Czech Republic boastsover 2000 castles and palaces— more than any European country per surface. From medieval rock fortresses to Baroque mansions surrounded by gardens, each region has its pearls. Here's the top 10.
1. Karlštejn — The Gothic Fortress of Charles IV
Built in 1348–1365 as a royal safe — he keptCzech crownAnd the jewels of the Holy Empire. The Chapel of the Holy Cross with 129 paintings by Master Theodoryk is unique in Europe. Ticket 340 Kč (route I), reservation mandatory.
2. Český Krumlov — UNESCO fairy tale
Castle on the rock above Vltava (XIII–XVIII century), second largest in the Czech Republic after Prague.Baroque Castle Lodge(only Baroque theatre scene with original equipment in Europe),Mascarova Hallfrom 1748. entrance 340 Kč, tower separately 180 Kč.
3. Konopiště — Palace of Franz Ferdinand
The residence of the Archduke, whose assassination in Sarajevo (1914) launched World War I. Interiors preservedNo change since 1914.— 400,000 hunting trophies, weapons collection. The entrance 340 Kč. 40 km from Prague.
4. Hluboká nad Vltavou — White Southern Jewel
The Neo-Gothic Schwarzenberg Palace (redevelopment 1841–1871) modeled on the English Windsor.141 rooms, collection of Flemish tapestry, library with 12,000 volumes. Surrounded by a 190 ha park. Entry 300 Kč.
5. Kroměříž — Baroque UNESCO
Palace of Olomouc bishops with Flower Gardens and Podzamcze (UNESCO 1998).Parliament Hall, in which the Austrian Sejm sat in 1848. Titian paintings, van Dyck. Entrance 260 Kč, gardens free.
6. Lednice–Valtice — Europe’s largest landscape park
Liechtenstein complex in Southern Moravia (200 km2), UNESCO 1996. Neo-Gothic palace, minaret, Artificial Ruins, Temple of Apollo. Ideal for a 2-day bike trip. The entrance to the palace 260 Kč.
7. Kutná Hora — Vlašský dvůr
Medieval Royal Mint Where Beatengroschen Prague— the most important coin in Central Europe of the 14th century. Monetary museum, authentic 700-year-old layer. Entrance 180 Kč.
8. Bouzov — Teutonic Palace
Neo-Gothic residence from the 19th century (reconstruction of the authentic castle from the 13th century), the seat of the Teutonic Order until 1938. A collection of medieval weapons, knightly chambers. Entry 260 Kč.
9. Loket — a fortress over the meandre Ohře
Roma Castle (XII century) with “porcelan” exposure and meteorite (Locket meteorite). Film location of "Casino Royale" Bond (2006). Entrance 180 Kč, 12 km from Karlovy Varovy.
10. Sychrov — French taste in northern Bohemia
The Neo-Gothic Rohan Palace, the largest collection of portraits of French aristocracy outside France (240 paintings). Chapel with stained glass windows from 1866. Enter 260 Kč.
Practical information
- Season:most open April–October, only Karlštejn and Krumlov all year round
- Combined ticket:"Turistická kart hradů a zámků NPÚ" — 850 Kč, valid for 100 objects, year
- Reservation:Karlštejn and Krumlov ALWAYS book online — tickets sell out for weeks
- Photo:in interiors usually prohibited — read the rules