A visit to the castles and palaces of the Czech Republic guarantees romance. And what’s more, there are over 2000 of them! A tour of the buildings themselves can be conjoined with a visit to an art gallery, a concert of period music, a fencing tournament or medieval fair. And more than a few chateaux and castles offer accommodation and a truly romantic night.
Pernštejn
Pernštejn, one of the best-preserved Gothic fortresses in Europe, is the true goal of those who desire a return to the age when knighthood was in flower. Even today, this castle, the survivor of many a harsh siege, evokes the enchantment of the era of chivalry, and the tumult of medieval times.
Bouzov
Confirming the exceptional qualities of Castle Bouzov is the attention it has received from film directors over the years. This castle is a fairy-tale affair, not only from the outside, but inside as well.
Tips for the visitor
Schedule your trip to Bouzov in September or October, when you can visit the castle at night and meet with its ghosts!
Křivoklát
Křivoklát is a former royal castle dating back to the 12th century. Attractions for visitors include a library with tens of thousands of historic volumes, and an extensive exhibition of hunting trophies.
Bučovice
The chateau of Bučovice is regarded by architectural connoisseurs as the greatest pearl of the Italian Renaissance style north of the Alps. Its builder Jacopo Strada was one of the great scholars and art collectors of his age, and his residence is a testament to his excellent taste.
Tips for the visitor:
Don’t forget to pay a visit to the wonderful Renaissance garden!
Duchcov
The chateau in Duchcov is where the legendary seducer Giacomo Casanova spent the final years of his life as librarian; here he wrote the majority of his literary works including his famous memoirs. A public exhibition commemorates his time at this Baroque chateau.
Tips for the visitor:
Every year, the town of Duchcov holds an annual Casanova celebration with a rich cultural programme in the spirit of the age of the great libertine.
Hospital Kuks
This Baroque complex of spa and hospital buildings, including an impressive church and crypt, was founded at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries by Count Sporck. The entire area is adorned by sculpted religious allegories, including the cycle “Virtues and Vices” by the great Baroque sculptor Matthias B. Braun.
Points of interest
Historic fencing
Very frequently it is possible to see at various castles and chateaux in the Czech Republic one of the several dozen period fencing ensembles active in the country. Czech fencing groups are among the best in the world, as attested by their frequent roles in historical films.
Tips for the visitor
Accommodations in castles and chateaux
In the Czech Republic visitors can choose from several dozen historic castles and chateaux rebuilt as hotels. Such accommodations are equally replete with modern comforts as well as historic atmosphere. A romantic night in the lord’s quarters will certainly remain long in the memory.
