These majestic medieval seats of the nobility draw in thousands of visitors every year, who can thus experience the atmosphere of eras long-gone. You’ll come across truly unique sites of architectural and historical importance in the Czech and Polish borderlands. Impregnable castles surrounded by legends have inspired writers, poets, and music composers for many centuries. Allow yourselves to be inspired too, and set out on a journey to uncover their secrets.
|
1. Hukvaldy Castle The origins of this castle extend all the way back to the early 13th century. Its best preserved part is St Andrew’s Chapel, used today as a venue for all kinds of concerts and performances.
Did you know that…? Hukvaldy is the birthplace of composer Leoš Janáček, in whose honour an annual music festival is held at the castle grounds. |
|
|
|
2. Štramberk Castle Ruins of a castle, whose origins are still unknown today, stand above the town of Štramberk. |
|
3. Helfštýn Castle The construction of one of the largest medieval castles commenced at the beginning of the 14th century. When Cardinal Franz von Dietrichstein took possession of the castle in the 17th century, he began demolition works, and Helfštýn lost its former character of a manor house. In its present form, the castle is a massive fortress with six gates, a number of towers, and a system of ramparts dating back to the 18th century. Did you know that…? One of thebiggest gatherings of artistic blacksmiths in Europe – Hefaiston – is held here every August. |
|
|
|
4. Šternberk Castle This Gothic castle was founded in the 13th century. It was then expanded in the Late Gothic style, and completed in the Renaissance style in the 16th century. The castle’s last owners were the Liechtensteins, who rebuilt it in the style of historicist romanticism. Its interiors surprise visitors with their grandeur, and abundant works of art from all around Europe. |
|
5. Sovinec Castle A number of cultural events, as well as fencing, theatre and music performances are regularly held at this 14th-century castle. Guided tours include the castle’s underground, both inner and outer fortification walls, as well as the castle’s interiors. |
|
|
|
6. Bouzov Castle Bouzov is one of the most visited and the most charming of Czech castles. Complete with battlements, oriels, embrasures, and gargoyles, the present-day Bouzov Castle is a typical romantic estate, which is the product of considerable restoration carried out by the Archduke Eugen of Austria between 1895 and 1910. The castle plays host to a multitude of cultural events and costumed tours all year round. Did you know that…? The castle is popular with film-makers, and was used as a filming location for the Italian fairy tale Princess Fantaghiro, the German war film Napola, and an episode of the american TV series Young Indiana Jones. |
|
7. Svojanov Castle The only Czech castle to blend the architectural style of the Middle Ages with that of the 19th century. An exhibition on life in the castle during the 19th century is on display in the castle’s palace. You can also explore the dungeon with a torture chamber, a unique squires’ house, a collection of clocks, and a restored Gothic garden. |
|
|
|
8. Międzylesie Castle This small, originally Gothic castle was gradually transformed into a Baroque palace. Today, both day and night tours of the chateau’s interiors are available to the public. The castle plays host to a multitude of cultural events and costumed tours all year round. |
|
9. Potštejn Castle This formerly majestic castle was conquered only once – by Charles IV himself, who later became Czech King and Roman Emperor.
|
|
|
|
10. Kunětice Mountain Castle, Staré Hradiště When the Pernštejns took possession of this Gothic castle in the 15th century, major construction work to rebuild the castle in the Renaissance style began. However, Kunětice Mountain Castle was severely damaged in the centuries that followed. The early 20th century saw the start of attempts to salvage the castle by the design of the architect Dušan Jurkovič. This major restoration of the castle, which will result in new spaces and exhibitions available to visitors, should be completed by 2021.
|
|
11. Kost Castle, Libošovice Kost is one of the best preserved and most significant medieval castles in the Czech Republic. The castle is situated some 18 km from the town of Jičín, in the Bohemian Paradise Protected Landscape Area. Tours of the castle themed around its owners, the Kinsky noble family, are available. You can also see a medieval torture chamber, or take the ‘From a Fairy Tale to a Fairy Tale’ tour, which is aimed at children. |
|
|
|
12. Valdštejn Castle, Turnov Valdštejn, the oldest castle in Bohemian Paradise, is a gateway to the nearby rock city where four hundred sandstone rock towers are found. An unguided tour of the castle includes all exteriors, a visit to the cellars, the Chapel of St John of Nepomuk and a billiards hall. If you go on a guided tour, you will also see a Classicist house and a Romantic palace. |
|
13. Czocha Castle, Leśna This mysterious castle has been in existence since the mid-13th century. It was renovated into its current look at the beginning of the 20th century.
|
|
|
|
14. Kliczków Castle Initially founded as a fortress in the 13th century, the castle was rebuilt to its current form in the late 19th century. A number of architectural styles left their mark on the chateau and its estates – from Gothic, through Renaissance, up to Mannerism. The chateau is surrounded by an English park and deep forests, which beckon visitors to go hiking, cycling, or horseback riding. |
|
TIP!
Trosky Castle, Rovensko |
The Gothic castle ruins, belonging to a castle from the late 14th century, are reminiscent of devil’s horns sticking out of the ground, and have become one of the symbols of Bohemian Paradise. They are also called the Gate to Hell. Trosky is made up of two towers named Panna (Maiden) and Baba (Hag), which is used as a lookout tower. Visitors can both entertain themselves and explore the castle by playing a 90-minute escape game with Čenda the Robot.
Did you know that…? The mysterious underground space under Trosky has been attracting the attention of amateur explorers and adventurers since the 18th century.
|
|
15. Grodziec Castle, Zagrodno This originally Gothic castle acquired its present-day form in the 20th century, when it was rebuilt in the Purist style by Bodo Ebhart.
Did you know that…? Films of German, Belgian and Russian productions are often shot here, such as the historical film ‘Taras Bulba’. |
|
|
|
16. Chojnik Castle, Jelenia Góra This castle, which is the highest situated castle in the Krkonoše, has never been conquered. The ruins are a popular destination today, and all kinds of knight tournaments and medieval fairs are held here throughout the year. |
|
17. Bolków Castle These majestic castle ruins are located at the crossroads of historic trade routes going from Poland’s Wrocław to Bohemia.
Did you know that…? One of the biggestGothic rock festivals in Europe – Castle Party – is held here every year. |
|
|
|
18. Książ Castle, Wałbrzych Książ Chateau is the largest chateau in Lower Silesia and the third largest chateau in Poland. This is a monumental edifice, which is rumoured to have been selected as Hitler’s main residence during the Second World War, and the Nazis allegedly planned to install the Amber Chamber there.
|
|
19. Grodno Castle, Zagórze Śląskie Initially founded as a medieval fortress, Grodno Castle was later rebuilt into a Renaissance residence. During the tour, you can see examples of medieval walls, as well as refurbished princely chambers. |
|
|
|
20. Brzeg Castle of the Silesian Piasts Today, this 16th-century castle serves chiefly as a museum of the powerful Polish Royal House of Piast. |
|
21. Moszna Castle This is one of the most visited castles in Silesia, which is known as the Polish Disneyland due to its appearance. The castle, surrounded by a 250-hectare park, is intriguing with the diversity of its architecture. |
|
|
|
22. Piastowski Castle, Racibórz The most valuable part in this restored chateau compound is the Chapel of St Thomas of Canterbury, which is considered a prime example of Silesian Gothic. |
Their interiors and exhibitions will draw you back to the time when the Czech and Polish lands were ruled by the nobility. For a moment, you will be absorbed by the romantic nooks and crannies of chateau parks, enjoy their lush greenery, architectural features, ponds and lakes, and walk along the paths where the bygone owners of these estates used to stroll. Be sure not to miss taking a tour of the UNESCO chateau in Litomyšl. The list of the best sights also includes Baroque gems designed by the famous Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel, or chateaux popularized by Czech and Polish fairy tales and films.
|
1. Kunín Chateau Visitors can explore the chateau’s interiors in this precious Baroque building, including its bedrooms, a picture gallery, dining room, dance room and loft. |
 |
 |
2. Tovačov Chateau Legend has it that the chateau and its distinctive tower were built in the 2nd half of the 11th century as a hunting retreat. Construction work to rebuild the castle into a Renaissance chateau began in the 14th century. Did you know that…? A unique copy of the Vienna Opera House staircase is situated in the left wing of the chateau. |
|
3. Plumlov Chateau Construction of this early Mannerist chateau on the site of a 13th-century castle was begun by Johann Adam of Liechtenstein in 1680. However, only one wing out of the four grandiose wings that had been planned was ever built. The frontage in particular and its row of mighty columns are especially impressive. The chateau is home to annual music and theatre festivals and workshops. |
 |
 |
4. Čechy pod Kosířem Chateau Visitors may enjoy the classic chateau exhibition, complemented by a collection of paintings by the famous painter Josef Mánes, unparalleled anywhere else in the Czech Republic. As part of the exhibition about the great Czech filmmakers Jan and Zdeněk Svěrák, you can see exhibits covering several movies they have worked on. The chateau park, with an area of 215,000 m2 invites visitors to come and take a stroll. |
|
5. Náměšť na Hané Chateau In this Classicist chateau, surrounded by a circleshaped park, you can enjoy a walk through Rococo interiors, as well as explore a precious collection of Meissen porcelain and a display of historic children’s prams. |
 |
 |
6. Velké Losiny Chateau This Renaissance building, dating from the late-16th century, entices visitors to take a tour of its magnificently furnished interiors.
|
|
7. Litomyšl Chateau The chateau is on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List for its unique sgraffito decoration. This is one of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings in Central Europe, and you can explore its representation halls, rooms, the chateau’s chapel, and theatre, as well as view an exhibition on historical pianos and admire the unique figural sgraffito.
|
 |
.jpg) |
8. Potštejn Chateau This Baroque chateau invites visitors to take tours of its interiors, which also include non-traditional tours in the form of a theatre performance or candle-lit tours.
|
|
9. Doudleby nad Orlicí Chateau The chateau amazes visitors with its unique sgraffitodecorated facades and painted interiors.
|
.jpg) |
.jpg) |
10. Častolovice Chateau This Renaissance chateau draws visitors with its collection of paintings, a large Knight’s Hall and its original coffered ceiling, and a former dining room called Tobias’s Hall, which is decorated with a gallery of life-size paintings of Czech monarchs. |
|
11. Kostelec nad Orlicí New Chateau The chateau offers its visitors a chance to uncover the history of its owners, the Kinsky family, in several exhibitions: ‘Life during the Biedermeier Period’, fine art exhibitions in the Kinsky Gallery, and via a short tour of the history of the town of Kostelec nad Orlicí in its museum’s exhibition. |
.jpg) |
 |
12. Rychnov nad Kněžnou Chateau The chateau is one of the largest and most beautiful Baroque estates in the Czech Republic. The building was designed by the famous architect Jan Blažej Santini Aichel. |
|
13. Opočno Chateau The Opočno Chateau compound is an extraordinary cluster of heritage buildings that demonstrate the lifestyle and taste of a section of Czech society over the course of five centuries. The chateau, which is surrounded by a naturally landscaped park, has wellpreserved historic interiors and large collections of paintings and weapons. |
.jpg) |
.jpg) |
14. Nové Město nad Metují Chateau The last time this chateau compound had some building alterations done was in the early 20th century by architect Dušan Jurkovič. The interiors were decorated by a number of remarkable Czech artists, so current visitors can enjoy authentic interiors in the styles of High Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Cubism and Functionalism.
|
|
15. Náchod Chateau This Renaissance chateau holds a unique collection of Brussels tapestries, unique painted beam ceilings, as well as collections of jewels dating back to the last owners, the Schaumburg-Lippe family. Different parts of the chateau’s history are described during each of five tour routes. Visitors can choose the tour route they find most interesting, or alternatively, they can merge the routes.
Did you know that…? In the former castle moat at the edge of the park is a bear pit, which is currently occupied by two bears – Dáša (Dasha) and Ludvík (Louis). |
.jpg) |
.jpg) |
16. Hrádek u Nechanic Chateau, Nechanice One of the most significant Romantic buildings in the Czech Republic was built in the mid-19th century in the Windsor Gothic style as a representative residence for the Counts of Harrach. |
|
17. Karlova Koruna Chateau, Chlumec nad Cidlinou One of the pinnacles of illusive Baroque in the Czech Republic was built to a design by Jan Santini Aichel.
Did you know that…? Karlova Koruna Chateau has received its unusual name – the Charles’s Crown – due to its unique ground plan resembling the shape of the King Charles’s Crown. |
.jpg) |
.jpg) |
18. Dětenice Chateau This Baroque chateau, dating from the 2nd half of the 18th century, was built on the site of a previous Gothic fortress. Besides a traditional chateau exhibition, you can also visit the Brewery Museum, where you’ll see demonstrations of unconventional ways of making beer, go to a medieval tavern, or you can stay overnight in the local adventure hotel. |
|
19. Sychrov Chateau This Neo-Gothic chateau gives visitors a perfect glimpse into the lifestyle of a rich noble family living in a country manor house in the 2nd half of the 19th century. The chateau’s rooms are furnished with original furniture, paintings and other accessories.
|
 |
 |
20. Frýdlant Chateau This large and architecturally diverse compound, comprising of a medieval castle and a Renaissance chateau, ranks among the most significant heritage sites in the Czech Republic. Alongside the usual collections of the chateau’s furniture and furnishings, the visitors can also see a large collection of weapons, smoking pipes, a unique lordship’s office, a children’s room, a chateau bathroom, and a preserved kitchen. |
|
21. Łomnica Chateau The Baroque building now serves as a museum, which displays furniture and other fittings characteristic of noble residences in Lower Silesia throughout the 18th and 19th century. |
 |
 |
22. Kamieniec Ząbkowicki Chateau The construction of this monumental Neo-Gothic chateau was commissioned by Princess Marianne of the Netherlands in the 19th century. Today, you can visit the chateau and see the outcome of its complete renovation. |
|
23. Jánský vrch Chateau, Javorník in Silesia The original 14th-century castle was rebuilt into its present-day Baroque style in the mid-18th century. The chateau’s original furniture dating from the turn of the 19th century and working gas lighting (in both the interiors and exteriors) are truly unique.
Did you know that…? The largest collection of smoking pipes in Central Europe is found here. |
 |
 |
24. Niemodlin Chateau The original 14th-century castle was destroyed several times throughout its history. Its current Baroque style dates from the 18th century.
Did you know that…? Film director Jan Jakub Kolski shot his film ‘Jasminum’ on the premises. |
|
25. Pszczyna Chateau This chateau compound including an English-style garden is dubbed ‘the Polish Versailles’. Unlike many other chateaux and castles in Silesia, which were destroyed during or just after the war, Pszczyna Chateau’s original furnishings and furniture have survived, and are now regarded as some of the most valuable treasures of interior architecture in Poland. |
 |
 |
26. Hradec nad Moravicí Chateau Visitors can choose from two tour routes, or visit a separate historical exhibition and a picture gallery. The chateau grounds are incorporated into a naturally landscaped park, the largest one in the Moravian-Silesian Region.
Did you know that…? A number of famous people spent some time in the chateau, such as music composers Ludwig van Beethoven and Ferenc Liszt, and the genius violinist Niccolò Paganini. |
|
27. Raduň Chateau This Neo-Gothic chateau is surrounded by a large forest park and four fishponds. Tours of the chateau will take you to lounges and private rooms, the chateau’s library containing some 16,000 volumes, a unique orangery with an adjacent ornamental garden, and newly to the chateau’s cellars as well. |
 |
To download:
