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Czech Castles & Châteaux

Karlstejn: The largest and most visited castle in Bohemia. It was founded by Charles IV. in 1348 and completed nine years later by Mathias of Arras. It served as a deposit of the crown jewels and state documents. It was the place where Charles liked to rest.

Bezdez: One of the most important early Gothic castles in Bohemia, a royal castle of Premysl Otakar II. After his death the castle became a prison for a hort time. After 1620, the castle was turned into a monastery by Albrecht of Valdstejn.  It is under major reconstruction these days.

Bouzov: A castle from the beginning of the 14^th century. From 1699 owned by the Order of German Knights. The present appearance dates back to the end of 19^th century when a major adaptation of the whole castle was carried out in German Gothic style. Due to its appearance the castle is often sought after for shooting historical films and fairy tales.

Helfstyn: One of the largest Moravian castle ruins. Founded in the 13^th century. It was enlarged under the Pernstejn family and under Masters of Vrbno. In the 17^th century used by Dietrichstejn as a military base. Abandoned from 1763. Partially reconstructed.

Hluboka: A romantic château with collections is the most visited historical buildings in Bohemia. From 1661 owned by Schwarzenberks who carried out a Baroque adaptation of the château in the 18^th century. The château was adapted to today's appearance in 1841 - 71. Over 140 rooms are fitted with large collections of furniture, paintings, porcelain, weapons etc. The château is surrounded by a large English park with rare plants.

Horsovsky Tyn: A Renaissance château in the place of the original castle from the 13^th century. From 1535 it was owned by the Lobkovic family who rebuilt it to a representative Renaissance château. It is surrounded by a large park.

Jaromerice nad Rokytnou: A large Baroque château was built by the Questenberk family, the owners of the estate at the beginning of the 18^th century. They gave musical and theatre performances in the château and the adjacent French garden. The castle theatre is a European rarity.

Konopiste: One of the most visited Bohemian châteaux. The originally Gothic castle was enlarged in the Renaissance style in the 16^th century. It was turned into a Baroque château. In 1887 it was bought by Ferdinand d'Este, successor to the throne, who had the château romantically rebuilt in the pseudo-Gothic style. It has rich interiors, a collection of weapons and hunting trophies of European importance, a large castle park with a rose garden. There also is a bear run in the castle moat.

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