptural decoration.

As in the time of Franz Ferdinand, a Himalayan bear lives in the moat (recently there were two). Since the castle lost its defensive significance, water has not been poured into the moat.

Hello dear friends! Do you know where Franz Ferdinand lived, the man whose murder marked a turning point in world history? This article will focus on the place that has become his home, a museum, a place to relax and hone his hunting skills. All this is Konopiště Castle. It is located 50 km from Prague.

If you are traveling by car, then you should spend the night in the castle. Because in a huge beautiful park you can walk and have fun for quite a long time. In addition, there is a brewery and original beer with a scary and funny name on the territory of the castle. Beer is a must try. But more on that later.

If you are traveling with children, then pay attention: the castle has a huge collection of hunting trophies. If the child is impressionable, then he may be frightened of so many killed animals.

Do you think that in the office there are such cute original wallpapers with pimples? You are mistaken - all these are the antlers of dead deer and roe deer.

History of the castle

Konopiste Castle was built by order of Tobias from Benešov in the 13th century. At first it was a building in the Gothic style, reminiscent of French castles.

This was a powerful fortress with seven towers, fortified with ditches and earthen ramparts. Naturally, during its long history the building has been reconstructed several times.

By 1327, the castle became the property of representatives of the Sternberk family. They rebuilt the castle, turning it into a building in the Gothic style, and later added features of Renaissance architecture.

1648 brought the castle devastation, dilapidation. Jan Josef Vrtba purchased this building at an auction. Under him, the castle acquired the features of the Baroque style, the height of the towers was reduced, and the southern wing was built.

But the most global restructuring was waiting for the castle in 1887. Then Konopiste was bought by Archduke Franz Ferdinand. A passionate fan of hunting, he equipped a mechanical shooting range on the territory of the castle, added many exhibits to the already existing collection of weapons.

The castle became a wonderful home for the trophies obtained by the Archduke, stuffed exotic animals, their horns and the like. Under him, water supply, electricity, sewerage and even an elevator first appeared on the territory of the castle.

Konopiste was considered the favorite place of Franz Ferdinand. Here he collected an impressive collection of historical weapons, as well as objects with the face of St. George. Around the castle, on his orders, an English park was laid out, the main decoration of which was a rose garden, fountains, elegant marble statues and terraces. After the assassination of the Archduke, the castle became the property of his children.

Why is the castle the most expensive

Konopiste Castle today is a unique place that attracts beauty lovers, avid hunters and anyone interested in history. Therefore, the Czech authorities spend a lot of money to preserve the traditions of Archduke Ferdinand. To keep the park, castle, buildings on its territory, collections, plants and much more in the same excellent condition as when the owners were alive.

• Franz Ferdinand loved to enjoy walks in his park - the park is in excellent condition (as during the life of the Archduke).
• He loved hunting - there is a shooting range on the territory of the castle. You can shoot too. The truth is not in animals.
• Ferdinand loved his trophies - here they are. Everything is safe and sound on the walls.
• He loved art objects - here they are. The castle is the largest repository of paintings in the Czech Republic.
• Ferdinand collected a collection of knightly armor. Their condition would please the Archduke even now.
• I collected a collection of sculptures with St. George the Victorious - everything is in place. You can watch it, walk along the alleys and feel yourself in the castle ... Archduke Ferdinand.

As for his death - as you remember, Franz Ferdinand was killed in Sarajevo (7 bullets were fired at him and his family). The death of the Archduke marked the beginning of the First World War. and entailed the collapse of the old powers and the creation of new ones, a new division of the territories of Europe and, later, revolutions in Russia and other countries of the world.

So, so that we do not think about the terrible, the Czechs decided to humor a little. The castle has its own brewery and its own beer. They gave the brewery the name "Archduke", and the beer... "Seven bullets" ("Sedm kulí tmavé").

I don’t know how strong the drink turned out to be and whether it can at least knock me down. But you need to try it.

During the Second World War, Konopiste was a place of storage of trophy art objects, some of which are still there today.

Every year, the Czech government spends a huge amount on the maintenance of the castle, part of which is nevertheless compensated by tourists and weddings in the castle. This historical, carefully preserved place attracts lovers of history and fine architecture from all over the world.

What can be seen here

• An extensive collection of works of art from the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque eras.
• Armor collection. Basically, these are gifts from relatives of Franz Ferdinand. Their family heirlooms.
• The very collection of trophies of Franz Ferdinand. There are about 4400 of them. And this is just what is stored in Konopiste! According to legend, the Archduke shot hundreds of thousands of animals.

• No less impressive are the hunting weapons of the 16th-18th centuries. This collection is considered the third largest in Europe.
• Collection of sculptures of George the Victorious

From entertainment:

• Shooting range
• Walk in the park
• Beer "Seven bullets" (About beer information at the end of the article)

Once, under the Archduke, the territory of the park occupied 350 hectares. Now "only" 230 hectares. You will be surprised by the variety of unusual plants planted here. The park is decorated with graceful sculptures.

You will be even more amazed by the proud peacocks freely walking along the paths of the park. The bear also lives here. Fortunately, he is deprived of the opportunity to walk along the paths with us, but you can watch him.

Near the fortress there are several more places that attract the attention of tourists.

• One of them is a carp pond.
• The second is the Java Museum of Legendary Motorcycles.

The souvenir shop of the castle will help you take home a piece of Konopiste. There you can buy films about the castle, photos of the rose garden, the park and other souvenirs.

Where to stay near Konopiste Castle

And for those who want to extend their romantic trip, it is possible to stay there overnight. Recommended to stay at the hotel Benica Hotel Benesov with free parking, breakfast and swimming pool. The hotel staff speaks Russian. The hotel is only 500 meters from the castle.

Now many housing options have appeared on the service Airbnb. We have written how to use this service. If you do not find a free room in the hotel, then look for accommodation through this booking site.

We offer more good options for hotels near the castle

Working hours

• From December 1 to March 24, the castle is closed to the public.
• From March 25 to the end of May from 10.00 to 16.00 (closed Monday)
• From June to August inclusive from 10.00 to 17.00 (closed Monday)
• All September from 10.00 to 16.00 (closed Monday)
• October and November from 10.00 to 15.00. Monday is closed in October, in November the castle is open only on Saturdays and Sundays

What is the price

Inspection of the castle takes place only with a guided tour, which you can take on the spot.

Tours are divided into 4 routes:

1. Walk through the executive and guest rooms of the south wing
2. Inspection of the north wing These are the oldest halls of the castle in the Gothic and Renaissance style.
3. Separate chambers of the Franz Ferdinand family
4. Hunting trophies of Franz Ferdinand

The ticket price for one person is 220 kroons. If you take several excursions, get a discount 🙂

There are excursions in Russian. The schedule of all excursions is displayed on the scoreboard at the box office selling entrance tickets to the castle.
There is an audio guide in Russian. Its cost is 50 crowns.

It is possible to visit the castle on the same day in addition to the Konopiste castle. Excursions from Prague there are departures to these castles every day. You just need to book in advance.

How to get to Konopiste

• The castle can be reached by train. It departs from the Prague Central Station and goes to the city of Benešov. From the station (it should be behind you) turn left and reach the bridge over the railway tracks. Keep left after the bridge. The road from the station to the castle is about 2 km.
• By car, you need to drive along the D1 highway until the turn to Benešov. Follow the directions further. A day of parking at the castle costs 60 crowns.
• Buses to Benešov run from Roztyly metro station or Florenc station. At the end of the path, you also need to walk.

Address: Konopiště 1, 256 01 Benešov

Castle website: www.zamek-konopiste.cz

We really hope that our story will serve you as a kind of cheat sheet when traveling to Konopiste.

Beer "Sedm kulí tmavé" (Seven bullets)

Semi-dark, strong with herbal taste. Produced in the city of Benešov, near Konopiste. The plant is called "Ferdinand".

Address of the brewery in Benešov:
Brewer Ferdinand (Pivovar Ferdinand)
Táborská 306, Benešov, 256 01 Česká republika
pivovarferdinand.cz

Beer "Seven bullets" can be bought in Prague

Here are the addresses of pubs where you can buy and try it:
Nové Město, Opletalova 24, Prague 1 110 00
Malá Strana: Karmelitská 18, Praha 1 118 00
Opening hours: 11:00-23:00

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Just 50 kilometers southeast of Prague, next to the small town of Benešov, one of the most beautiful medieval castles in the Czech Republic is located, harmoniously combining Gothic and Baroque features in its appearance - Konopiste castle.

History of Konopiste Castle

Medieval castle of the Czech Republic Konopiste was founded by the Benešovice at the end of the 13th century, apparently having received these lands in exchange for their residence in Benešov. There is also a version that the founder of this Czech castle was the Prague Archbishop Tobiash, who became the head of Czech politics in difficult years after the death of King Přemysl Otakar II. Initially, it was a classic Gothic Czech medieval castle - in the form of a powerful quadrangular fortress with round towers at the corners. Total in Czech medieval castle Konopiste there were seven towers, and the deep moat and earth ramparts surrounding the castle gave complete impregnability to its walls.

In 1327 Czech medieval castle Konopiste was presented by King John of Luxembourg to Zdeslav of the Sternberk family, who also owned the Czech Sternberg castle (the latter, unlike Konopiste, belongs to the Sternberks to this day). During the Hussite wars, the Sternberks supported the royal power, the Czech king Jiri from Poděbrady often visited the castle of the Czech Republic Konopiste, and his first wife Kunguta even gave birth to her first child here in 1425. But in 1465, the then owner of the Czech medieval castle Konopiste Zdenek moved to the rebel camp, this castle of the Czech Republic was besieged by the royal troops. True, the impregnability of its walls protected the rebels for a long time, and only in December 1468, after an eighteen-month siege, the defenders of the Czech medieval castle Konopiste, suffering from hunger, were forced to surrender. In the next two centuries, this Czech medieval castle changed owners twice, one of which, the Godejovskys, carried out a small reconstruction in the early 17th century in the spirit of the late Renaissance. Under the next owner, Albrecht Waldstein, the medieval castle of Konopiste in 1648 becomes the prey of the Swedish army, which plundered and destroyed this Czech castle in 1648 during the Thirty Years' War. After that, for some time, the Czech castle of Konopiste fell into disrepair and decay.

Finally, at the beginning of the 18th century, it was acquired at an auction by the Czech nobleman Jan Josef Vrtba, during which another reconstruction of the medieval castle Konopiste in the Baroque style takes place, instead of a drawbridge a large stone bridge is built, the height of the towers is reduced, the southern wing is being built. And in 1887, the Czech medieval castle Konopiste was acquired by the heir to the Austrian throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The new owner is carrying out another radical restructuring of this Czech castle, equipping it with all the achievements of civilization (electricity, hydraulic lift, plumbing and sewerage), decorating the walls of the castle with hunting trophies, and setting up a beautiful English park around the medieval castle Konopiste with a rose garden, terraces and marble statues. . After the creation of independent Czechoslovakia, the Czech castle Konopiste was nationalized by the Czech state in 1921, which still owns it to this day. Interestingly, the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic spends about 800,000 dollars annually to maintain the medieval castle of Konopiste and the richest collections stored in it, only part of which is compensated by tourism income.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand

The Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand (1863-1914) was the nephew of the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph. In 1889, after the suicide of Crown Prince Rudolf, the emperor's only son, Franz Ferdinand became heir to the throne of the vast Austro-Hungarian Empire. He lived most of his life in the Czech medieval castle Konopiste, bought by him in 1887.

He was a man of amazing and tragic fate. In 1900, Franz Ferdinand married for love the Czech countess Sophia Hotek, who did not have the high origin necessary for the wife of the future emperor, as a result of which he was forced to solemnly renounce the rights to the throne for his future children. For a long time he lived quietly with his wife and three children, daughter Sophia and sons Maximilian and Ernst in the medieval castle of the Czech Republic Konopiste, lovingly remade by him, spending almost all his time in hunting fun. But at the same time, Franz Ferdinand took an active part in the politics of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, developed a plan to transform the country, which was bursting at the seams from national conflicts, into the United States of Greater Austria with the formation of 12 national autonomies for each large nationality living in the Empire.

Such a reform would significantly reduce the degree of national contradictions and could significantly extend the power of the Habsburg dynasty. Franz Ferdinand did not like Russians, and even more Serbs, but at the same time he was categorically against the war with Serbia, realizing that such a war would inevitably lead to a clash with Russia, deadly for both empires. Unfortunately, the plans of the Archduke were not destined to come true. It was his murder by Serbian terrorists in Sarajevo in 1914 that became the pretext for this disastrous war.

What to see in the castle

After admiring enough of the seven pointed neo-Gothic towers of the medieval Konopiste castle, do not forget to take a walk in the English park with an area of ​​more than 200 hectares, laid out around the castle, look at the rose garden with unique varieties of roses, admire the numerous sculptures of Italian masters placed in the castle park. A couple of bears live in a small preserved castle moat.

In the medieval castle of Konopiste itself, you can see the magnificent collection of hunting and combat weapons and armor of the 16th-19th centuries, collected by Archduke Franz Ferdinand, numbering more than 4,500 items. There is also a large collection of hunting trophies that adorn the walls of this Czech castle - about 300,000 copies. Also in the castle of the Czech Republic Konopiste, there are excellent collections of porcelain, furniture and art objects from the Baroque era.

Working mode

The Czech castle Konopiste is open from April to November according to the following schedule:

For inspection, separate tourist routes are offered along the northern and southern wing of the Czech castle Konopiste at a price 140 CZK from an adult 90 CZK per child for an excursion in Czech and 210 CZK from an adult and 130 CZK from a child with a foreign-language guide. The inner chambers of Konopiste Castle can be viewed from 210 CZK adult 140 CZK- to a child, with translation - for, respectively 310 and 210 CZK. A family ticket (2 adults and a maximum of 3 children aged 3-15) without transfer will cost 350 CZK, with translation - in 530 CZK.

How to get to the castle

How to get there by car

Getting to the Czech castle Konopiste by car is not difficult at all - you leave Prague by road D1(E50) direction to Brno, after about 22 km you turn onto the road 38(E55) take exit 21 and head towards Linz, České Budějovice and Benešov ( Linz, Ceske Budejovice, Benesov), after 14 kilometers, passing Benešov, choose the exit with a sign for Konopiste ( Konopiste) and immediately find yourself right under the hill on which the castle of Konopiste is located.

How to get to Konopiste by public transport

You can get to the Czech castle Konopiste by bus or train with a change in Benešov. Buses to Benešov from Prague depart both from the Florenc bus station ( UAN Florenc) (9.05, 11.20), and from Roztyla ( Roztyly) (10.45, 12.35, 13.30, 15.00). Travel time is about 40-50 minutes, ticket price from 40 to 60 CZK. Trains depart from the main station ( Hlavni nadrazi) and depart at 9.16 (R637), 9.20 (OS 2521), 10.20 (Os 2523), 11.16 (R 203), 11.20 (Os 2525), etc. Travel time from 40 minutes to an hour, ticket price - 71 Crown.

In general, from the Benešova railway station (the bus station is also located very close) to the Konopiste castle, there is a 2-kilometer-long tourist path marked with red signs. But if you don’t feel like walking at all, you can wait for the bus, which will reach the bus stop in 5 minutes Benesov, Konopiste, located 500 meters from this Czech castle. Buses depart from the Benešov bus station to 9.05, 12.00, 12.15, 14.30, 15.40, 16.40, 17.10 , the ticket costs 12 CZK.

For more complete practical information, the website of the Czech castle Konopiste "www.zamek-konopiste.cz"

45 km from Prague there is a beautiful romantic Konopiste castle (Konopiste). One of the most beautiful love stories of the 20th century unfolded here - between Crown Prince Franz Ferdinand and his beloved Czech Countess Sofia Chotek. The story ended tragically in Sarajevo in 1914 when Ferdinand and his wife were killed by revolver shots.

History of Konopiste

This romantic castle, surrounded by a green park with a Rose Garden, is located just 45 km from Prague. It was built at the end of the 13th century by representatives of the Peneshovichi dynasty. In its original form, it consisted of 2 parts and was an exact copy of the French fortified fortress. In the future, the castle was waiting for several reconstructions and changes of its owners.

Konopiste served various functions, being used both for defense and as the home residence of the Archduke, his wife and children. Initially, it was built in the Gothic style and equipped with towers surrounded by a high rampart and deep ditches. In the middle of the 17th century Konopiste was taken by the Swedes. At the beginning of the 18th century, the castle was reconstructed in the Baroque style, and the stone bridge replaced the drawbridge. Also at this time, a large southern wing was rebuilt.

Despite the frequent change of owners, there was a person who was able to turn this building into a romantic palace and a cozy family home.

Armory

In 1887 Konopiste was purchased by the Archduke of France, Franz Ferdinand d'Este, for 6,000 złoty.

Interesting: Ferdinand bought the castle to settle there with his chosen one, Countess Sophia, who did not belong to the royal dynasty.

In 1889, Ferdinand began another reconstruction of Konopiste, which lasted about 5 years. As a result, the castle took on the appearance of a romantic early Gothic residence with a main tower that can be seen from afar.

Since 1921, Konopiste Castle in the Czech Republic has been owned by the state.

East Terrace

Attractions Konopiste

Excursion routes pass through a hunting corridor with trophies, an armory hall, an extensive library, luxurious chambers of the duke and his family. The interior decoration impresses with picturesque paintings, sculptures, unusual art objects and souvenirs from the Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance eras.

The ceiling of the great hall is decorated with frescoes “four seasons”. The real decoration of the hall are marble fireplaces with unique carvings.

The chambers of Ferdinand and his family are distinguished by unique furniture and porcelain, elegant chandeliers and picturesque tapestries.

Attention: the walls of the castle abound with an incredible number of stuffed heads and animal horns, testifying to Ferdinand's real passion for hunting. For particularly impressionable children, this can be frightening.

The castle houses a collection of unique weapons from the 16th-18th centuries. It is considered one of the largest European collections of hunting weapons. From his ancestors from Italy, the crown prince inherited not only the surname d "Este, but also significant property. Part of the inheritance was an extensive collection of weapons for hunting, numbering more than 4.5 thousand copies. The famous armory is located on the 4th floor.

A huge English-style green park built by the crown prince, with an area of ​​225 hectares, deserves special attention. Most interesting place in the park is considered a rose garden with sculptures of masters from Italy.

Castle church where weddings take place

Information on excursions to the castle can be found on various Internet resources. Many travel agencies offer their services in organizing excursions in this direction. Tourists who have already visited Konopiste note a magnificent green park with a rose garden, many sculptures and exotic trees. The interiors are distinguished by an incredible number of hunting trophies, luxurious furniture and a unique collection of weapons and armor.

Videos and photos of the Konopiste Castle in Prague can be found on various websites.

Attention: many travel agencies offer to see Konopiste Castle and Krivoklat Castle at a time.

Excursions to these destinations are organized daily. You just need to pre-book them.

hunting trophies

How to get there, opening hours and cost

Working mode:

Attention: the castle is closed on Mondays.

Break for lunch from 12.00 to 13.00.

Tours run on 4 routes:

• Inspection of executive and guest apartments of the south wing.
• Visit to the north wing - library, armory and chapel (the oldest halls of Konopiste).
• Living quarters of the Archduke's family.
• Hunting Trophies of the Crown Prince.

The ticket price varies from 90 to 310 CZK (1 crown equals 2.3 rubles). The castle has excursions for Russian-speaking people and an audio guide (50 CZK).

Castle park

How to get from Prague to Konopiste Castle:

• By train from the Prague railway station to the stop "Benesov u Prahi". Arriving, you need to go right across the bridge over the railway. After the bridge, you need to go left along the yellow markers. Ticket price 45 CZK. The distance from the railway station to the castle is about 2 km. Part of the road passes through the town of Benesov itself, and part - through the forest along the road.

• By car, you need to go to the D1 highway and drive until the turn to Benešov. Then follow the signs.
• By bus, you can get to the Benesov stop from the Rozliti metro station or from the Florenc station. Then walk a little. The ticket costs 45 CZK.

On the way to the castle there is a parking lot, eateries and a guesthouse where you can stay when traveling by car.

Before reaching the park, the hunting-themed Stara Myslivna restaurant serves reindeer, pheasants and other game. Previously, in its place were chambers for feasts after pheasant hunting. Real deer live in a small paddock next to the restaurant. There is a bird farm in the park. Owls, eagles and crows live in small houses, and their owner can tell Interesting Facts about their lives, however, in Czech. For 50 CZK you can take a picture with the birds.

Konopiste address: Konopiste1, Benesov.
Tel.: +420 317 721 366

In conclusion, we can say that Konopiste is one of the most beautiful castles in the Czech Republic. It is considered a national cultural monument and annually opens its doors to thousands of tourists from all over the world.