Many castles that deserves the attention of tourists, are in the near surroundings of Prague.
If you are a connoisseur of historic architecture and medieval castles, the first thought would be a trip to England or Germany.
But many overlooked the Czech Republic, which also is something to see. This tiny country actually has the most dense concentration of castles in the world, with more than 2000 interesting instances in different areas of the Czech Republic. A good starting point to explore the castles of Prague. Some of the most interesting castles of the country are located in the beautiful countryside surrounding this beautiful capital.
Kost Castle
Unlike other castles near Prague, the coast is not located high on the hill. Instead, the castle was built in the middle of a dense forest for protection from potential enemies. The name of the castle means “bone”, and this is a direct reference to his stone walls that were as hard as bone. The Kost castle was built after 1370 and is considered the best preserved Gothic castle in the Czech Republic. Today you can tour the site and see a lot of interesting features, including the chamber of torture. The castle also organizes many cultural events, including medieval jousting tournaments.
Kokorin Castle
Located high on a steep hill overlooking the Valley, the kokořín castle, this castle was built around 1320 by order Heneka Burke of Oak. For many years this medieval fortress was the home of several noble families, but by the 16th century, fell into disrepair. Emperor Ferdinand III placed the castle Kokořín in the so-called “cursed” list after the Thirty years war. It includes those structures that are no longer planned to support. As a result, as Kokorin has deteriorated even more. Fortunately, in 1894, Vaclav Spacek decided to repair what remained of the once majestic building.
Today you can enjoy tours of the entire property, including the terrace, the battlements of the castle. For an additional fee you can also climb the castle tower and enjoy the views of beautiful nature.
Český Šternberk Castle
This impressive castle is situated on a high Bank overlooking the Sazava river and the village. Many rightly believe that this is one of the best preserved medieval castles in the Czech Republic. Over the years, the český šternberk castle several times changed the owner. To date, built in 1241 the castle is still in the ownership of former owners from the family of Sternbergia. If you decide to visit this place, be sure to look at the collection of rare and unusual copper engravings that depict the history of the Thirty years war.
Zvikov Castle
Founded in the first half of 13th-century Zvikov castle is located on a hill overlooking the confluence of the rivers Otava and Vltava river, spectacular views of the surrounding scenery. Once here were kept the crown jewels, but then the castle was in a quandary. By 1840, the year he almost lay in ruins. Fortunately, the building was saved by Schwarzenberg, which during the 1880s and returned the castle to its former glory. In addition to the usual rounds of the zvíkov castle also offers special Ghost tours for the brave travelers.
Castle Krivoklat
As you get closer to the magnificent castle Krivoklat you’ll immediately feel like you were in a fairy tale. This beautiful Gothic castle was used as the filming location of several movies. Castle Krivoklat is within the forest reserve Krivoklatsko. It was built in the late 13th century as a Royal hunting Lodge of Charles IV.
Today it is one of the oldest and most important castles of the Czech Republic, and the second most visited castle in the country. Among the interesting places to visit stands out the dungeon and torture chamber, and a library with more than 52,000 books. The Chateau holds an excellent collection of Gothic paintings and sculptures. Krivoklat open from April to October, except Mondays.
Karlstejn Castle
One look at the built in 1348, karlštejn is enough to understand why this is the most visited castle in the Czech Republic. Built by Czech King and Roman Emperor Charles IV on the hill overlooking the river Berounka, this huge Gothic castle is simply magnificent. Prague also served as the Royal Treasury, where they kept the crown jewels of the Holy Roman Empire and other treasures, including precious relics of the Czech.
Located 29 km South-West from Prague, a beautiful castle returned to its original medieval state. Among the must-see areas, including the Chapel of the Holy cross is decorated with treasures walls.
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