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Czech castles & chateaux |
Castels & chateaux in Czech republic |
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The most intersting castles & chateaux in Czech rep. |
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Karlstejn |
Karlstejn – gothic castle founded in 1348 by Czech king and Roman Emperor Charles IV. The castle became the place for safekeeping of the royal treasures and Czech coronation jewels during the Hussite wars, which were kept here, with the exception of several short-time breaks, for nearly 200 years. Unique original decoration of wall paintings is dating back to the 14th century, collection of 129 panel paintings by Master Theodoric in the Chapel of the Holy Cross, which is the largest of its kind in the world, the largest portrait gallery of Czech rulers in the country, exhibited replica of St. Wenceslas crown - the coronation crown of the Czech Kings and the unique castle well. |
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Cesky Sternberk |
The castle Cesky Sternberk is situated in beautiful valley upon the river Sazava. It was founded in the year 1241 by Zdeslav from Divisov. It’s originally Gothic caslte, but after the last reconstruction in 18th century it was rebuilt in Baroque style. The castle is very strong, because it is very well situated and protected, so it was almost impossible to conquer it in the past. In the castle you can find portraits of Sternberk family, art collections and a collection of graphic art from the period of the Thirty Year´s War. The rooms have rich stucco decorations (made by an Italian artist Carlo Brentano in the 17th century) and ancient furniture and porcelain. |
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Hluboka |
Hluboka was originally Royal chateaux built in 13th century. It was several times reconstructed, but its todays Neo-Gothic face it became in reconstruction in years 1841-1870 by family Schwarzenberg inspired by English Windsor castle. This attractive chateau has 11 towers and 140 rooms, in which you can find collection of furniture, arms and portraits. To the castle belong also large English gardens, which offer visitors walks to the countryside with nice views. |
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Konopiste |
Konopiste castle was built in the end of 13th century by the example of French castelons with many towers. In the beginning of 17th century it was rebuilt in Renaissance style, later in 18th century in Baroque castle. The last change of style was connected with the name Franz Ferdinand d’Este, the Crown Prince of the Habsburg monarchy, whose seat at that time Konopiste was. If you visit this castle, you will see historical furniture, paintings, arms, and you can also see the life aristocracy in the beginning of the 20th century in private rooms of Frantisek Ferdinand. |
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Krivoklat |
Krivoklat is one of the oldest castles in Czech republic and also one of the most important, whose beginning dates back to the 12th century. This royal castle was rebuilt by Vencel IV. and in 15th century added to on a grand scale by Vladislav Jagello. It was several times seriously damaged by fire and after that it became feared prison. Charles IV often visited it. You can admire very rich exhibition of Gothic paintings and sculptures, library counting 53 000 books, museum and picture gallery of Furstenberk family, castle chapel, the Royal Hall and the Hall of Knights. If you are not milksop, you can visit prison and torture chamber with instruments of torture.In the great tower there is a hunting collection. |
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Orlik |
Castle Orlik was founded by Vaclav II in the 13th century and in the 14th century Charles IV rebuilt it. Then the royal castle became a property of aristocracy. After big fire in 16th century its owner left the castle. After several years the castle was bought by Svamberk family, which rebuild the castle and improved its defensive system. After the year 1611 Svamberk family left to Trebon and the castle was hold by administration of aristocracy. In 1719 Orlik was given to Schwarzenberg family. In 1802 the big fire damaged the castle. The last reconstruction was in 1849-1860 and the castle was given todays Neo Gothic style. Later the park with area 180 hectares was finished. |
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Prague Castle |
Prague Castle was founded about the year 880 prince Borivoj of the house of Premyslides. The Church of our Lady was the first walled building. Another churches, like St. Vitus, were founded in the 10th century and from the 11th century it was the main church with relics of land patrons St. Vitus, St. Wenceslas, St. Adalbert. From this century it was the seat of the head of the state, princes and kings and also the Prague bishop. While Charles IV, the King and Roman Emperor was ruling, Prague castle was an imperial residence. It was time of prosperity for castle. After that, it was several time rebuilt and during the reign of Rudolf II it became a center of science and art. |