History! Magic! Romance! Architecture!
by
Marilyn King
Copyright (c) May 2003
Yes, of course Prague is wonderful, and you should spend at
least a week there. I recently lived there for eight months.
But if you really want to get to know the Czech Republic --
explore the beautiful countryside. Visit a few of the
hundreds of castles. The Czech Republic is a castle lovers
dream!
Over 2000 castles, chateaus, and castle ruins have been
preserved and are currently found in the Czech Republic --
including the largest castle complex in the whole world,
Hradcany -- the Prague Castle!
Why? Czech Republic is in the heart of Europe -- a major
crossroads of trade routes, and cultural influences.
Starting with ancient Slav settlements (about 1000 AD) to
the golden age of castle building in the 13th and 14th
centuries.
Forty years of communism kept most of this a secret. Today
these treasures are being proudly restored and updated.
Discover some of the wonderful castles of the Czech Republic
countryside with me --
Most famous is Prazsky Hrad (Prague Castle)...okay, it's not
in the countryside, but you can't do Czech castles and skip
this one. Allow at least half a day (it does not include
time for museum visits) if you want to examine it in depth.
Prague Castle is the most popular sight visited in Prague --
and the largest ancient castle in the world. Begun around
880, it has a very long history. Built on the site of an old
Slavic settlement on a hill, it overlooks the Vltava River.
A wooden fortress already stood on the hill by 870 AD.
Slowly it got larger and larger, built of wood, but parts
being replaced by stone buildings over time. (Building in
stone was much more expensive.) By 1135 most buildings were
made of stone, and the Czech Kings made the castle their
main residence.
The castle reached it's zenith of importance during the
reign of Czech king Charles IV. He had very ambitious plans
for it and his capitol city. Charles' son Vaclav had a new
Royal palace built in the old town in 1383, where the Kings
resided after that date.
Rulers made their own additions so there is a mixture of
styles. Prague Castle has had four major reconstructions,
but it retains its classical facelift from the 18th century
-- during the reign of Maria Theresa of Austria. She painted
all the buildings yellow which was her favorite color --
noblesse oblige -- but they have since been restored. The
castle has three courtyards and has always been the seat of
Czech rulers as well as the official residence.
Czech presidents have used Prague Castle as their principal
office since 1918. When the square presidential flag waves
above the royal palace the President is in the country.
Konopiste Castle, about 55 km east of Prague -- was founded
by noble family Benesovec in the wooded valley of the river
Sazava in 1300. A unique example of a French style castle in
Czech Republic, its rectangular ground plan was divided into
a larger outer bailey in the west and the inner castle in
the eastern part. Seven round towers lined the periphery of
the fortification walls.
Architectural modifications took place through the centuries
-- until Konopiste was extensively renovated into a
residence for its last occupant, Archduke Ferdinand.(You
remember him from 9th grade history?). To say that the
Archduke was obsessed with weapons and hunting trophies
would be an understatement. In 1914, he was assassinated
along with his Czech wife Sophie Chotek in Sarajevo. This
sad action started World War One. Today, this beautiful
romantic castle houses a fascinating valuable collection of
historical weapons and armor. Rich interiors contain
Bohemian crystal chandeliers, hunting equipment and
unforgettable collections of hunting trophies -- over
300,000 animals.
About 35 km southeast of Prague is Karlstejn Castle, founded
by Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV in 1348.
Built as a Royal Gothic castle, this massive complex served
as a vault for the Czech Coronation Jewels of the Holy Roman
Empire and the Kingdom of Bohemia.
With many sieges and battles over the centuries, the castle
slowly deteriorated. In the 18th century the Austrian
Hapsburg rulers were aware of the historical significance of
Karlstejn and most seriously damaged parts were repaired.
After 1853, work supervision was taken over by a newly
established Central Monuments Protection Commission residing
in Vienna.
Karlstejn gained its present appearance with repairs made
during 1887-1899. Its most precious space is the "Chapel of
the Cross". This spectacular room is decorated with
semi-precious stones embedded in the gilded stucco lower
walls. Above this is the finest collection of Gothic
painting in the World -- 127 portrait paintings representing
"the entire army of heaven" by Master Theodoric from the
1360s. The ceiling is entirely gilded and adorned with real
golden stars. Dividing the room is a many-arched grate, hung
with precious stones and jewels.
The only down-side is a steep uphill walk through a gauntlet
of tacky tourist shops to reach the castle -- but it's well
worth the effort. If you are not up to hiking uphill -- take
the horse drawn carriage ride to the castle entrance.
About 35km north of Prague, near where the Elbe and Vltava
rivers converge -- sits Melnik Castle and town of Czech
queens. This early Gothic castle (1050-1100) was built upon
an old Slavonic fortified settlement (800 AD). It became a
Royal castle -- was expanded twice between 1400 and 1480,
and rebuilt into a Renaissance chateau in 1553.
Princess Ludmilla was born in Melnik, and from her time
forward, Melnik Castle has been the residence of the queen
widows of Bohemia. Under Emperor Charles IV, Melnik became
a royal city. His last wife had the castle's chapel with
Gothic vaults built. The last queen residing in Melnik, was
the wife of Jiri Podebrad.
Different noble families occupied the Melnik Estate
throughout the centuries until the castle was abandoned
during the Thirty Years War. In 1646 Count Czernin started
a major reconstruction with the early Baroque southern wing
added. The Count purchased the Melnik Estate from the
Emperor. Heiress, Countess Ludmilla Czernin married Prince
August Anton Lobkowicz in 1753. With the exception of the
Second World War and the 40 years of communist rule, Melnik
Castle remained in the family. The present owner Jiri
Lobkowicz has been renovating the Castle since 1992.
Melnik Castle with its historic interiors houses the art
collections, furnishings and hunting trophies of the
Lobkowic family. From the terrace overlooking the valley,
you can see parts of the Royal vineyards. The grapes that
make the same kind of wine favored by the Czech Kings (500
years ago) are still grown there. This special wine can be
bought at the Castle gift shop in Melnik -- as well as some
specialty wine shops in Prague.
I tasted wonderful Melnik wines in the romantic, mysterious
cellar vault under the castle -- dating from the 14th
century. A wonderful selection of both white and red wines
presented by candlelight -- in this wine cellar which spans
1500m2 on three floors under the castle. Next to an
exhibition of old machines used for the vinification process
-- you find an exhibition of fabulous heraldic animals that
are found on coats of arms of different aristocratic
families. You walk over a fascinating floor created from
thousands of wine bottles. Bottoms up -- remove any two
and the whole floor would collapse!
Hluboka, the "Pearl of South Bohemia" is about 140 km south
of Prague in South Bohemia -- above the Vltava near Ceske
Budejovice. This famous place started as a Gothic castle
about 1250 to strengthen the power of the Czech Kings (the
Premyslids). It remained a Royal property and administrative
center until 1562, and then turned into a stately
Renaissance chateau. In 1661 it was bought by the
Schwarzenberg family -- and 40 years later they had it
rebuilt into a Baroque styled chateau.
This lasted until 1841 when the charming chateau was rebuilt
and modeled after Windsor Castle in England. Romantic bays,
balconies, barriers, battlements and other elements give
Hluboka a fairy-tale appearance. The chateau has magnificent
and magical exteriors and interiors. Surrounded by a vast
chateau park with French and English gardens, riding hall
and terraces -- it offers a view to the town and the river
Vltava. One of the most visited chateaus in the Czech
republic, Hluboka is lavishly furnished with huge family
collections of furniture, paintings, arms, rare tapestries,
and artifacts.
Cesky Krumlov is the 2nd largest Castle complex in Czech
Republic. Founded in 1230, the castle was expanded and
remodeled several times. It had several owners until 1947
when it was given to the Czech state.
Its setting lording over the historic town is breathtaking.
It has more than 40 buildings! It has many valuable
Renaissance and Baroque rooms, paintings, tapestries, and
furnishings of the last five centuries. It boasts the most
unique 18th century Baroque theater in all of Europe with
all it's original furnishings and fixtures. The chateau
garden with Rococo summerhouse, fountain, small lake,
chapel! Their rotary auditorium summer theatre is one of
ten most interesting theatres in the world.
Plus -- all important Czech castles have live bears living
in their non-water moats. Live bears have been living in
Cesky Krumlov Castle's moat since before 1600.
Pernstejn in South Moravia, this magnificent, well-preserved
late Gothic fortress was founded about 1250 as the seat of
the Lords of Pernstejn. The castle's present appearance
results from its remodeling between 1450-1550. It became
known as the "marble" castle because of the marble-like
local stone used to frame its doors and windows.
The castle preserved some of its Gothic vaulting. About 1600
the family was obliged to sell both the castle and the
estate -- which marked the end of its days of glory. Around
1700, Baroque alterations were carried out in some rooms,
and in 1716 the ceilings of the chapel were decorated. White
stucco was added to the Knights Hall. The most authentic
medieval castle in the Czech Republic -- it has no
electricity or fancy interiors. Hidden in the forest,
Pernstejn is one of the most beautiful castles in Central
Europe.
Helfstyn Castle in central Moravia is a ruin of a 16th
century fortress. Originally a rather small Gothic castle
without towers, it was founded about 1310 by Knight Fridus
of Linava as a hideout. This Black Knight loved to rob
people...and Czech King Jan Lucembursky took the castle away
from him.
Helfstyn Castle expanded substantially from about 1365 to
1385. About 1600, more extensions, and in particular, mighty
fortifications were made by Vilem of Pernstejn and his son
Jan. The effectiveness of the fortification system was
apparent during the unsuccessful siege by the Hungarians in
1468 and the Swedes during the Thirty Years War -- (1618-
648). At the end of the 18th century Helfstyn was abandoned,
but ever since the 19th century -- efforts have been made to
preserve it.
The new Gothic Lednice and the Baroque Valtice in South
Moravia --
The romantic Lednice Castle is situated on the Austro-
Moravian frontier near Breclav, near an immense natural
park. A Middle Ages stronghold, it was rebuilt as a
Renaissance castle in the 16th century. A garden was laid
out next to it. Around year 1600 three ponds were built,
forming the basis for Lednice's landscape arrangement you
see in present days.
Today, Lednice is an excellent example of English Tudor
neo-Gothic style and one of the most important buildings
of Romanticism at its peak. See prestigious rooms, an
artificial stalactite cavern, the rare tree of life made
from ivory, a large landscaped English park with Minaret
Obelisk, and a French garden.
In 1715 the Lichtenstejns built a highway to connect their
two castles -- Lednice and Valtice.
The Valtice Castle, was not connected politically to the
Czech lands -- but had close historical and family ties with
Moravia and a similar cultural development. The oldest
records concerning Valtice date from 1192. In the 14th
century the castle was established.
The Lichtenstejn family became the owners of Valtice estate
in 1395 -- and it was in their possession until 1945. In the
17th-18th century the castle was rebuilt in Baroque style.
The ground plan has four wings, one courtyard, a tower
and farming buildings.
The interiors of Valtice Castle are decorated in 18th
century styles -- Baroque, Rococo and Classical. All the
rooms have lovely frescos, beautiful furniture (especially
Rococo) and valuable paintings.
If you walk from Valtice Castle, you pass small Belvedere
Castle and the Temple of Diana, also called the Rendezvous.
Walking towards Lednice through the forest you reach the
romantic neo- Gothic -- Chapel of St. Hubert.
The castle list goes on and on. It's hard to make a bad
choice. Czech out as many Castles as you can.
------------------------------------------------------------
Marilyn King has been a travel professional since 1988. Her
"Flight To Quality" has provided quality travel arrangements
for individuals, corporations and groups: Europe, South
America and the Caribbean. Visit her at --
( http://www.FlightToQuality.com ), Subscribe to her "Free
for Life" newsletter - "Psssss.....t!" Receive your Free
eReport - "Taste Wine in a Small Village" at --
( http://www.FlightToQuality.com )
You have permission to publish this article in its entirety,
electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the
bylines are included, A courtesy copy of your publication
would be appreciated. [Article Word Count=2124]
------------------------------------------------------------
Czech Out Czech Castles
History! Magic! Romance! Architecture!
by
Marilyn King
Copyright (c) May 2003
Yes, of course Prague is wonderful, and you should spend at
least a week there. I recently lived there for eight months.
But if you really want to get to know the Czech Republic --
explore the beautiful countryside. Visit a few of the
hundreds of castles. The Czech Republic is a castle lovers
dream!
Over 2000 castles, chateaus, and castle ruins have been
preserved and are currently found in the Czech Republic --
including the largest castle complex in the whole world,
Hradcany -- the Prague Castle!
Why? Czech Republic is in the heart of Europe -- a major
crossroads of trade routes, and cultural influences.
Starting with ancient Slav settlements (about 1000 AD) to
the golden age of castle building in the 13th and 14th
centuries.
Forty years of communism kept most of this a secret. Today
these treasures are being proudly restored and updated.
Discover some of the wonderful castles of the Czech Republic
countryside with me --
Most famous is Prazsky Hrad (Prague Castle)...okay, it's not
in the countryside, but you can't do Czech castles and skip
this one. Allow at least half a day (it does not include
time for museum visits) if you want to examine it in depth.
Prague Castle is the most popular sight visited in Prague --
and the largest ancient castle in the world. Begun around
880, it has a very long history. Built on the site of an old
Slavic settlement on a hill, it overlooks the Vltava River.
A wooden fortress already stood on the hill by 870 AD.
Slowly it got larger and larger, built of wood, but parts
being replaced by stone buildings over time. (Building in
stone was much more expensive.) By 1135 most buildings were
made of stone, and the Czech Kings made the castle their
main residence.
The castle reached it's zenith of importance during the
reign of Czech king Charles IV. He had very ambitious plans
for it and his capitol city. Charles' son Vaclav had a new
Royal palace built in the old town in 1383, where the Kings
resided after that date.
Rulers made their own additions so there is a mixture of
styles. Prague Castle has had four major reconstructions,
but it retains its classical facelift from the 18th century
-- during the reign of Maria Theresa of Austria. She painted
all the buildings yellow which was her favorite color --
noblesse oblige -- but they have since been restored. The
castle has three courtyards and has always been the seat of
Czech rulers as well as the official residence.
Czech presidents have used Prague Castle as their principal
office since 1918. When the square presidential flag waves
above the royal palace the President is in the country.
Konopiste Castle, about 55 km east of Prague -- was founded
by noble family Benesovec in the wooded valley of the river
Sazava in 1300. A unique example of a French style castle in
Czech Republic, its rectangular ground plan was divided into
a larger outer bailey in the west and the inner castle in
the eastern part. Seven round towers lined the periphery of
the fortification walls.
Architectural modifications took place through the centuries
-- until Konopiste was extensively renovated into a
residence for its last occupant, Archduke Ferdinand.(You
remember him from 9th grade history?). To say that the
Archduke was obsessed with weapons and hunting trophies
would be an understatement. In 1914, he was assassinated
along with his Czech wife Sophie Chotek in Sarajevo. This
sad action started World War One. Today, this beautiful
romantic castle houses a fascinating valuable collection of
historical weapons and armor. Rich interiors contain
Bohemian crystal chandeliers, hunting equipment and
unforgettable collections of hunting trophies -- over
300,000 animals.
About 35 km southeast of Prague is Karlstejn Castle, founded
by Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV in 1348.
Built as a Royal Gothic castle, this massive complex served
as a vault for the Czech Coronation Jewels of the Holy Roman
Empire and the Kingdom of Bohemia.
With many sieges and battles over the centuries, the castle
slowly deteriorated. In the 18th century the Austrian
Hapsburg rulers were aware of the historical significance of
Karlstejn and most seriously damaged parts were repaired.
After 1853, work supervision was taken over by a newly
established Central Monuments Protection Commission residing
in Vienna.
Karlstejn gained its present appearance with repairs made
during 1887-1899. Its most precious space is the "Chapel of
the Cross". This spectacular room is decorated with
semi-precious stones embedded in the gilded stucco lower
walls. Above this is the finest collection of Gothic
painting in the World -- 127 portrait paintings representing
"the entire army of heaven" by Master Theodoric from the
1360s. The ceiling is entirely gilded and adorned with real
golden stars. Dividing the room is a many-arched grate, hung
with precious stones and jewels.
The only down-side is a steep uphill walk through a gauntlet
of tacky tourist shops to reach the castle -- but it's well
worth the effort. If you are not up to hiking uphill -- take
the horse drawn carriage ride to the castle entrance.
About 35km north of Prague, near where the Elbe and Vltava
rivers converge -- sits Melnik Castle and town of Czech
queens. This early Gothic castle (1050-1100) was built upon
an old Slavonic fortified settlement (800 AD). It became a
Royal castle -- was expanded twice between 1400 and 1480,
and rebuilt into a Renaissance chateau in 1553.
Princess Ludmilla was born in Melnik, and from her time
forward, Melnik Castle has been the residence of the queen
widows of Bohemia. Under Emperor Charles IV, Melnik became
a royal city. His last wife had the castle's chapel with
Gothic vaults built. The last queen residing in Melnik, was
the wife of Jiri Podebrad.
Different noble families occupied the Melnik Estate
throughout the centuries until the castle was abandoned
during the Thirty Years War. In 1646 Count Czernin started
a major reconstruction with the early Baroque southern wing
added. The Count purchased the Melnik Estate from the
Emperor. Heiress, Countess Ludmilla Czernin married Prince
August Anton Lobkowicz in 1753. With the exception of the
Second World War and the 40 years of communist rule, Melnik
Castle remained in the family. The present owner Jiri
Lobkowicz has been renovating the Castle since 1992.
Melnik Castle with its historic interiors houses the art
collections, furnishings and hunting trophies of the
Lobkowic family. From the terrace overlooking the valley,
you can see parts of the Royal vineyards. The grapes that
make the same kind of wine favored by the Czech Kings (500
years ago) are still grown there. This special wine can be
bought at the Castle gift shop in Melnik -- as well as some
specialty wine shops in Prague.
I tasted wonderful Melnik wines in the romantic, mysterious
cellar vault under the castle -- dating from the 14th
century. A wonderful selection of both white and red wines
presented by candlelight -- in this wine cellar which spans
1500m2 on three floors under the castle. Next to an
exhibition of old machines used for the vinification process
-- you find an exhibition of fabulous heraldic animals that
are found on coats of arms of different aristocratic
families. You walk over a fascinating floor created from
thousands of wine bottles. Bottoms up -- remove any two
and the whole floor would collapse!
Hluboka, the "Pearl of South Bohemia" is about 140 km south
of Prague in South Bohemia -- above the Vltava near Ceske
Budejovice. This famous place started as a Gothic castle
about 1250 to strengthen the power of the Czech Kings (the
Premyslids). It remained a Royal property and administrative
center until 1562, and then turned into a stately
Renaissance chateau. In 1661 it was bought by the
Schwarzenberg family -- and 40 years later they had it
rebuilt into a Baroque styled chateau.
This lasted until 1841 when the charming chateau was rebuilt
and modeled after Windsor Castle in England. Romantic bays,
balconies, barriers, battlements and other elements give
Hluboka a fairy-tale appearance. The chateau has magnificent
and magical exteriors and interiors. Surrounded by a vast
chateau park with French and English gardens, riding hall
and terraces -- it offers a view to the town and the river
Vltava. One of the most visited chateaus in the Czech
republic, Hluboka is lavishly furnished with huge family
collections of furniture, paintings, arms, rare tapestries,
and artifacts.
Cesky Krumlov is the 2nd largest Castle complex in Czech
Republic. Founded in 1230, the castle was expanded and
remodeled several times. It had several owners until 1947
when it was given to the Czech state.
Its setting lording over the historic town is breathtaking.
It has more than 40 buildings! It has many valuable
Renaissance and Baroque rooms, paintings, tapestries, and
furnishings of the last five centuries. It boasts the most
unique 18th century Baroque theater in all of Europe with
all it's original furnishings and fixtures. The chateau
garden with Rococo summerhouse, fountain, small lake,
chapel! Their rotary auditorium summer theatre is one of
ten most interesting theatres in the world.
Plus -- all important Czech castles have live bears living
in their non-water moats. Live bears have been living in
Cesky Krumlov Castle's moat since before 1600.
Pernstejn in South Moravia, this magnificent, well-preserved
late Gothic fortress was founded about 1250 as the seat of
the Lords of Pernstejn. The castle's present appearance
results from its remodeling between 1450-1550. It became
known as the "marble" castle because of the marble-like
local stone used to frame its doors and windows.
The castle preserved some of its Gothic vaulting. About 1600
the family was obliged to sell both the castle and the
estate -- which marked the end of its days of glory. Around
1700, Baroque alterations were carried out in some rooms,
and in 1716 the ceilings of the chapel were decorated. White
stucco was added to the Knights Hall. The most authentic
medieval castle in the Czech Republic -- it has no
electricity or fancy interiors. Hidden in the forest,
Pernstejn is one of the most beautiful castles in Central
Europe.
Helfstyn Castle in central Moravia is a ruin of a 16th
century fortress. Originally a rather small Gothic castle
without towers, it was founded about 1310 by Knight Fridus
of Linava as a hideout. This Black Knight loved to rob
people...and Czech King Jan Lucembursky took the castle away
from him.
Helfstyn Castle expanded substantially from about 1365 to
1385. About 1600, more extensions, and in particular, mighty
fortifications were made by Vilem of Pernstejn and his son
Jan. The effectiveness of the fortification system was
apparent during the unsuccessful siege by the Hungarians in
1468 and the Swedes during the Thirty Years War -- (1618-
648). At the end of the 18th century Helfstyn was abandoned,
but ever since the 19th century -- efforts have been made to
preserve it.
The new Gothic Lednice and the Baroque Valtice in South
Moravia --
The romantic Lednice Castle is situated on the Austro-
Moravian frontier near Breclav, near an immense natural
park. A Middle Ages stronghold, it was rebuilt as a
Renaissance castle in the 16th century. A garden was laid
out next to it. Around year 1600 three ponds were built,
forming the basis for Lednice's landscape arrangement you
see in present days.
Today, Lednice is an excellent example of English Tudor
neo-Gothic style and one of the most important buildings
of Romanticism at its peak. See prestigious rooms, an
artificial stalactite cavern, the rare tree of life made
from ivory, a large landscaped English park with Minaret
Obelisk, and a French garden.
In 1715 the Lichtenstejns built a highway to connect their
two castles -- Lednice and Valtice.
The Valtice Castle, was not connected politically to the
Czech lands -- but had close historical and family ties with
Moravia and a similar cultural development. The oldest
records concerning Valtice date from 1192. In the 14th
century the castle was established.
The Lichtenstejn family became the owners of Valtice estate
in 1395 -- and it was in their possession until 1945. In the
17th-18th century the castle was rebuilt in Baroque style.
The ground plan has four wings, one courtyard, a tower
and farming buildings.
The interiors of Valtice Castle are decorated in 18th
century styles -- Baroque, Rococo and Classical. All the
rooms have lovely frescos, beautiful furniture (especially
Rococo) and valuable paintings.
If you walk from Valtice Castle, you pass small Belvedere
Castle and the Temple of Diana, also called the Rendezvous.
Walking towards Lednice through the forest you reach the
romantic neo- Gothic -- Chapel of St. Hubert.
The castle list goes on and on. It's hard to make a bad
choice. Czech out as many Castles as you can.
------------------------------------------------------------
Marilyn King has been a travel professional since 1988. Her
"Flight To Quality" has provided quality travel arrangements
for individuals, corporations and groups: Europe, South
America and the Caribbean. Visit her at --
( http://www.FlightToQuality.com ), Subscribe to her "Free
for Life" newsletter - "Psssss.....t!" Receive your Free
eReport - "Taste Wine in a Small Village" at --
( http://www.FlightToQuality.com )