Castles and chateaus are opening their gates
April is the month the winter season ends and the tourist season begins. The gates of castles and chateaus are opening and visitors are being lured by new tour circuits, new destinations, beautiful interiors or accompanying programmes. Each monument will always honour this year’s 100th anniversary of the founding of the Czechoslovak Republic.
5.49 million people visited castles, chateaus and other deluxe monuments under state management in 2017. The proceeds from tour circuits reached a total of 474 million Crowns. A record-breaking 5.6 million people visited a hundred state castles, chateaus and other monuments in 2016.
Prague Castle
Prague Castle is preparing for the opening of the tourist season on the 12 May. For the first time ever tourist buildings such as the Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace with Vladislav Hall and also the representative areas in the New Palace, will be opened free of charge on this day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in honour of the 100th anniversary of the Republic. The permanent exhibitions will also be free of charge.
The symbol of Czech statehood and the residence of the president, this is Prague Castle, which was founded in the 9th century. According to the Guinness Book of Records it is the biggest cohesive castle complex in the world, it covers an area of nearly 70,000 m2 and is also registered as a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site.
Troja Chateau
The doors of Troja Chateau are now opening to the public and you can also visit an exhibition by Czech sculptor Vladimír Škoda who is based in France.
Karlštejn and Konopiště
Karlštejn is one of the most popular and most beautiful Czech Castles. Construction of this castle was completed at the behest of Emperor Charles IV in 1365, when the most valuable Chapel of the Holy Cross was consecrated.
The deluxe Konopište Castle was founded in the 13th century by Prague Bishop Tobiáš of Benešov. The famous history of Konopište actually began at the end of the 19th century. In 1887 the hunting chateau and the entire estate were purchased from the Lobkowic Family by František Ferdinand d’Este, who had it converted and modernised. Konopište is a wonderful destination for a trip with children, who will also be entertained by Jiří the chateau bear who lives here.
Český Šternberk, Točník and Žebrák
Český Šternberk Castle is a gothic fort above the Sázava River, which was established in 1241 by Zdeslav of Divišov. The children’s film “Anděl Páně” was filmed here and the family of Princess Arabela (a character from a children’s series) also lived here.
Czech and Roman King Václav IV had Točník Castle built at the end of the 14th century and enjoyed holding hunts here. If you are not interested in just the romantic history of the ruins, you can also enjoy viewing the castle bear cubs, Agáta and Martin, with whom Václav Chaloupka filmed the children’s story “Méďové na cestách” for Czech Television.
Žebrák Castle rises majestically over the Central Bohemian landscape. It was founded in the 2nd half of the 13th century by Oldřich Zajíc of Valdek not far from the important trade route from Prague to Bavaria.
Žleby and Křivoklát
The medieval castle of Žleby was built by Jindřich of Lichtenburk and it was first mentioned in written documents in 1289. During its extensive history the castle was converted into a chateau and it is currently one of the most attractive destinations in the Čáslav Region. Žleby Chateau offers three tour circuits.
Křivoklát Castle is reputedly one of the most photogenic castles in the Czech Republic. The medieval castle gained renown in the 2nd half of the 13th century under the rule of Přemysl Otakar II. The future Emperor Charles IV also stayed here several times. Alchemist Edward Kelly was also imprisoned here and lost a leg when he attempted to escape. The fairy tale “Třetí princ”, the film “Tři veterani” and the epic “Bathory” were all filmed here. And Heath Ledger also starred here in the “The Curse of the Brothers Grimm”.
Lány and the chateau in Telč
Lány was first mentioned in written documents in 1392. Towards the end of the 16th century the municipality was purchased by Rudolf II who had a hunting chateau built in the Renaissance style on the site of the original fort. This chateau was converted into the Baroque style during the 17th century. The deluxe chateau has been the official summer residence of the presidents of the Czech Republic since 1921, which is why it is not normally open to the public. Lány can most easily be reached from Prague along the motorway to Karlovy Vary (about 35 km).
The state Castle in Telč will be opening tour circuit I – the Renaissance halls and the chateau gallery with its “Pyšná Princezna” exhibition. Visitors can view other chateau tour circuits from May. This is also when the new exhibition devoted to the film titled “Až přijde kocour”, which was filmed entirely using Telč scenery, will be opened. This film by director Vojtěch Jasný will celebrate 55 years since its premier this year.
Mělník, Houska, Bezděz
Mělník Chateau attracts visitors with its traditional Wine Night, which will be held on 21 April. Visitors can taste not only the deluxe Lobkowitz Wines, but also wines from local vintners.
Houska Castle has plans in the form of a theatre performance of the Three Musketeers. It will also hold a Gothic fair, which is now a traditional local event.
And Bezděz Castle will also offer new attractions this year in the form of a deluxe extended tour circuit. The renovated Templar palace in the second courtyard will be opened and archaeological findings will be exhibited in the roof space – pottery, bones, metal items. Panels informing visitors about the repairs made to the palace, details about the archaeological survey and construction of the rear part of the castle will be another part of the exhibition.
Opening times and ticket prices vary. Most monuments are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and on holidays and tickets range from CZK 50 upwards.
