Kašperk castle - Castles, fortresses and chateaux in the Czech Republic 5.

Location: Kašperk, South Bohemia

Kašperk, the most highly situated royal castle in Bohemia (886 metres above sea levels) dominates the Bohemian Forest scenery already more than 860 years. Castle visitors are attracted not only by the impressive landscape view but also by the atmosphere of a Middle Ages castle. Kašperk is also regarded as a typical example of the period of Charles IV architecture.

The castle was built by order of the Czech king and Roman emperor Charles IV in just five years during 1356-1361. Since the very beginning, the castle crew had to fulfil three missions: protect the local gold-bearing district, guard the border with the neighbouring Bavaria and secure the traffic on the trading road, so called Golden Path. Ruins of an advanced fortifications, so called Pustý hrádek, have been preserved about 400 metres from the castle and offer a beautiful view to the castle itself as well as the surroundings.

Two different sight-seeing tour are prepared for the tourists. Both of them finish with a beautiful view from the castle tower.

Dívči Kámen (Girl’s Stone) Castle - Castles, fortresses and chateaux in the Czech Republic 4.

Location: near Křemže, South Bohemia

Monumental and romantical castle built on a high in the beautiful countryside above where the Křemžský stream meets the River Vltava between the towns of České Budějovice and Český Krumlov.

Dívči Kámen is one of the most extensive and well-preserved medieval monuments in the Czech Republic. The are of the castle was declared a natural reservation and is part of the Protected Landscape Area of Blanský les (Blansko Forest). The place is made even more attractive by a nearby Celt oppidum (fortified settlement) whose importance and size make it unique in Europe. The castle was founded by the Rosenberg family in 1349 and abandoned by them in 1506. Five hundred years later it came into the ownership of the village of Křemže. Currently, the castle is open all year round. Concerts, historical presentations, fencing and theatre, medieval markets and fairs, lectures and exhibitions are held within the castle.

Pernštejn Castle – Castles, fortresses and chateaux in the Czech Republic 3.

Location: Nedvědice, South Moravia

Pernštejn Castle (the marble castle) is one of the best preserved castles in the Czech Republic and a must-see on every tourist’s itinerary. It was founded in the second half of the 13th century. Radical adaptations came in the 15th and 16th century, when the cultivation of the castle came along with the increasing influence of House Pernštejn family. They owned the castle till 1596, when they sold it. During the early 17th century, the Counts of Lichtenstein-Kastelcorn obtained the castle and gave the chapel, originally Renaissance, a Baroque makeover. During the Thirty Years’ War even the Swedish army couldn't conquer Pernštejn, the strong and impregnable fortress. At the start of the 18th century the Stockhammer family took over the castle. They had the Knights’ Hall redone, adding stucco ornamentation to the walls and ceiling vault and had an exquisite fresco painted in the chapel. The last owners before the transfer to the state were the Mitrovský family. 

Pernštejn’s medieval appearance is breathtaking, and the visitor can take part in a remarkable journey through various historical periods. Narrow, spiraling staircases, vaulted ceilings, Renaissance chairs and the Baroque chapel. Pernštejn Castle, a place which is full of 100 percent history.

Chateau Duchcov - Castles, fortresses and chateaux in the Czech Republic 2.

Location: Duchcov, Ústi nad Labem Region

This chateau was originally built in Renaissance style at the end of the 15^th century. In 1642, the famous Valdštejn (Wallenstein) family acquired it and the building was reconstructed in Baroque style. At the turn of the 18^th and 19^th century classic adaptations were carried out. In 1921 the Valdštejn family sold the chateau to the state and the premises were turned into an office. The building were later reconstructed in 1961.


The famous Italian adventurer, Giacomo Casanova spent his last years in Duchcov (old german name: Dux) and worked in the library of the chateau, and wrote his memoirs. When Casanova died, he was buried at the city cemetery, but the exact place of his grave was forgotten over the years and remains unknown today. If you go to Duchcov, you can visit an exhibition about his life in the chateau, and you can also see a beautiful collection of historical furnitures and Baroque sculptures here.

Prague Castle - Castles, fortresses and chateaux in the Czech Republic 1.

Location: Prague

The Prague Castle, an ancient symbol of the Czech lands, is the most significant Czech monument and one of the most important cultural institutions in the Czech Republic.

The Prague Castle was founded in around 880 by Prince Bořivoj of the Premyslid Dynasty (Přemyslovci). It is the largest coherent castle complex in the world, with an area of almost 70,000 m². A UNESCO World Heritage site, it consists of a large-scale composition of palaces and ecclesiastical buildings of various architectural styles, from Roman-style buildings from the 10th century through Gothic modifications in the 14th century. 

The famous Slovenian architect Josip Plečnik was responsible for extensive renovations in the time of the First Republic (1918-1938). Since the Velvet Revolution, the Prague Castle has undergone significant and ongoing repairs and reconstructions.